Our open-concept office layout provides a double-aisle main circulation corridor where people can maintain 2m distance while circulating.
The open workstation layout reduces need for contact with doors and hardware while moving through the office
Our staff kitchen and eating area is open concept to reduce touch points, with a sink for easy cleaning and hand-washing
The card reader door entry system permits limited contact upon entry
The board room is directly adjacent the main entrance which reduces exposure to staff from visitors
Our dedicated meeting rooms and phone booths have motion sensor lighting for energy efficiency that also reduces touch points, as well as glass panels and sliding doors that make it easy to see if the room is occupied and safer to operate the doors
written by Anthony Leaning
As with many businesses in Ottawa, CSV’s team is slowly returning to the office, while some staff remain working from home. Adapting to this new need for remote collaboration takes team work!
Office-Fit Ups in the Post-Covid World
As we return to the office we reflect on a number of successful interior office fit-ups we’ve designed which have been credited with healthier and more productive work environments. We used this knowledge in the design and renovation of our current work space. As a result our team has been excited to work in the new space, and we believe it has given us many health and productivity benefits.
Interestingly, we have learned that many of the techniques used in the design of our office environments to enhance sustainability and occupant well-being, also make these healthier and safer environments in the post-Covid19 world. With a few simple and easy modifications these benefits can be enhanced even more.
Health Centre Designs
We have also gained a lot of experience in the design of community health centres, including two ongoing projects. We’ve been using principles of infection prevention and control for all these projects and have staff who have been formally trained in the area.
Measures Taken for a Safe Space
CSV is able to assist in assessment of current office spaces to determine what measures can economically be put into place to make them safer and healthier. Added benefits of many of these small changes are increased sustainability and productivity.
Let us show you via a case study of how CSV Architects in its own office renovation, created the conditions for a safer post-Covid19 work environment.
Material selection for sustainability often helps with safety (high contact surfaces chosen for durability are easily cleanable and with fewer hidden areas that accumulate debris and contaminants; carpet tiles are cleanable and replaceable, ceramic tile used in high wear and high soiling areas).
Secure videoconferencing for meetings with clients, consultants and for staff working remotely. The ability for some staff to continue to work at home will make it easier to mobilize up to pre-Covid19 levels while maintaining productivity.
Teamwork software for secure intra-office communication includes scheduling and task management help with virtual collaboration.
Increase ventilation in our office allows for healthy air-flows and energy efficiency and provides a higher quality of air-change, and filtering with supply and exhaust grills located optimally to reduce contamination risk.
Addition of hand sanitizing stations at doors, photocopiers, and supplies closet helps with lower contamination.
Double-aisle corridor through the space to provide distanced circulation path
Individual small meeting rooms and phone booths can double as private meeting areas to allow flexibility
Additional measures we could add as required:
Carefully sized panels between workstations where there is less than 2m, so that these don’t diminish the effectiveness of the stations but add the required safe distancing
Auto door operators on motion sensors that can be activated as needed.
As we return to the office and experience our post-Covid world together, we realize the health and safety benefits of thoughtful design.