Designed as a global network, WorkOut serves as an outdoor, pop-up workspace tailored for remote/hybrid workers and students. Armed with advanced filtration and air-purifying mechanisms, this space is not limited to work but also promotes leisurely pursuits such as reading and writing. Central to its ethos is combatting the debilitating effects of isolation. It seamlessly integrates human-nature interfaces, encourages spontaneous human interactions, and fosters global co-working and networking. A key attraction is the ability for individuals to step outdoors, engage socially, and even incorporate exercise, all while meeting their work objectives. The biophilic essence of WorkOut, combined with its fitness options, significantly diminishes stress, elevates positive emotions, and revitalizes the nervous system.
More than just a workspace, WorkOut revolutionizes the very perception of work, framing it as a leisurely activity. It nudges individuals towards rediscovering life's passions. Public spaces evolve into collective arenas of inspiration, where nature serves as the muse for transformative ideas.
The COVID-19 pandemic merely accelerated an already growing trend: remote work. The comforts of working from home, experienced during the pandemic, have ignited a desire for improved working conditions. Given the escalating emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance, especially with rising populations, remote work's prevalence is indisputable. Challenges, including feelings of isolation, collaboration hurdles, and communication barriers, remain. However, evolving tech tools are addressing the latter issues, while platforms like WorkOut mitigate feelings of isolation and loneliness.
A discernible shift towards workplace well-being has emerged, driven by resource constraints and fierce competition. Modern workplaces are becoming expansive sanctuaries, balancing work, relaxation, and play. Yet, a glaring oversight persists. These expansive workspaces don't account for the increasing contractual remote workforce. Unused office spaces post-pandemic present opportunities for affordable housing conversions. For remote workers, outdoor locations like parks, outdoor areas at campuses, and rooftops fitting for WorkOut, can serve as alternative work zones.
WorkOut's modular design stands out for its adaptability. Features can be integrated as per requirements, from cafes to restrooms, making it apt for varied venues like parks, rooftops, campuses, or recreation zones. Modules can be leased flexibly, whether for short meetings or day-long group work.
In sum, WorkOut is not just a workspace; it's a visionary step towards a holistic, sustainable, and wellness-focused future.
What was the brief?
WorkOut is a design proposal, shortlisted inthe WAF Isolation Transformed 2020, and a finalist at ArchitizerA+Awards2023, Unbuilt Commercial Category among five other finalists worldwide in 2023.
WorkOut is a global outdoor workspace network designed for remote workers and students. It combats isolation by encouraging social interaction and global networking. Facilitating work and leisure, its biophilic design promotes mental wellness. Set in locations like parks and rooftops, WorkOut repurposes spaces as creative hubs, fostering passion and inspiration from nature. With a modular design, units can be tailored with amenities and rented for various durations, even for group activities.
What were the key challenges?
Initially, sourcing locally-available and eco-friendly materials for each location may require extra time. However, as the scale increases, this approach can swiftly become beneficial, especially since the design can be easily tailored for each site. Its versatile application can enhance demand.
What materials did you choose and why?
Sustainability and wellness lie at the heart of WorkOut, design features the followings:
- Constructed using eco-friendly and locally sourced materials, notably FSC-certified wood or equal outside of U.S.
- It champions biodiversity via green walls irrigated by collected rainwater.
- Energy independence is achieved using thin-film photovoltaic cells on shades and glass, generating electricity.
- Innovative features include a waterless toilet, a coffee shop module with biodigesters transforming waste into energy and fertilizer, and variable opacity glazing reducing transmissivity by a staggering 90%.
- Modules can be modified considering location-specific space and daylight access restrictions.
- Sensor-driven lighting adjusts to daylight and user presence, external automated shading controls glare, and architectural robotics optimize space utilization.
- Emphasizing health, the setup includes enhanced filtration, natural ventilation, automated cleaning, and disinfection systems.
Team:
Architect: onE.GLobe (EK Architecture PLLC)
Material Used:
1. Facade cladding: Onyx Solar, Insulated glass with thin-film photovoltaic cells, Ubiquitous Energy - transparent solar windows (new option)
2. Flooring: Clean white oak, Pioneer Millworks
3. Doors: Custom, Wood Sliding Door
4. Roofing: Custom wood shade with solar coating, Mitrex BIPV Systems By Cladify as a new alternative for custom shades
5. Interior lighting: Custom LED Strip Lights embedded in furniture and wood structure
6. Interior furniture: Custom wood furniture with metal rails, to match with clean white oak finish
