The Thrill of Victory - Structure Tone Inc.

6Corporate Photographics: Bob Zucker, PhotographerThe Skin You’re Inby Valerie Hamilton“Pavarini Northeast worked well with the architect and end-userto deliver a creative space that was not a typical building standard.They prepared budgets prior to the production of constructiondocuments so that the architects could prepare drawings thatmet the client’s budget, and the actual construction came within theprojected cost. Pavarini’s attention to detail is what made the spacesuccessful, and their project manager, Robert Nelson, LEED AP,and superintendent, Rich Foley, were a pleasure to work with.”—Anne Bavier, principal, Bavier Design LLC Natural light floods the reception area of Beiersdorf ’s polishednew headquartersIndividual office spaces and the closed-door office are slowly dissolving,making way for more dynamic layouts. More and morebusinesses are recognizing the need to create space for teamworkand creative collaboration rather than places where individualscan shut off from one and other.Just as how we look and feel play an important role in our day-todayattitude and overall quality of life, so too do the environmentsin which we live and work (see inset). Color brightens our perspective;lighting, layout and finishes impact productivity, creativity, andconcentration; and well-thought-out workplaces increase comfortand reduce stress. It seems that the days of walking into work, grabbinga cup of coffee, strolling to your office and closing the door behindyou are well on their way to being a thing of the past.Just ask Beiersdorf, a recent convert to the revolution. Beiersdorfis a German-owned international skin and beauty products companywith an enviable product line that includes enduring classicssuch as NIVEA and Eucerin, as well as la prairie, Labello, JUVENA,Florena and 8x4.Survey Says...According to an independent 2006U.S. Workplace Survey conducted onbehalf of a global design, planning andstrategic consulting firm, design doesmatter. Sixty-five percent of workerssaid that the design and layout of theirworkplace is “extremely” or “very”important to them. And, more than90% surveyed said the quality of theirwork environment affects their attitudeabout work. Corporate Photographics: Bob Zucker, PhotographerBeiersdorf recognized theneed for change in itsWilton, CT office andset about to create anenvironment that promotes,and envelopes employeesin, the company’sbrands. Pavarini Northeastbrought the vision ofBeiersdorf and its architect,Bavier Design Associates,to life.Upon entering the new lobby/reception area, one enjoys a peacefulglow from natural light flowing through the atrium. The open,bright atmosphere is accentuated by a plan that features curvilinearcirculation and forms (open plenum ceiling and custom inlay carpetpatterns) reminiscent of the curves of a body, reflecting the brandsof the skin care company.Additionally, throughout the space the bright blue hues of the NIVEAbrand, as well as red, yellow and white of other brands, accent wallsand furnishings. Comfortable, soft furniture is strategically placed inopen spaces and lounges infused with natural light to facilitate impromptumeetings and brainstorming sessions.One of the most innovative spaces created for Beiersdorf is the“Ideation Room.” This is an oval shaped room with canted walls, alarge IT-linked plasma screen and mobile chairs with tablet arms. Atensile structure on the ceiling resembles stretched skin, again reinforcingthe company’s product lines. Air diffusers bring in fresh airand a soft glow is created with a chandelier and wall sconce lighting.Beiersdorf is among the firstwave of the office space revolution—onethat fosterscomfort and ease to maximizethe power of collaborationand imagination ratherthan individuals working in(literal and metaphoric) silos.It seems that while we mayhave come to terms severaldecades ago with individual'sneeds to be comfortable intheir own skin, we are nowrealizing that the office 'skin'matters too when it comesto workplace satisfaction andproductivity. The Ideation Room fosters teamcreativityV O L U M E I V | Q III | 2 0 0 8Corporate Photographics: Bob Zucker