Role: Design Consultant

Client: Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Year: 2013

Pilot workplace strategy project to shift a siloed culture towards collaboration

PROBLEM

At the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center in Cambridge MA the Federal Department of Transportation develops new policies and procedures to embrace emergent transportation technologies, yet its outdated headquarters limited collaboration by siloing people in different departments strewn across various floors and buildings. As a first step to adapt their work conditions and culture to incorporate more creative practices, the Center hired me to lead a co-design process and pilot the implementation of a collaborative space in their cafeteria, and draft a white paper to discuss the value that collaborative spaces could offer to employees at the Center.

SOLUTION

Based on results of charrettes with Volpe employees, the Collaborative Hub became inspired by a Shokin-tei tea pavilion as a nexus for collaboration. Its proximity to food and beverage payed homage to this relaxed environment that visually brings the outdoors inside. A variety of seating options invited the staff to use the space as a retreat for individual and group work away from one's desk in a location where they could remain immersed in America's long history of innovation in transportation technology.

OUTCOME

• Completed 2 phases of design and construction

• Engaged 50 staff members in a participatory design process

• Conducted qualitative and quantitative assessments of spatial arrangements