In previous blogs, I have discussed the transformation of the modern workplace caused by technology and generational diversity and their potential impact on office design. As important and dramatic as these two factors are, perhaps the single most important emerging factor impacting organizations today is sustainability.

Sustainability is a very broad term. Today’s current economic downturn has us all thinking about our own “economic” sustainability. The “State of the World 2008” recently published by Worldwatch Institute states: “The assumed independence of economic activity from nature, always illusory, is simply no longer credible. These changing circumstances demand the upending of some fundamental economic notions.” Translation; we can no longer view economic growth without considering the environmental impact of that growth.

In the same report it was noted: “a second outdated tenet is that growth ought to be the primary goal of an economy. This remains the central operating assumption in finance ministries, stock markets, and shopping malls worldwide despite the clear threat to natural capital, because rapidly growing populations and the creation of consumer-driven economies have made growth seem indispensable. But growth (making an economy bigger) is not always consistent with development (making it better).”

Can it be that simple? Sustainable design, sustainable environments, sustainable businesses, sustainable communities, sustainable economies; is it really just making things better and not necessarily bigger? Sustainability as it relates to the building industry can make the built environments we design and plan better places to live and work. Sustainable environments minimize their impact on the environment and they enhance the well-being of all who inhabit them. With that said, we all know it is just not that simple.

Issues of sustainability have yielded a new application recently, especially here in Indiana. It is very encouraging to note that there are currently 20 or more bills being introduced in our 2009 State legislative session dealing with environmental or sustainable building issues.

We also have a newly established Office of Sustainability within our local city government here in Indianapolis called “SustainIndy”. SustainIndy is aimed at delivering long term cost savings to tax payers and improving our local environment. SustainIndy is also focused on improving the quality of life for citizens while building our local economy. Its efforts are designed to aggressively move Indianapolis forward to make it one of the most sustainable cities in the Midwest.

SustainIndy is driven by the City’s Office of Sustainability and takes a public-private partnership approach to making Indianapolis a great place to live for generations to come. You may want to check out their new website at
http.//www.sustainindy.org

We have explored just a few of the factors that are changing the way people work. There are more that are worthy of attention and likely still others to be discovered. Change of any sort can create internal and external conflicts for an organization. As we strive to resolve these conflicts for ourselves and our clients, we are committed to finding creative solutions that align our businesses with changing demands of the workplace, our community and our environment. It is clear there is a need for new kinds of organizations that are willing to adopt new methods of work, creatively manage economic pressure, and minimize their impact on the environment.

Shall we lead the way in their creation? Please let us hear your ideas. From your view, what are the biggest challenges in your organization? What kind of changes would help you make things better for your organization? What do you think is needed to meet the challenge and make the necessary changes?

My best;

jill mendoza

In my most recent blog, I discussed the transformation of the workplace born of new technology, especially in communications. Another significant factor, though perhaps less obvious than technology, is diversity, especially generational diversity. For the first time in history we have three, sometimes four, generations of workers in the workforce, each with its own unique values. For years, the post-World War II generation known as “Baby Boomers” – those born between 1946 and 1964 – has been on center stage. It’s no surprise that marketers, especially in the furniture industry, have focused on these Boomers, given that they control three-quarters of the wealth in the U.S. with annual buying power of $1.6 trillion. Gradually, though, the makeup of the workforce has been dramatically altered. Generation X, the 60’s & 70’s generation, and Generation Y, sometimes called “Millennial Generation”, have joined the Boomers in today’s workforce. One way to illustrate the diversity among these groups is to look at the way they view work itself. Baby Boomers “live to work” and tend to define themselves by their jobs. The Millennial Generation “work to live” and place a high value on lifestyle.

The generational differences regarding work attitudes, ethics, career choices and work patterns represented in the modern workplace is dramatized by a 56 year-old mother whose 24 year-old daughter came home days after college graduation with a great job offer. The mother’s pleasure and pride turned to shock when she learned that her daughter had turned down the offer. Her daughter explained that the company offering the job expected her to report to their office everyday and she just could not see herself going into the same office every day!

It is our role as designers to guide those we serve by proactively planning for the functional needs these varying work styles manifest. Different styles and work modes must be integrated physically and networked technically to create a sense of organizational community around movement, knowledge, people and information. Emerging work styles and modes require attention on three dimensions: physical (the conventional office), virtual (Internet-based, computers, e-mail, smart phones), and collaborative (team, learning and social spaces). We are coming to realize that organizations may not need or want to support all work modes. What sort of “new office” best serves this diverse group of workers? How can the office be designed to maximize the synergy diversity can offer while minimizing the potential for dysfunction and conflict? What is the “true value” of the office?

Please join the discussion. I welcome any comments and/or thoughts you may have…….

Jill Mendoza

As we enter another new year, there are many changes impacting the business landscape. Change creates both challenges and opportunities. As interior designers, we must respond to our clients’ current organizational needs. But we also should take note of some amazing transformations that are changing the very essence of how our clients’ businesses are organized.

This, and my next few blog entries, will explore the transformations we see occurring in the workplace and raise related questions we should be asking of ourselves and our clients. To begin this exploration, I’ll start with perhaps the most tangible factor and one we have continued to experience for some time: the use of new and rapidly changing technology in the workplace.

Today’s technology enables people to work anywhere, particularly if they’re in the information business. When you walk into many business offices, you’ll see a lot of empty desks; the people are somewhere else. This phenomenon is due to a variety of changes in the environment in which businesses operate, particularly in the use of communications technology. We have witnessed the workers in yesteryear’s “workplace” morph into “Networked Persons”, a species that can now be observed almost anywhere: in airports, student lounges, and restaurants. The “Networked Person” is always on the move, juggling a laptop computer, a mobile smart phone for e-mails and keeping in electronic touch with each other on a 24/7 basis. Anyone who has a “Networked Teenager” at home knows this phenomenon is not limited to the workplace!

Some of these workers no longer have a physical office in a building provided by their employer. Others have one they don’t use or need. This begs the question, since office space is increasingly expensive, doesn’t it seem crazy to allocate a private space to every individual? Yet, for designers, the answer to this question is no mere financial calculation. We must also attend to issues like maintaining a sense of community in the organization and a sense of belonging in the worker. How shall we accomplish that?

Your ideas and comments are welcome and appreciated!

Submitted by: Jill Mendoza

Every year i.d.o. Associates look forward to two key industry events. One event is called “NeoCon® and the other “Greenbuild”. Neocon is the World’s Trade Fair for the Interior Design where one can discover thousands of innovative products and resources for corporate hospitality, healthcare, retail, government, institutional and residential interiors from more than 1,200 showrooms and exhibitors. Greenbuild on the other hand is the U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. Buildings play a critical role in protecting and improving our environment and the health of the people who occupy them. USGBC’s Greenbuild Conference and Expo provides professionals an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other green building peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share innovations in the green building movement.

It is with the launch of our updated website that i.d.o. is pleased to announce our latest “Top Picks,” from 2008. “Top Picks” showcases industry-related products which we think display true simplicity, innovation, economic savvy and smart out-of-the-box and innovative “Eco” thinking, giving you a closer look into our industry’s latest trends…Explore and Enjoy!

Z-Bar High Power LED Desk Lamp by KONCEPT
Smart design brings together form and function in starlings ways The new High Power LED lamps combine high performance LEDs with fully articulating bodies in stunning slim profiles. Graceful form and energy efficient LEDs impact your senses instead of the environment. Effortless poses available dimming, and your choice of warm and cool white light give you control over every aspect of your light! This next generation of High Power LEDs. – no mercury making it very environmentally friendly, energy efficient only 8.8 watts consumption and a very long lifespan of at least 40,000 operating hours all with a built in dimmer!
See more at http://www.konceptech.com

Sideways by HAG
Our new dynamic meeting culture demands more from the chairs that we sit in. Communication takes place back and forth in all directions so your focus is constantly changing. The Sideways chair was developed specifically for open and active communication. This chair stimulates movement and varied sitting positions. There is a simple philosophy behind the design of each chair: “the movement the chair promotes while you sit, makes the blood flow more freely through your body, leaving you more energized. Your freedom of movement can be increased to 180 degrees in an instant- which promotes communication and concentration.” 360degrees of communication, 180 degrees of freedom of movement and 180 degree seat. The seat is shaped so you can sit on it in several directions. Another great aspect of this chair is that a total of 98 percent of the chair can be recycled at the end of its life!
Learn more at http://www.izzydesign.com

Idea Paint by MDC Wallcoverings
Idea Paint transforms any smooth surface into a high performance dry-erase writing system. This patented paint is so special you can create a seamless dry erase surface anywhere. If the surface is smooth it simply requires one coat. Prep., Prime and roll on to install. This product is good for the environment is it formaldehyde-free.
Paint the town at http://www.mdcwall.com

“Architectural Wind ™” by AV AeroVironment, Inc.

AV’s small, modular wind turbine solution is designed to provide an attractive, kinetic, clean energy generating solution that integrates easily into new and existing commercial buildings. Whereas solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems are typically located on top of roofs, out of sight, Architectural Wind™ provides a visible, compelling and architecturally enhancing statement of the building’s commitment to renewable energy.

Unlike other small wind turbine designs, Architectural Wind™ combines the functional with the aesthetic to create the first modular and architecturally enhancing small wind turbine system. AV’s patented design and innovative positioning method takes advantage of the natural acceleration in wind speed resulting from the building’s aerodynamic properties. This accelerated wind speed can increase the turbines’ electrical power generation by more than 50% compared to the power generation that would result from systems situated outside of the acceleration zone. The sleek and modular units also operate with less noise and vibration compared to conventional wind turbine designs. http://www.avinc.com/wind

“American Clay Natural Earth Plasters”

American Clay Natural Earth Plasters bring the appealing finishes of Nature to your Home, Office, School, Business, anywhere you want to add healthful beauty to your interior walls and ceilings. Manufactured in and using materials from the United States, American Clay uses natural clays, recycled and reclaimed aggregates, and vibrant natural pigments in each of our three beautiful finishes: LOMA, PORCELINA, and MARITTIMO.
American Clay Earth Plasters surround your family or workplace with the warm beauty of soothing texture and rich color – far exceeding the interior surfaces produced by traditional paint, stucco, or other finishes. Earth Plasters are non-dusting, mold and fade resistant, repairable and moisture controlling.
Natural Earth Plasters from American Clay are easily adapted to Do-It-Yourself projects. The Traditional and Classic method of creating American Clay surfaces is non-toxic, easy to repair, easily reworked, and exciting to learn. Learn more at “
http://www.americanclay.com