Well-being
“Comfort is not a quantifiable phenomenon, but we know that when people are uncomfortable, they are distracted,” Bossert notes.
“Space layout, temperature, lighting, furnishings, ergonomics, colours and materials all play a role in making a person feel comfortable.”
The NGCI/CERC office includes ergonomically designed furniture and work areas to enhance user focus.
Biophilia
Bossert notes that sunlight and window access also enhance productivity and mental function through direct visual contact with nature. The 14th-floor offices were designed to provide as much daylight as possible.
“Research shows that a simulated natural environment facilitates stress reduction, increases productivity and enhances well-being,” she says.
Applied finishes, grass-like carpets and applied colours throughout the open space and conference room are also meant to conjure a connection with nature.
Innovation
Bossert says the NGCI/CERC space’s innovative human-centric lighting is designed to promote creative thinking and concentration, with a focus on natural light and the circadian rhythm. She says this approach addresses how lighting affects the well-being, performance and comfort of occupants in the built environment.
According to Roy, it’s the first time that a lighting system that uses tunable white LEDs to render daylight colours and support employees’ circadian rhythm in zones with low and no daylight access has been installed in North America.
“It’s a great example of how we work to customize physical spaces to incorporate research activities,” she says.
The space also includes a Visualization Wall designed to stimulate urban research, and an IoT (internet of things) Lab in the Research Kitchen to analyze how to optimize each component’s energy use based on algorithms for the various users.
Work culture
“Guided by the principles of environmental psychology in design, we believe that how spaces are designed affects the way users think and act,” Bossert says.
“Pleasantly designed spaces foster productivity, increase task engagement and provide a strong sense of belonging.”
She adds that the design of the space supports the institute’s values.
“Our goal is to attract future catalysts for change — open-minded, culturally aware young people that are conscious of social and environmental sustainability issues and are willing to step out of their comfort zones and explore opportunities for innovation in interdisciplinary projects,” Bossert says.
Ursula Eicker, NGCI’s co-director and the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities, agrees that the new open space invites collaboration.
“It is great to walk in from the elevators and already see people working on urban transformation in the conference space,” she says.
“We hope that the 14th floor will become a vibrant hub of activities around all aspects of urban studies and next-generation cities.”
Learn more about Concordia’s Next-Generation Cities Institute.