The goal at Unispace is to “create spaces that spark brilliance in people”, explains the company’s Head of Design, Ian Worthy.
“That's primarily because we know that spaces create experiences that have the ability to really connect deeply with people,” he says.
The design process at Unispace starts with a deep dive into understanding and discovering what the client is really about so that the design solution is a direct response to the issues facing the organisation as they plan for the future.
“Rather than design for design's sake we like to design for purpose and to try to resolve problems and opportunities that exist for clients,” Ian explains.
As a strategy led and data driven company, each year Unispace conducts a global insights study about workplace dynamics.
“In 2023 we knew there was a significant gap between what the employees felt they needed and what the employers thought they were giving.”
“We are still collating 2024 results but what's emerging is that that chasm is starting to close”.
Ian says in a post pandemic world, workspaces really need to foster a sense of belonging.
“I think workplaces are losing that hard edge commercial interior feel that was so typical in terms of workplaces”.
Biophilic design is also becoming a key element of workplace design. Ian says this can be as broad as access to views, access to natural light, babbling brook soundtracks or natural textures like stones and timbers.
Ian says similar shifts can also be seen in healthcare design. Clinical, surgical spaces are being reimagined as warmer, calmer, patient focused places that pull elements from hospitality and retail design.
One of the standout projects Unispace has designed is the Melbourne City Genea Fertility Clinic.
“At the heart of this is to really get to understand the patient's journey. There is a whole emotional rollercoaster in the fertility journey, so we really need to immerse ourselves in an understanding of what the patient experience is really like.”
“They needed it to feel like the client was being embraced with a warm hug”.
Unispace considered sight lines to ensure there was a respect for modesty and privacy. They chose a colour palette that gave a sense of warmth and calm, used curves and lots of natural timbers and textures.
“All lighting was diffused so no one felt they were 'in the spotlight'. A combination of all those elements the space just works incredibly well”.
Ian says when it comes down to designing “the perfect space” it all comes back to what best serves the client.
“Even if you gave me 1 million dollars I don't think I could resolve what perfect looks like without a client.”
“I actually don't think that perfect is about materiality or a palette or a look or feel. I actually think that perfect is what you would want a client to feel about a workplace after you've completed it,” he concludes.
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