The large core staff area behind the KWIB has enough room for up to eight knowledge workers, but does not diminish the open, sunlit feeling of the total environment.
In January 1999, the Atlanta core staff hosted a one-day design event which included core staff, itinerant knowledge workers, facilitators, and outside contractors, and a representative from Athenaeum International. One team at that event designed a first-cut for an upgraded environment with a new core area, knowledge deck, fish tank, facilitatorsí room, and two new team breakout areas. They also needed an enclosed Core Staff area for eight workers, a functional KWIB for two, and the capability of hosting simultaneous events for 60 and 40 participants respectively. The budget for building the space was limited. In addition, the design details had to allow the light from the windows across from the entrance to flow into the space.
Athenaeum International worked with the first iteration of the design to develop a plan that fit the dimensions of the space and the budget. Subsequently,the core staff iterated the design. Because of budget considerations, they decided it would be done in stages beginning with the KWIB and Core Staff Area.
A view of the KWIB (Knowledge Worker Information Broker) Area as you enter the Ernst & Young Atlanta ASE. The KWIB has work area for two people and ample storage, with power and communication wiring contained in the two power towers near the back. Behind the KWIB are the glass doors that lead to the staff area and provide sound buffers so the staff's daily work does not interfere with event participants.
Some of their existing cubes were used to simulate the new area so they could become comfortable with the arrangement before it was built. The staff and clients tested the design for practicality, and checked it against their budget and space and flow needs. Whenever they approved alterations to make the space more comfortable, these were given to Athenaeum International to revise the design.
Athenaeum International took over the task of designing details that incorporated the need for elegance, storage space, the flow of light into the space, and the budget. As a result several new details and designs for the Cube Office system were made. These designs included using more Plexiglas than in any other environment. This use of plexiglass was combined with an elegant combination of maple and cherry wood trim.
In addition, Athenaeum International designed a unique, custom KWIB
which accommodates two knowledge workers and provides an elegant first
impression. Along with a habitat used as a living metaphor in the center,
this area provides a focal point for the character of the center.
Much of the design detail was new, so Athenaeum Internationalís shop in Glasgow, Kentucky had the responsibility of making the final details work in a practical, durable, flexible fashion. The builders then installed the system over a two-day period. Should the ASE move to a different location or require a different configuration of its Core Staff Area the system can be dismantled and reconstructed by skilled workmen in a matter of days, requiring no changes in the building. The Core Staff itself completed the work area installing their Wing and SeaDogTM work stations to fit their own particular needs.
The ASE Core Staff now uses the environment and its cubes are filled with books, toys, plants, puzzles and files. Clients also enter a warm, elegant center that signals something is new here. A small living room area, complemented by shelf cubes helps to create the southern hospitality feeling the core staff wanted to portray to their guests. But nearby WorkWallTM units remind them that this is also a place for real work.