Media Mindfulness

I’d work here! The Encounter Restaurant at LAX

AdAge reports that some corporate offices are becoming hybrid spaces that are also lounges, bars and coffee shops. This buttresses the trend that we are increasingly moving into more “non-spaces” (see Remediation) that are required of knowledge work. In our post-work economy, we are producers and consumers of information simultaneously. There is a desire of information-based businesses to cultivate this creative kind of environment. The criticism is that there is less distinction between work and leisure. The threat is that even your spare time time is consumed by your workspace. As someone who works from my home, I have already made the transition, but at least in my case my creativity is my own (or so I believe).

Advertising Age - Office Space: Think Outside the Cubicle:

OK, you say, that’s Southern California, where Jay Chiat in the 1980s commissioned Frank Gehry to design Chiat/Day’s Venice, Calif., binocular headquarters. But that’s no excuse — just go to Missouri.

There, agency Barkley has made a pricey move from downtown Kansas City to the historic Trans World Airlines headquarters building in an up-and-coming art district. The space includes lots of spots for spontaneous get-togethers, client rooms, furniture styles unique to each floor, a grass-lined roof and, of course, the ultimate conversation-starter — a 32-foot reproduction of a TWA rocket on the landmark’s roof. The original TWA Moonliner rocket was built for a futuristic exhibit at Disneyland by entrepreneur Howard Hughes when he owned the airline. The rocket has been incorporated into the agency’s logo.

“An inspired space can produce inspired work,” said Brian Brooker, CEO-chief creative officer at Barkley, which handles Build-A-Bear Workshop and Sonic Drive-In. “It pays off in so many different ways. Great space makes our employees happy. It helps with recruiting, and clients like the vibe.”