Barbara Horwitz-Bennett Contributing Editor
Articles
Office Max
In the commercial office arena, designers are scoring with a one-two space combination that promotes employee collaboration yet accommodates greater flexibility into the space itself. "There has been a reduction in private assignable office space toward an increase in collaborative spaces," says Bob Colletta, AIA, a senior vice president in the Phoenix office of SmithGroup. "This can take the form of flexible team/project rooms, casual meeting areas in the open office and even 'chance' meeting spaces throughout." "It's a key tool for increased performance and reinforcing corporate culture," concurs Francisco Laurier, vice president, corporate design, EwingCole, Philadelphia. In other words, by setting up informal meeting areas, employees are encouraged to engage in spontaneous work sessions, as opposed to boring and unproductive meetings in traditional conference rooms. "One client we work with even has its furniture on casters so teams can be configured and reconfigured quickly for maximum interplay and communication to support project requirements," says Roger Wozny, P.E., president, The Schemmer Assocs., Omaha, Neb. The evolution to more flexible furniture systems is mandating change on the M/E/P side.
Engineering Abroad
Although an M/E firm may be doing well here in the U.S., success in the domestic market doesn’t necessarily translate overseas, say some engineers. At the same time, by understanding a number of key principles, designers can learn how to effectively bring their consulting services overseas. “You’ve got to know your territory. You cannot export management, rules and regulations, and impose that on a country,” cautions Michal Gilzenrat, vice president, international operations, Lockwood Greene, Atlanta. Similarly, Randolph W.