Innovative Hybrid Workspace Design: Boost Collaboration & Flexibility

It all begins with an idea…

We have embraced a forward-thinking approach to workspace design, transforming the traditional office layout into a dynamic environment that prioritizes collaboration, creativity, and flexibility. By replacing segregated workspaces with an open office floor plan, diverse huddle rooms, and adaptable conference areas, we've reimagined how work gets done. Our innovative design effortlessly blends various work styles, encouraging interaction and boosting overall efficiency. This transformation underscores our dedication to crafting modern, adaptable environments that meet the ever-evolving demands of today's workforce.

Main Level - Floor Plan

Instead of competing, we create!

The current commercial office market in Downtown Detroit is experiencing a surplus of vacant office space. Our comparative analysis, "Traditional Commercial Office vs. Hybrid Office of the Future," addresses this issue by evaluating key factors in the traditional commercial real estate industry. It's clear that the conventional approach to commercial real estate is losing its effectiveness. The pandemic has fundamentally altered our use of office space, shifting the landscape in terms of how, why, and when these spaces are occupied.

Strategy: Transform the outdated transitional office space at 610 W. Congress into a premier commercial market hub that redefines Downtown Detroit’s landscape.

Primary Challenge: Located several blocks from the vibrant Woodward Avenue business and retail district, 610 W. Congress has long remained on the periphery of Detroit’s bustling core.

Opportunities: Reposition the property to complement and leverage the expansive growth of the Huntington Place Convention Center. Replace the existing, outdated helix-shaped parking ramp with a lively public park—introducing green space that invites gathering, relaxation, and community energy. Extend Second Street to the waterfront, forging a continuous, walkable destination primed for festivals, markets, and dynamic urban life.

As the hybrid office model reshapes how we work and gather, 610 W. Congress now sits at the heart of an evolving district. With Huntington Place’s expansion accelerating, we are crafting visionary strategies to unlock this site’s full potential—transforming it into a vibrant market that not only meets but anticipates the future needs of Detroit’s workforce, residents, and visitors. This is not just redevelopment; it’s a reimagining of community, commerce, and connection.

  • The site plan’s aerial view offers a compelling perspective on the strategic proximity to the bustling downtown business district. It clearly highlights connectivity, where urban energy meets development potential. Adjacent to this hub, the Huntington Place expansion sites emerge as pivotal growth zones, underscoring opportunities for increased commercial activity and community engagement. This visual narrative not only maps current landmarks but also situates the project within a dynamic landscape of innovation and expansion, emphasizing accessibility and forward-thinking urban integration.

  • The expansion of Huntington Place, along with the addition of a new 750-room hotel and the extension of Second Street to the waterfront, is creating a seamless, walkable destination perfect for festivals, markets, and vibrant urban living (highlighted in green). Additionally, a new waterfront apartment building is planned (highlighted in red).

  • We focus on creating and leading a new, uncontested market within the commercial real estate industry. We aim to redefine the value proposition and challenge the status quo, moving beyond traditional competition to carve out untapped market spaces.

    Four categories define our Blue Ocean Strategy:

    • Eliminate - Prioritize eliminating ineffective office practices

    • Reduce- Reduce non-essential office elements

    • Raise - Elevate amenities that directly serve the needs of the hybrid workforce

    • Create - Design and integrate innovative ideas that reshape the commercial real estate landscape

    The Blue Ocean Strategy was developed through the research of W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne.

Fluid dynamic form induces creative energy flow

We adopted a forward-thinking workspace design, replacing segregated areas with an open office, varied huddle rooms, and flexible conference spaces. This redesign fosters collaboration, creativity, and flexibility, integrating diverse work styles to boost efficiency and dynamism. It reflects our commitment to modern, adaptable environments for today’s workforce.

Main Level Floor Plan

  • According to Alex Sooting-Kim Pang, Stanford Professor and author of the book Rest, the effective work week is approximately (20 hours), opposed to a 40-80 hours. Productivity and intense focus over short periods of time must be balanced with rest, relaxation, and recovery. We are creating a third environment - conducive to creativity and enhanced productivity to align remote and office workers

  • According to McKinsey's Office of the Future research, the new hybrid workforce generation values private "huddle rooms" open brainstorming areas, no longer gravitates towards private offices. Executives are willing to trade the private offices for amenities offered within a highly creative work environment.

  • Flowing curves define and separate large and small meeting and conference areas within the main lobby, creating distinct zones that maintain openness while preventing disruption to hybrid office workers. This dynamic design fosters seamless interaction and privacy, balancing collaboration and focus in a versatile workspace

  • Research shows remote workers feel isolated, so we partnered with Cisco WebEx to deliver advanced mobile workstations and video conferencing for hybrid offices. Cisco’s technology shaped our Hybrid Office of the Future design, enhancing communication between on-site and remote teams.

Upper offices converted into health & wellness space

We reimagined the Upper Level, transforming what was once dominated by oversized executive offices into a highly flexible and informal environment designed to foster versatility and adaptability. A key highlight of this redesign is the Yoga Studio, thoughtfully engineered to convert seamlessly into a sophisticated venue for formal dinner events, demonstrating the space’s capacity to accommodate a wide range of activities.

Complementing this multifaceted area is the strategically located juice bar, which functions as a versatile hub for hosting and catering. This addition not only enhances the functional value of the space but also encourages indoor and outdoor social interaction and community engagement.

Below, the Lower Level Kitchen is fully equipped for the preparation of gourmet meals and desserts. This culinary hub supports the Upper Level by enabling a smooth and efficient transfer of dishes, elevating the overall dining experience for guests and staff alike. The cohesive integration between these levels ensures an optimized flow of operations and a refined atmosphere throughout the space.

  • A 10-20 minute mindful meditation break is a highly effective method to achieve balance, stress and anxiety reduction. The latest neuroscience research, indicates that 20 minutes of deep meditation is equivalent to six hours of sleep.

  • This project exemplifies our commitment to creating spaces that are not only visually striking but also highly functional, adaptable, and conducive to a variety of experiences. The resulting environment is one that fosters creativity, collaboration, and enjoyment, redefining the possibilities of modern architectural design.

  • We designed informal meeting and lunch areas with a deliberate focus on enhancing the experience with breathtaking views of the City and waterfront. The strategic positioning of these areas allows individuals to convene in an inviting, casual setting while also providing an immersive visual connection to the dynamic urban landscape and the tranquil waterfront.

Illuminating the Lower Level with Natural Daylight

New skylights, positioned directly above the heart-shaped stair opening on the Main Level, introduce an abundance of natural daylight into the Lower Level. This design not only enhances visibility but also creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the architectural feature while promoting energy efficiency throughout the space.

  • We understand the need for privacy in the workplace. Steelcase offers glass-wall private offices that provide a balance between privacy and connectivity, allowing individuals to work in isolated spaces without feeling completely secluded. The transparent nature of the glass walls maintains a connection to the surrounding environment while providing a sense of enclosure. This design approach ensures that individuals can focus on their tasks without feeling cut off from the rest of the office.

  • Cardio & strength training - Daily exercise increases focus, concentration, and promotes optimal health and wellbeing. That's why we prioritize the integration of cutting-edge cardio and strength training facilities within the Lower Level. Our commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle is reflected in the provision of the latest exercise equipment, enabling our users to engage in daily workouts conveniently. Additionally, we provide showers, eliminating the need to leave the building post-workout.

  • The addition of a piano into the Lower Level space serves a dual purpose:. First, the presence of the piano provides a calming and unifying influence, as music has been shown to have a soothing effect on individuals and can serve as a common ground for bringing people together. Additionally, the piano cultivates a sense of community by creating an environment where individuals can gather to create and share ideas. Whether through impromptu performances, collaborative songwriting sessions, or casual conversations sparked by the presence of the instrument, the piano creates an atmosphere conducive to fostering connections and nurturing creativity among the building's occupants.

  • On-site health courses are led by visiting physicians, nutritionists, psychologists, and wellbeing experts. A Lower Level gourmet chef on-site prepares daily meals and healthy snacks for employees and guests.

    Our commitment to holistic health extends to our culinary offerings. With a gourmet chef on-site, we ensure that daily meals and healthy snacks are prepared with the utmost care and attention to nutrition. The presence of a fresh juice bar further enhances the variety of options available, promoting a balanced and wholesome approach to eating.

    By providing these amenities, we seek to create an environment that supports the overall health and wellbeing of the hybrid community. We believe that investing in the physical, mental, and emotional health of the employees and guests is essential for fostering a positive and productive atmosphere.

  • Resa-mercial creative work areas, where flowing curves and creative work spaces take center stage, replacing traditional modular office partitions and workstations. This innovative approach to office design goes beyond the conventional, fostering a vibrant and dynamic environment for modern work and home settings. Our partnership with Steelcase, a renowned leader in workplace solutions, aims to elevate the office experience by integrating ergonomically designed comfort into every aspect of the office environment.

    Within this reimagined space, employees are encouraged to think, collaborate, and create. From versatile seating options to adaptable work surfaces, we empower individuals to embrace their creativity and productivity, ultimately fostering a more fulfilling work experience.