I understand what you’re thinking, “What’s a facility guy performing writing about architecture? ” “I thought architects and service managers are supposed to be foes… ” While the two occupations have typically collided during the past, trends in our industry tend to be thrusting our two sides back together – and ought not to be. When you step back and look at the bigger picture, all of us are (along with engineers and construction folks) trying to achieve the same goal – style, build, operate, & sustain an effective and efficient service that meets the functionality requirements of the Owner. Read the Best info about que es la arquitectura.
Fine, I don’t think you should accuse me of being a person romantic; I’m just seeking to make the point that we, while facility managers, should be vigilantly working to build relationships with such other professions that drastically impact the form and function of the buildings we live with daily – because we need the other to be successful in our careers at returning value to the multiple bottom lines. And after attending IFMA’s World Workplace in Philly and doing some studying involving my own, I gained more respect for architects along with an insight into some significant architectural trends that ability managers should be aware of, as I believe these trends and respected research quantifying their advantage will further aid all of us in making our cases about facility and program enhancements.
Let’s start with a new term of the day – “biophilic design- a style that brings the outside within. SomVarious books and sites explore this further more philosophically, but I want to focus more on the outcome and benefit of bringing character into the building. Now, I am sure many of you would prefer to come outside to breathe the fresh air flow, feel the warm sunlight, see the Fall leaves, and hear the wind rustle through the trees. When I write this, I consider I need to complete this article so I can get out there…
If that word picture becomes a massive hit to you, you are not alone. Possess shown that incorporating style elements such as wood supports & posts, rock fireplaces, and water features, such as rounded shapes as present in nature, reduces stress and brings a calming effect to the occupants. Even something as basic as a painting can have comparable results.
For example, the Sonoma County Jail Intake Facility did a Savannah try things out, where they installed some wall-size photos of the outdoors on what used to be a bright, cinder block wall. Subsequently, they realized lower fatigue among workers, more significant cognitive test scores, and lower incidents of trouble and violence by installing a picture of a peaceful outdoor setting.
I am sure most of you have had to mediate along with field debates regarding area to windows and workplaces with a view during space preparation and people moves. While all those debates likely increased your stress level, recent research found that occupants with a window expected to have higher mental functionality expanded recall by 10% to 25%. In addition, it carried out processes 6% to 12% faster. Conversely, those without a view had improved fatigue and poorer health issues. They even found which higher cubicle walls slowed down performance for similar factors. The supposition was that natural daylight and a view of the outdoors precipitated all these benefits.
The benefits of daylighting are frequently discussed and, in some instances, debated. However, numerous reports have shown the positive effect of daylighting on worker production and health. For example, an investigation by the California Department of one’s stated that an increase involving daylighting from 1 to twenty-foot candles increased worker functionality by 13%. This contrast with studies that have identified a correlation between manufactured light and depression, and stress.
These adverse effects may be somewhat attributed to artificial light’s impact on our circadian rhythm, which manages many of our body functions during the day, including our sleep period. Research revealed that the fruit and yellow hues of the sunrise, the pink and blues of a sunset, and the transition of colors and kind of light throughout the day help to handle our circadian rhythm.
Therefore, advances in LED illumination will soon be used to help imitate the natural daylight rate of the recurrence cycle within buildings to mitigate worker fatigue and stress. Airlines, for example, Virgin Air, on their intercontinental flights, are already incorporating coloring-changing LEDs to help individuals minimize the effect of jetlag.
As I mentioned in the latest article, Facilities Department Not only a Profit Center – Nevertheless Can It Be? many corporations present on-site exercise facilities because of their employees. This convenience will keep workers closer to the office, boosts health, and lowers insurance charges; but, as studies find, exercise increases worker production. In addition, employees who exercise get lower stress levels, far more energy, and higher intellectual and brain activity, which equates to better performance.
Therefore, as I wrote in my post, The Forthcoming Millenial Rule, architects purposely create less convenient elevators and put wide, open stairways front and center to encourage exercise. In addition, many campuses create and keep park-like settings to promote physical activity and realize the many benefits mentioned above in this article.
So now you are considering, “This is all great info, but how does this assist me as a facility manager inside my day-to-day struggles to operate and maintain my buildings? Inch First, let’s not forget that people need to be forward-thinking, so we should seize the opportunity to promote these beneficial designs in plans. Second, consider how you may leverage the information in this study to justify improving projects, such as greater daylighting, lighting upgrades, and better floorplan layouts.
Maybe these studies can provide insights into new fresh paint colors and artwork in interior spaces, cubicles and office furniture selection, and floor coverings replacements. The point is that center managers should always be mindful of showing how we drive value for the bottom line – not just contemplating cost-cutting measures, but improvements that increase staff member productivity and well-being, even when that means we have to think somewhat like an architect…
