Month: August 2013

As the economy continues to improve, businesses are beginning to expand offices and redesign older corporate locations to meet new modern standards. Trends in office design and configuration are having an impact on commercial investments and changing how the world looks at the traditional corporate office. 

At ASST, we understand the changing needs of an office environment. A corporate location must meet the needs of many different people who have very different job descriptions and responsibilities, which means it must be designed as a versatile space. Our SCULPTCOR® solution is a patented thermoformed architectural wall panel system that is fabricated from a non-porous, durable and easy-to-clean surface. As a result, it is the ideal solution for an office environment because of its aesthetic qualities and functionality. 

Here are three office design trends impacting corporate locations and how SCULPTCOR® is applicable:

1) Shared private enclaves. Gone are the days of large private offices in every office environment. Instead, many more companies are organizing the creation of private enclaves or sections of the office for teams so that everyone can work together in a collaborative environment. One team is sectioned off in one area of the office, while others are likewise using private areas for their work. The SCULPTCOR® wall panel system can be used to section off these various alcoves for a comfortable and sophisticated look. 

2) Technology friendly. Mobile technologies and data wiring is crucial in any office environment. As we have seen over the past two decades, advances in technology occur every day and offices need to remain friendly to changing needs as the expansion of mobile devices in the workplace continues to thrive. In addition, all meeting areas should be outfitted with the appropriate support technologies to handle streaming video, conference calls, projections and wireless. 

3) Conversation areas. With the decrease in private office space being a key trend in design, there has been a rise in need for meeting rooms. Create organic conversation areas that are both comfortable and private so that business can be conducted without the hassle of struggling for a meeting room. SCULPTCOR® can help line the walls of these meeting rooms and provide a modern look to conference areas that will be used for a wide range of purposes. 

Office spaces are getting facelifts across the nation as building operators and businesses look to incorporate new materials for greater efficiency, durability and style. Retail Design Blog reported that many of the older factories and brick buildings present in mill communities or in older sections of cities are being renovated for office space. The large square footage of these structures provide architectural features of previous decades that make them unique and sought after. 

Diverse use of textured materials in office designs
Many designers are working to incorporate portions of the original building's features in office spaces. For example, concrete columns, steel-roof beams and brick accent walls are all style components of these modern spaces. The use of a wide variety of materials allows for greater texture to enter the design. The mixture of concrete, steel and wood creates warmth in the design and provides it with both modern efficiency and historic flare. 

The CREATIVE OFFICE! REPUBLIC is an office that was constructed last year to include wood and solid white walls with fun accent colors on the floors and walls of bright red and blue. The source reported that the structure was outfitted with a partition system so that workers could have a stable environment in which to conduct business. 

Invest in proven surface performance
Regardless of the design aesthetic an office is trying to achieve, there is a durable, stylish solution available to businesses. SCULPTCOR™ by ASST is a durable wall panel system with proven performance characteristics. The versatility of the material provides someone with the ability to achieve a unique design, which means various textures and hues are available to pick from. SCULPTCOR™ is a patented thermoformed architectural wall panel system. It is fabricated from a non-porous, durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean solid surface. This provides an office with a wall unit that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly durable. 

The wall panel sizes are 24"x64" nominally and are currently available in three standard patterns: Twist, wave and smooth. Panel reveals can be specified as either straight or curved in five standard colors: Pure white, cream, warm white, frozen white and white lotus. The color selection available, combined with the various patterned options, really makes designing a multi-textured office space easy to attain. 

Please contact ASST at 717.630.1251 x305 for architectural support or x307 for specific project-estimating assistance.

As we learn more about the impact of interior design on health, architects, contractors and designers have been altering their projects. Contract Design Magazine reported that Americans on average spend 90 percent of their time indoors. As a result, it is crucial that these spaces are designed with our health in mind. There's a growing focus on promoting good health with proper design, which can include ensuring natural light is present in a space and the compositional use of healthy building products.

Incorporating natural light in office spaces
Various organizations, like the Illuminating Engineers Society of North America, have set a minimum level of footcandles appropriate for a work surface in an open office environment at 30 fc, with a maximum recommended level at 50 fc, according to the source. This standard is often considered the bare minimum by those who support healthy lighting practices. 

Light impacts human health and performance in four main mechanisms, according to Health Design Magazine, including:

• Boosting performance on visual tasks
• Controlling the body's circadian system
• Impacting mood and perception
• Facilitating the appropriate absorption of critical chemical reactions with the body

Improper lighting in an office space can create a number of health issues for a worker. Eye strain, fatigue and headaches are all common, as well as sleep disorders and dementia, reported Control Design. Studies have been and are currently being conducted on how to build better office spaces in terms of allowing the most natural light in a business without negatively impacting productivity. 

Incorporating healthy materials in office spaces
The inclusion of healthy materials in the office is another crucial component to designing positive structures. By including SCULPTCOR® by ASST, an office space will feature healthy building materials that are also aesthetically pleasing. The patented thermoformed architectural wall panel system is fabricated from a non-porous, durable, stain-resistant and easy-to-clean surface. The material is both durable and sustainable because it will not negatively impact the health of workers who spend a considerable amount of time in a space. SCULPTCOR can be used in a variety of project applications for an office space, such as wall panels, column covers, retail facades, elevator cladding, casework, ceiling panels and furniture. Complete Autodesk 3D REVIT file and 2D standard details and specifications are available for download to those who wish to see how the solution can be incorporated into a space.

Please contact ASST at 717.630.1251 x305 for architectural support or x307 for specific project estimating assistance.

The growth in interest in green construction is changing the way commercial property owners are looking at design. No longer is an office space intended just for meetings and conference calls, now it is also acting as a corporate sustainability statement. Companies are being asked by stakeholders and the greater public about how green their offices are. As a result, green construction is on the rise across the nation as interior designers, architects and contractors look to install features into office buildings that are durable and economical. 

How much is the green construction market worth?
According to the McGraw-Hill Construction's 2013 Dodge Construction Green Outlook report, the value of green building has seen considerable growth. In 2005, approximately $10 billion was spent on green construction, by 2011 this had risen to $78 billion. In 2012 the green share of the construction market increased more to $85 billion and by 2013 it is expected to be worth between $98 and $106 billion. By 2016, this number is predicted to rise even more to between $204 to $248 billion. 

"We're seeing tremendous growth in green building, providing a bright light in an otherwise uncertain economy," said Harvey M. Bernstein, vice president, Industry Insights and Alliances for McGraw-Hill Construction, according to the press release. "Not only does this mean a strong outlook for green building, but also the benefits that go along with that: more jobs, greater financial benefits from green and high performance buildings, stronger competitive positioning for those firms that build green, and healthier work and learning environments for our population." 

Invest in smart, durable materials with ASST
Bathrooms are very obviously some of the more disease and bacteria-prone areas in an office. The number of people using the space, plus the presence of water can result in the growth of mildew and mold and the spread of viruses. ASST's Modular Vanity™ System can help reduce this and promote greater sustainability in an office environment. The durable solution utilizes a sturdy aluminum and polyethylene support structure and a solid surface material for the backsplash, side panels and integral sink bowl. The construction of this innovative solution is solid, which leads to increased durability and thereby increases sustainability. To learn more, contact architectural support at ASST: 717.630-1251 x305 or go online and visit www.asst.com.

The corporate lobby is the front of a business and is an important element to the reputation of any organization. According to Buildings.com, an online contractor magazine, if your lobby is outdated or looks tired, it could impact your business. Clients who show up for meetings or potential employees are going to judge the quality of your operations and the corporate culture by the look and feel of a lobby. As a result, it is important to ensure that this space is impressive, practical and sends the right message.

"Your lobby is your front door – it's the first and last impression for your employees, tenants, and their customers," explains Charles McClafferty, chief operating officer with Sage Realty Corporation in New York City, according to the news source.

The Economic Times reported that a lobby should incorporate the right blend of materials, practical and personality. The space should catch the eye of a visitor, but it shouldn't be so filled with personality that the lobby is shocking or insults potential clients or partners.

For most businesses, the lobby should be reflective of the goals of the brand. "Which style you emulate depends on your business goals," said Mark Stumer, principal of Mojo Stumer Associates, according to the news source. "What kind of tenants are you trying to attract? Or are you hoping to appeal to existing ones? If you're looking for corporate clients, you want a traditional lobby look. If you hope to attract a young company, like a Google or an Apple, then you may go with a more creative feel."

Both types of office lobby spaces might benefit from a wall panel system that is both professional, yet visually stimulating. SCULPTCOR® by ASST is a thermoformed architectural wall panel system that can offer the right blend of durability and beauty. The wall panels are available in three standard patterns. This durable and easy to clean solid surface system is a highly practical solution and has been used in DuPont's corporate offices in Wilmington, Delaware. As an ideal solution for both new and renovation properties, the wall panel system is easily incorporated into almost any space and it can quickly transform a simple, outdated area into a one-of-a-kind space.

"You want to keep your lobby upgrades in line with your building's existing architecture, particularly with respect to a historical property," adds Scott Spector, principal for the design firm Spector Group, according to Buildings. "There are easy ways to blend in new and modern trends without being at odds with the original design."

Branding experts recommend that business leaders keep in mind the classic design elements. Using overly trendy features throughout the space will date the design in just a few years. However, a mix of modern and classic will allow the space to remain fresh.