The word “collaboration” has been popular in design lexicon over the past several years, especially as it relates to workplace design. Our spaces are designed with a variety of collaboration areas, with the intention of inspiring those special moments for people to meet and brainstorm, and to create that which they cannot do in solitude.
Some might say the word “collaboration” has been overused, or watered down. But I believe there’s been an extra focus on the idea of collaboration because it’s being valued, and with good reason – collaboration means working together and partnering, and we can never take for granted the value that brings to creation and experience. STA’s recently completed project with Creative Office Pavilion is a great example of the true essence of collaboration.
From the onset, the STA team was extremely excited to have the opportunity to work on such a unique project, incorporating both showroom and workspace, (and spaces that combined both); and showcasing new and classic Herman Miller furniture, as well as various other furniture and wall systems represented by COP. But the real excitement came when we started the process, and realized we had been invited into such a great partnership, with the COP design team.
COP and their talented team of designers were much more than a client – they were a true design partner all through the process. The initial program and concept planning were developed by COP, focusing on the intended experience of their clients, (both end-users and designers), and developing the concept of a “client path”. STA and COP then worked closely together, exploring how to define and enhance this experiential sequence through the space through planning, material, lighting, texture, color, transparency, branding, and of course — furniture! The collaborative process also included Reflex Lighting and Milliken Carpet, who supported us early in the design process with some of the key design elements in the space; and every successful project includes a great collaboration with the contractor, and we were fortunate to have Chapman Construction as our partner.
The actual definition of “col·lab·o·ra·tion” is “the action of working with someone to produce or create something”. What we’ve learned through our projects over the years, and especially through special partnerships as in the COP project, is that true collaboration leads to much more than to “creating something”. Collaboration allows for a holistic approach to create an experience and environment that values, respects and integrates perspectives, expertise and contributions of all stakeholders, while making everyone enjoy the process every step of the way.
Thanks to COP for this great opportunity!
Felice
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Creative Office Pavilion — http://creativeofficepavilion.com/
Herman Miller — http://www.hermanmiller.com/
Reflex Lighting — http://www.reflexlighting.com/
Milliken — http://www.millikencarpet.com/
Chapman Construction/Design — http://www.chap-con.com/
