Light is one of the most essential elements in our lives; we often take it for granted, yet we could not live without it. Light is not a tangible object that we can hold, but it interacts with us every day, affecting our bodies and emotions. Light is technically electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It is composed of energy waves of varying lengths that contribute to the colors we see and the way we see them.

In the world of architecture, light is an element that is blocked, reflected, scattered, or absorbed to manipulate its effects on the users of a particular space. Techniques in which each method can be translated into the built environment are outlined below:

BLOCKED – Blocking the sun is a simple technique used by architects where shadows are intentionally introduced at strategic locations to eliminate harsh light and cool the space. These could be as simple as the shades or curtains in your home to elaborate mechanical devices that move with the sun to block its detrimental effects. A museum is an example of a building where light is a major concern and usually guides the primary design concept. This art museum in Houston, designed by Renzo Piano, uses strategically curved white solar devices to screen the sun away from the building. The design serves a dual purpose in providing a deep-shaded veranda where visitors can linger under the hot Texan sun, while also blocking harmful rays from entering the building and thus harming the artwork.

REFLECTED – Bouncing light off another surface is a technique used by architects to lessen glare while providing the natural benefits of light. Natural daylighting has been proven to decrease depression and mood disorders, while also improve productivity and energy levels of individuals.  Who doesn’t want their employees or customers to have access to these results?

The museum in this photo also is located in Texas and must deal with the harsh sun. Here any direct light is blocked by huge concrete overhangs, but any secondary light is bounced off the reflecting pool to enter the building above eye level. No direct light enters the museum which allowed the architect, Tadao Ando, to use large panels of glass in a hot climate.

DIFFUSED – Breaking up the light waves so they are scattered erratically from the source is a way to create a soft natural light that eliminates sharp shadows or direct glare. Diffusion is a technique often used in workplace environments to mimic the outdoors where light is naturally scattered and reflected regularly. At a smaller scale, every single light fixture is designed to either disperse or direct the light source to create the appropriate high-quality output for its purpose. Even furniture in the workplace can contribute to the scattering of light as seen in this glass desk series from National Business Furniture.

ABSORBED – Light absorption is the process where electromagnetic waves strike an object and are converted to heat. When all frequencies of the waves are converted, the object appears black. When none of the waves are converted, and thus all are reflected, the object appears white. Realistically, every surface behaves somewhere in between where it is absorbing, reflecting, and transmitting simultaneously depending on the surface molecules of the object. This is how we see color. In this photo, we can see how the architect uses these basic techniques to highlight the importance of this window located behind the alter at the front of a church. Light passes entirely through the clear glass (transmission), light is completely converted into energy at the lead seams or soldering (absorption) and light is selectively absorbing and transmitting at the blue glass circles. Without the selective absorption, reflection, and transmission of light, we would live in a colorless world devoid of interest!

This is a sponsored post in partnership with National Business Furniture

This is a sponsored post in partnership with National Business Furniture

I have had many clients ask me how to “decorate” their office space to represent their company’s mission statement, but there is so much more to it than decorating!

First you must ask WHAT can the physical elements of an office space say about your company’s philosophy?

1. They can identify your firm’s values and principles. If the reception area is spruced up with the latest in modern furniture, but the employee workstations are dreary and worn, it can communicate to potential employees or clients what you consider important. On the other hand, if the reception area is accessible to the office space where clients can view the work in progress, it communicates a sense of transparency where honesty and openness are valued.
2. They can indicate workflow and business processes. Collaborative teamwork requires an open and flexible environment where employees can gather and communicate freely. Benching workstations and standing height islands allow for a collaborative and open environment without having to sacrifice space or employee productivity. An office space with private offices lined up on the perimeter of the building communicates the need for more one-on-one interaction where privacy is important. To keep privacy in the center of the office, you might consider cubicles and partitions. These create a sense of privacy for employees while still feeling like a team. For example, a healthcare environment requires privacy, whereas a marketing firm values open concept and collaboration.
3. They can provide inspiration. A thought-provoking environment can invigorate current employees, attract potential employees and galvanize new clients to think outside the box. Color, light, texture and form can all contribute to energizing a space so it doesn’t become mundane over the course of employment, but instead motivates and inspires. Artwork and sculptures are common elements that enrich a space, but these aren’t the only ways to brighten up an office; think outside the box!

Underlying these three techniques is important in presenting your company’s AUTHENTICITY. While the tangible aspects of a firm’s space can project your business philosophies, your company must, of course, support them through its practices and policies. If your office is set up with collaborative workstations and focused on a team approach but the organizational chart still maintains a strict top-down workflow, there is no alignment here. If an office displays unique and creative artwork, but any new innovative ideas get shot down immediately, there is a disconnect between projection and process. You might be able to attract and hire the right candidate for employment, but you won’t be able to retain him.

It is hard to discuss the physical aspects of a space without actual photos. This office is a web development and graphic design firm called Mindspike Design. As I walked into the informal reception area, I could see across the entire office including the gorgeous views of the Milwaukee skyline beyond. The ambience of this space contributed to a relaxed laid-back impression that stress doesn’t have to be a part of the daily grind! Several examples of their work were displayed casually throughout the space but not formally framed or strategically placed. No one here had a private office and several had low partitions with glass panels above to add a little more privacy. Here, the great views were not delegated to private offices along the perimeter but accessible for all to enjoy, even when you enter the front door. Natural daylight, which has been proven to increase employee productivity, fills the entire space.

In this photo, Spock cozies up to a glass mini-bar, a great spot for employee breaks, casual meetings, or after-hours drinks. It is a collaborative workstation where inspiration can come from the outside, the inside, or the imagination.

In this photo, a unique collection of Dunnys is displayed at a workstation that is clearly visible from the reception area. They are collectible pop art toys featuring designs by emerging and top artists. They project personality into this work space and an element of intrigue as to who meticulously dusts each one of these characters!

To sum up my impression of this company’s philosophy:
o∙rig∙i∙nal∙i∙ty ∕ə rijə´ nalədē∕ (noun) the ability to think independently and creatively

Of course, this particular philosophy does not work for everyone. How is your company’s culture portrayed in your physical space? Or for a more enlightened approach, flip the question around to see what kind of culture your space currently projects. Ask an honest friend who has never been to your office to do a quick walk-through, then write down their impressions. You could also have your employees fill out a quick anonymous survey to get their insights or call in professionals at National Business Furniture to help. Go from there; you might be surprised!