How Can Workplaces Support Community and Belonging?

In the world of higher education design, we are often tasked with designing spaces that foster and support a sense of community, identity, and belonging. But how does that translate to the workplace environment?  

As organizations continue to adapt to the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as emerging technologies like AI, many leaders are wondering how they can make their workplaces more welcoming and supportive of the employees who use the spaces. Principal Michelle Kollmann recently discussed this topic as part of an article, “Community-Based Design: The Antidote for Dealing with Significant Change in the Workplace,” from Atmosphere Commercial Interiors. 

The article discusses “Community-Based Design,” an approach that translates design patterns from urban planning concepts to the workplace, to stimulate a feeling of community that helps people and organizations thrive.  

Michelle spoke of the way Ayers Saint Gross approaches this concept and said:  

Michelle also spoke of the value of giving people choice and control over their environment, including through adjustable lighting and temperature and flexible, adaptable furniture. “That kind of agency makes a huge difference in how connected and comfortable people feel.”  

Some of these values are on display at the renovated Ayers Saint Gross office in Tempe, Az., of which Michelle helped lead the design in 2024. Currently, she is part of a team designing a new Baltimore headquarters for the firm.  

“People want to connect,” Michelle said. “Some are looking for vibrant, social spaces with lots of energy and collaboration, while others need places to focus and recharge. The beauty of this process has been seeing all the perspectives come together to shape something more meaningful.”  

Read the complete article on Atmosphere’s blog: Community-Based Design: The Antidote for Dealing with Significant Change in the Workplace.