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Architecture Design Workshop: Researching User Demand for Innovative Offices >> Content Detail



Calendar / Schedule



Calendar





LEC #TOPICSCLASS CONTENT
1Introductory SessionExplanation of the plan for the Workshop. Introductions by prospective Workshop members and explanations of relevant experience and interests. Brief review of the work of previous Workshops in the series. Presentation by FD of the background to workplace design innovation. An exercise measuring what we know about the performance of cars versus the performance of buildings. Janet Tan outlines Aero/Astro project; first readings distributed for feedback at lecture #3 session.
2Briefing ToolsNicola Gillen, an architect working in DEGW New York, describes some of the projects she has been working on for corporate clients in Europe and North America. She will explain the range of tools that DEGW currently uses to explore clients' emerging requirements, as well as outlining the potential for the further development. We will review the kinds of measures of success that are currently in use and speculate on the impact of changing client processes and priorities.
3A Framework for Evaluating Building PerformanceStudents present first batch of reading reports - on the general concept of performance measurement in buildings. FD presents an evaluative framework linking business performance with design in three dimensions: efficiency, i.e. doing the most for the least; effectiveness, i.e. using design to add value; and expression, i.e. using design to reinforce the brand, to express values and to communicate ideas. Second batch of readings distributed for review at lecture #4 session.
Possible Visitors: Marty Andersen, Fidelity; Mike Joroff, MIT; Dan Gundrum, Steelcase; Don Holtshouse, Xerox.
4The Business PerspectiveStudents present second batch of readings - on key developments in building performance measurement. Presentations by visitors on how businesses measure performance in other important aspects of their work beyond the working environment - product development, marketing, production. Introduction to the concept of knowledge management. Factors for change - particularly the growing importance of place in an increasingly virtual world. Third batch of readings presented for review on lecture #6.
Possible Visitors: Sherry Turkle, Tom Allen, both from the Sloan Business School, David McIntosh from Ernst and Young.
5Limited Session - FD abroadJanet Tan describes the Aero/Astro project in more detail. The purpose and scope of the field exercise is explained. Visit to site. Students explore possible contributions and determine timetable for assisting in the project - specifying methods and deliverables.
Possible Visitor: Andrew Laing, DEGW.
6Precedents and Philosophical IssuesPresentation of third batch of readings - on practical and philosophical issues related to measuring building performance. Brief history of attempts to measure the value of design at the workplace. Review of some well known design methodologies. Review of the intellectual issues that make the measurement of buildings performance so interesting - issues of context, method, scale, complexity, integration, purpose, ethics. Fourth batch of readings distributed for review at lecture #9 session.
Possible visitors: John Zeisel, Jaqueline Vischer from University of Montreal.
7Limited Session - FD abroadVisits to offices in Cambridge and Boston area. Janet Tan leads discussion on potential student contributions to Aero/Astro Project. Proposals requested from students for review on lecture #8.
Possible Visitors: Bill Porter, MIT; Aero/Astro staff, MIT.
8Limited Session - FD abroadPresentation of, feedback on and confirmation of students' work plans for supporting Janet's Aero/Astro project.
9Measuring EfficiencyStudents present the fourth batch of readings - about efficiency measures. The real estate perspective. FD presents his own views on measures of efficiency - e.g. building appraisal measures, Density of Occupation. Time Utilization Surveys (TUS), costs of churn, costs in use. Fifth batch of readings distributed for review on lecture #10.
Possible Visitors: Dan Whinney, Lyme Properties; Stephen Bell, Fidelity; Mike Bell, The Gartner Group.
10Measuring EffectivenessStudents present fifth batch of readings - on measures of effectiveness. The business perspective. FD presents his own views on measures of effectiveness -e.g. morale, absenteeism, staff satisfaction; Workplace Performance Surveys (WPS) linking satisfaction with importance; attraction and retention of staff; measures of work processes; speed of response/agility; interaction - quality and quantity. Sixth batch of readings distributed for review on lecture #11. Students will also be requested to prepare thoughts on possible new measures.
Possible Visitors: Karen Stephenson; Jacqueline Vischer, University of Montreal; Tom Davenport, Accenture; Chuck Kukla, MIT.
11Measuring ExpressionStudents present sixth batch of readings - on measures of expression. The perspective of branding. FD presents his own view on measures of expression - e.g. consistency, impact, pervasiveness, persistence - through physical space of what is valued. Messages intended for various interested constituencies - customers, workers, shareholders etc. Students will present their initial ideas on developing new measures.
Possible Visitors: Douglas Dayton, IDEO; Peter Lawrence, Corporate Design Foundation.
12Revisiting the Framework for Evaluating Building
Performance
Is the framework robust enough? Where are there gaps? In what ways are they best filled? The objective is to take the evaluative framework to a totally new level of practicality and thoroughness. Knowledge Management and its implications for design. Advanced contemporary practice in user involvement in the design process. How the design process itself is a powerful medium of communication.
Possible Visitors: Bill Porter, MIT; Bill Mitchell, MIT.
13Final Presentation

Each student presents

  • their contribution to Janet's Aero/Astro evaluation,
  • their proposal for a fresh method of measuring some aspect of the relationship between
    business purpose and the working environment,
  • a suggestion about how the measure should be used and by whom in what context, and
  • a demonstration of the difference it could make.

Possible Visitors: all previous visitors will be invited.

 


 



 








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