![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_1024,w_1024\/v1713281191\/24-0228064.png\")
Budd along with fellow finalists Grace McIntyre, Shpresa Bucaj, Irena Tonnu and Genesis Fajardo were chosen from a field of some 1,400 students across North America to compete in the annual competition, now in its 11th year. The finalists presented before a panel of esteemed judges \u2013 all design leaders from some of the nation\u2019s most prestigious firms. The competition not only offers up-and-coming student designers exposure \u2013 it provides insights into what the next generation of designers are considering for the future of design.<\/p>\n
Tasked to design an office for a fictional architecture and design firm located in Dallas, called \u201cNEXT,\u201d student designers were asked to create spaces they want to see in their own offices. All of the finalists incorporated features that help elevate personal wellbeing, foster belonging and support fluid hybrid collaboration + privacy.<\/p>\n
Nurture Wellbeing<\/h2>\n
Inspired by the heavenly words of the millworker poem, Budd\u2019s design features fresh food, lots of natural sunlight, and spaces such as a wellness chapel, mother\u2019s room and phone room. Budd\u2019s vision for NEXT is ensuring people take care of themselves, in order to be the best version of themselves.<\/p>\n
Leah Budd<\/strong> \u201cIt was important to use raw materials in this space to represent human imperfection. In an age where the new and immaculate are championed, the presence of blemishes such as a patina, a fray or a crack serve as visual poetry and remind us that there is an immense beauty in being ‘flawed.’ It is what makes us humans uniquely special,\u201d Budd says.<\/p>\n \u201cWellness is passive throughout the entire space, with elements of fresh food, mostly natural materials \u2013 the amount of light,\u201d says judge Carissa Mylin of SERA Architects. \u201cThe whole thing is very much about the feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen she talked about the poem and wanting it to feel like heaven, it made so much sense with the materiality that she incorporated throughout,\u201d says judge Anne Smith, from Perkins & Will.<\/p>\n Explore Budd\u2019s Design<\/strong><\/p>\n With open sight lines as soon as you step off the elevator to the reception area, visitors are immediately immersed in the NEXT workplace \u2013 conveying a welcoming and transparent environment.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t The wellness chapel offers visitors a variety of ways to unwind and nourish the soul-body connection. There are mats for stretching, yoga or prayer meditation. Three private rooms equipped with lounge chairs, red light therapy and headphones for sound bathing are also present<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t The cafe offers a variety of seating and postures to accommodate different group sizes and needs. On the far end of the cafe is a large planter box with room to grow fresh vegetables \u2013 a farm-to-table wellness aspect of the cafe.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t This workstation area features flexible work tables that invite different forms of collaboration. The lower table on the left is for viewing large or multiple documents, while the bar-height table on the right offers a different posture and can accommodate smaller teams. Enclaves for privacy or one-on-one chats are nearby.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t Nestled under the staircase is a huddle room where employees can meet with colleagues in a cozy, private setting or work independently in a more casual posture.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n This year\u2019s competition required student designers to infuse elements their generation would like to see in a new office space. For finalists Irena Tonnu and Genesis Fajardo, designing spaces that represented not only their generation \u2013 but all generations \u2013 was a defining element in creating more human-centered spaces.<\/p>\n Irena Tonnu<\/strong> Tonnu\u2019s collaboration spaces enabled cross-generational mentoring between colleagues, and focused on inclusive design that served a range of neurodivergent needs. Colors and signage for wayfinding, acoustic solutions, soft panels, and the inclusion of privacy booths for people to get away were all included in her designs.<\/p>\n \u201cThe future of work doesn\u2019t necessarily need to be cutting edge,\u201d Tonnu believes. \u201cSometimes, it\u2019s about looking back into humanity, to see what we need.\u201d<\/p>\n The judges praised Tonnu\u2019s thoughtfulness. \u201cI like how she really considers the people who are going to be using the space, that we\u2019re not all the same,\u201d adds judge Ashley White, from Steelcase. \u201cWe all have different physiological needs. That\u2019s very forward thinking for a student.\u201d<\/p>\n Explore Irena\u2019s Design<\/strong><\/p>\n The reception area provides a welcoming environment that reinforces the quality of work one can expect from the organization.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t The area near the monumental staircase provides a social zone for relaxation and comfort, complete with wayfinding elements and other signage to support neurodiverse needs. <\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t Workstations consider design principles that provide people with control over how and where they work to enhance overall wellbeing and productivity. This includes collaboration and private spaces, and a phone room for private conversations. <\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t The design library and innovation lab support self-actualization in the form of creativity, exploration, innovation and problem solving. The design considers the influence of colors that best inspire creativity \u2013 bold and vibrant shades.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t Colors, shapes and patterns come together in Tonnu\u2019s light and airy communal garden \u2013 a space meant to help people feel grounded and improve their wellbeing. Biophilic elements in the form of natural materials such as wood, stone and greenery balance technology.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n Genesis Fajardo, a native of Guatemala, understands the importance of belonging in sometimes new or unfamiliar surroundings. Fajardo’s design keyed on the evolution of experience – using and aged metal patina motif to symbolize the range of experience that come together in a space to collaborate – signaling\u00a0 that the space is diverse and supports all.<\/p>\n Genesis Fajardo<\/strong> <\/p>\n “I was genuinely committed to ensuring that individuals feel a strong sense of support and connection when collaborating face-to-face,” says Fajardo. “The foundation of a workspace is built upon teamwork. As individuals it is important to be able to connect and work with one another in a space that motivates and promotes mutual support.”<\/p>\n \u201cWe all really appreciated that Genesis\u2019 design was so thoughtful from the physiological aspect for the staff that would be working there,\u201d says judge Amanda Key, of SmithGroup. \u201cIt\u2019s multigenerational and inclusive and the space accomplishes that so well.\u201d<\/p>\n Explore Genesis\u2019 Design<\/strong><\/p>\n The aged metal patina motif signifying the diverse range of experiences encountered within the organization is prominent in the reception area.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t The interconnected steel structure on top of the elevator lobby connects both levels of the space.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t The monumental staircase is surrounded by collaborative and huddle spaces creating a central social zone that\u2019s light and airy.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t The training room encourages workers to come together and fosters an inspiring learning experience. Adjacency to open areas and the cafe relay a sense of belonging and unity.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t These workstations allow people to get work done while keeping them connected. Nearby enclosed offices provide additional privacy when needed.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n Designing an office for the future of work means designing for fluid and hybrid collaboration that equally supports both remote workers and people in the office. Students recognize that choice and control over the work area will be a significant need going forward.<\/p>\n Grace McIntyre<\/strong> Inspired by Dallas\u2019 agrarian history and its prominence as a farmer\u2019s market destination, Grace McIntyre designed a workplace built around the idea of a colorful, vibrant, free-address work area where collaboration and connection is paramount.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s hard if you’re stuck at one desk and your coworker is across the office,\u201d says McIntyre. \u201cI wanted to promote movement and connectivity, and connect people that may have not met before. Free-address desks and seating allow everyone to choose their experience.<\/p>\n The judges praised McIntyre\u2019s bold decision on collaboration. \u201cHaving the focus and collaboration spaces integrated throughout supports the 100% free-address planning,\u201d says Kim Sullivan of Gensler. \u201cIt allows people to work wherever they want to work; they don\u2019t need to be tethered to their desk.\u201d<\/p>\n Explore Grace\u2019s Design<\/strong><\/p>\n The reception area sets the \u2018farmer\u2019s market\u2019 tone with lower ceiling awning elements, and a range of seating options in an open area to convey a free-address space.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t The \u2018results neighborhood\u2019 represents a strong main corridor that conveys the idea of market path \u2013 complete with awning overhangs. The pin up spaces to the left resemble market stalls by dividing spaces, and provide team huddle areas adjacent to the cafe to optimize collaboration and offer maximum choice.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t This social space serves as the main hub for activity \u2013 providing division through furniture, but visually open to be more energetic. Tiered seating can be used for multiple purposes \u2013 a cafe spot, open work area or presentation space.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t
\nCalifornia State Long Beach<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_300,w_300\/v1713281473\/24-0228075.png\")
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Foster Belonging<\/h2>\n
\nUniversity of Manitoba<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_300,w_300\/v1713282092\/24-0228881.png\")
<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe moment she talked about humanizing the workplace, it clicked for me,\u201d lauds Adriana Rojas, a judge from HOK. \u201cHaving equity for everyone, it\u2019s key. You can get the elements right, but you have to be able to respond authentically, and she did that.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_fill,dpr_auto,q_70,h_656,w_1166\/v1713282749\/24-0229166.jpg\")
\nCalifornia State University \u2013 Long Beach<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_300,w_300\/v1713283101\/24-0228079-1.png\")
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Fluid + Hybrid Collaboration<\/h2>\n
\nMaryville University<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_300,w_300\/v1713283549\/24-0228080.jpg\")
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