DESIGN LANGUAGE FOR PLACE - · PDF fileDESIGN LANGUAGE FOR PLACE Real Estate and Facilities...

DESIGN LANGUAGE FOR PLACE

Real Estate and Facilities April 12, 2016

What is this document and who is it for?It is for anyone designing and making decisions that affect the experience of Microsoft spaces.

It is an ensemble cast of principles, components, and defining characteristics that create a distinctive visual and experiential brand language. It works in spaces large and small, interior and exterior, visible and public or discrete and behind the scenes.

Locations, populations, and local cultures will vary and must be taken into consideration.

The elements will bend to capture spirit of place but the overall sensibilities and signature items must stay on target and remain strong.

The intent is curate a thoughtful and appropriate mix of elements from the design language, not to do everything at once.

We want to create a distinctive personality, that is uniquely inspiring, and uniquely Microsoft.

INTRODUCTION

“Now, we must build the right culture to take advantage of our huge opportunity. And culture change starts with one individual at a time.”

Satya Nadella

SETTING THE TONE

Cost Most of the elements and qualities are foundational and do not have a cost impact. Effort should be put to the space as a whole and not focused on a single area like the lobby. Do not forget the work areas. Find ways to save costs on some things to allow for others.

Every project will have selections and design decisions to be made. Those decisions should align with the Design Language.

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Growth MindsetOur culture is founded in a Growth Mindset (vs. a fixed mindset) which believes that everyone can grow and develop, that potential is nurtured not predetermined, and that anyone can change their perspective.

We need to always be learning and insatiably curious. We need to be willing to lean into uncertainty, take risks and move quickly when we make mistakes, recognizing that failure is what happens along the road to mastery. We need to be open to the ideas of others where the success of others does not diminish our own.

This is an important shift for Microsoft, and a crucial consideration when designing the spaces that impact our future.

OUR CULTUREINTRODUCTION

Customer Obsessed

Diverse and Inclusive

One Microsoft

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BRAND ATTRIBUTES

Human(izing) Spaces are for people. We shape our environments and in turn, our environments shape our behaviors.They should be easy, natural, and nature-inspired--think crafted, rather than manufactured. Natural qualities create an atmosphere of comfort and being at ease in one’s surroundings. Spaces are in tune with the way people do things...places are shaped with people and their activities in mind.

ConnectedFoster togetherness and a sense of community. Successful communal spaces boost social behaviors. Whether face-to-face or through digital connection, in large gatherings or small interactions - make places to share, places to co-create, places to connect.

IntelligentIntelligent spaces anticipate a teams needs and make ready for the next move.Environments should learn from people’s behaviors. Places can gracefully morph to suit people’s activities, moods, and communications styles. Move, Shift, Change: these are literally dynamic (vs. static) qualities associated with the concept of Intelligent Spaces and are also depictions of a Growth Mindset culture where people (and space) must learn and evolve.

The key attributes have expanded meanings specific to placemaking.

INTRODUCTION

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What about BRAND?Brand is much more than a logo, a sign at the front desk, or a set of graphics.

There should be a look and feel to spaces that holistically represents Microsoft. You should know you are in a Microsoft space without seeing the sign.

Spaces should express the cultural brand attributes of Humanizing, Connected, and Intelligent.

Spatially Microsoft’s brand is casual, intuitive, tactile, and non-corporate.

While certain qualities will show up repeatedly, individual spaces should be unique. Every space responds to its site and region, while still showing membership in a single Microsoft family.

Spaces should be timeless, not subject to trend, both in look and performance.

INTRODUCTION

SETTING THE TONE

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2. BACKGROUNDMARKET BRAND SURVEYSALON SURVEYSENSIBILITIES FOR PLACE

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WORKPLACE HOSPITALITY RESIDENTIAL

This snapshot of recently published projects commended as ‘top’ or ‘best new’ provides a high level glance at the lay of the land.. There are strong trends toward a specific look and feel in workplace.

MARKET SURVEYBACKGROUND

Light and inviting

‘Sense of familiar’

Layers and depth

Kitschy

Chaotic without purpose

Predictable

Visually flat

Personality

More materials

Natural

Visual textured, active

Too bright

Moody, dim

Natural, inviting

Comfortable

Social

In residences we see a rich, more subtle mix of bold, relaxed, and personal.

Hospitality spaces are trending toward heavier textures, darker and moodier spaces with many layers of detail.

MOVE IN THIS DIRECTION (Take cues but not be a trend)

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WHA

T WE S

HOUL

D BE

Dreamy / EtherialImplies science/digitalAmbiguous but interpretable

Order with surpriseLess about the ‘object’Natural TexturesCentered on userPositively ‘askew’

CalmVistaUnique

Clean, but with textureand dimension

protected outdoor space

composed mess

Connection to outdoorsalone togetherprotected outdoor space

Eclectic,Cozy,Variations

Sense of familiar

Calm

Natural placeFinessed raw and honest

Work flexible

Fun. Open. Get up and moveNot too trendyTexturesFun

Natural, comfortable environment. Easy to concentrate in a noisy space. Alone together.

Old World Modern

Variety of architectural forms. Compartmental – protected, open, private

Vistas - connection

ResidentialComfortableVarietyLibrary, living room

Composed Mess

‘Pop

of C

olor

’ but

not

co

rpor

ate,

sta

rk, o

r tr

endy

Bold Form

Real, meaningful texture -

Real, meaningful texture

Infusion of oldClassic

ComfortableInvitingCarefully Composed Coloration

Grit in a more polished space

color is integral to materials

Games / PlayCosyIntimate, but with views

Art Fun, noisy

Stage

INTERIOR IDENTITY EXTERIOR IDENTITY

The participants were asked to select images that represent qualities they feel Microsoft should embody with their spaces. Below are the most strongly favored images and qualities from among all the groups.

A series of informal salon gatherings were held with the purpose of keying in on perceptions and attitudes toward Microsoft workspace from both the general public and within. Discussion and activities focused on spaces, culture, and qualities that define how Microsoft should evolve its sense of placemaking.

BACKGROUND

SALON - IMAGE SURVEY RESULTS

MO

RE

VOTE

SFE

WER

VOT

ES

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The participants were also asked to select images that represent qualities they feel Microsoft should avoid in their spaces. Below are the most strongly disfavored images and qualities from among all the groups.

WHA

T WE S

HOUL

D NOT

BE

INTERIOR IDENTITY EXTERIOR IDENTITY

NOT WELCOMINGtrendy

Not the neighborhood where Microsoft belongs Trying too hard to be edgy/coolContrived

Grungy

Over de-signedChildish

What Microsoft used to represent

FormalOne note Over designed

Too predictable

Too forced‘What is the green stuff?’gimmicky

Too many layers that are not composed well

vacuous

VacuousTrendy

Grungy

Formal

‘Everyone is watching you’

Over designed

Too many layersFormal

Too open – Chaos –Clutter – DistractionCall center feel

One note. one function.

Overly refined

Vacuous

Purely ‘style’

‘Everyone is watching you’

Feels like someone else’s brand

BACKGROUND

SALON - IMAGE SURVEY RESULTSM

OR

E VO

TES

FEW

ER V

OTES

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AT EASE, BUT NOT SLOUCHY

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN & PUSH THE INSIDE OUT

BACKGROUND

DESIRED SENSIBILITIES FOR PLACE

Residential Qualities

CLEAN AND BRIGHT, BUT WITH ENOUGH LAYERS TO FEEL PERSONABLE

Italy

China

Information graphics

France

Germany

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3. WHAT TO DOBIG IDEAS - PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTSBASELINE COMPONENTSSIGNATURE ELEMENTS

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The Human Touch

Nature Infused Discovery

Elevate the

OrdinaryA Good Host

Alone and

Together

Timeless with

Distinction

RegionallyRelevant

A few key concepts, connected to the Culture Brand, will help us achieve ourplacemaking goals. They are not goals in and of themselves; they are tools tocreate experiences for the people who inhabit the places we make. Used together,they help us move toward a more comfortable and inspired environment that drawsmore from residential and hospitality than traditional office.

BIG IDEAS - PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTSWHAT TO DO

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The Human TouchHand crafted aesthetic, rather than manufactured.

Texture. Detail.

Layers and variety to add depth.

Patina to add richness to the natural.

Comfort and touchability.

Warmth and tactility.

Nature InfusedNatural elements. Greenscapes. Bring the Outside In. Search for characteristics of natural elements to abstract and reinterpret.

Abstract outdoor experiences: overhead canopies, dappled light and shadows, urban outdoors: plazas, courtyards, gardens.

Connect social, community and arrival areas to the outside.

Open to the outdoors - doors and windows.

Create more outdoor spaces and physically link the indoors and outdoors.

TEXTURE

INVITING PLANTS INDOORS

Views outdoors

OUTDOOR

QUALITIES


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DiscoveryMicrosoft has a history of pranks, games, and scavenger hunts of all sorts. Keep the brain thinking by creating environments with subtly embedded messages. Discover something one day and hopefully unearth something different a year later.

Create environments with several layers and meanings; try to make things pull double-duty at the least.

Integrate interesting, cool and fun elements that have a story. If the wood bar top is made from old reclaimed bleachers or the table is from 100 year old logs from the bottom of a lake tell the story in an easy, analog way.

FIND

ANDY

HIDDEN MESSAGE


TELL THE STORY FOR UNIQUE ELEMENTS

Alone and TogetherCollaboration is important, but ideas come from individuals

People need to collaborate but also need space to focus, concentrate, and decompress.

Sometimes the best place to work alone is among others, where you can feel the energy of the group, but be protected and have enough privacy to do your own thing.

Inspire people to do their best work; their best thinking.

Create intimate spaces within public areas. Structures inside structures. Edges between the social and private space.

OCCUPY THE EDGES

SMALL SPACES, NOOKS

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A Good HostNot just a person.

Approachable environment. Put people at ease.

Welcome every visitor and every employee every day.

Casual and relaxed but not slouchy.

Furniture should be diverse, approachable, and comfortable.

Create a variety of settings.

Encourage social gathering.

Texture and tactility create a “human touch”.

ENTRY EXPERIENCE

SMALL SPACES, NOOKS


Elevate the Ordinary Beauty in the everyday.

Elevate elements that are utilitarian and often forgotten: wayfinding, orientation, navigation, back stairs, back entrances.

Express a sense of artistry and craftsmanship.

Use the ordinary to do several things at once: wayfinding signage becomes wall texture, art, and lighting. Map as a floor pattern, light as a wall texture, for instance.

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Timeless with DistinctionTimeless doesn’t mean benign; timeless and classic can have depth and intrigue.

Not homogenous.

Classic with punch. Not a trend.Strong point of view.

Easy to maintain. Think 10 year refresh cycle.

Places should have depth. Create a sense that things might have been acquired over time. Not everything looks like it was designed and selected to match. Not eclectic, but a well-composed variety.

Good design endures no matter what style or period it is from. Great design paired with other great designs always feel right together. Contrast and variety are important: new with old, sleek with tactile, spacious with intimate


Regionally RelevantContext, materials, climate, and culture should all have influence in the design throughout the entire journey.

A strong and consistent Microsoft brand visual is important to maintain while subtly acknowledging pride of location.

When appropriate use locally sourced materials, art, ancillary furniture, and lighting but avoid literal representations of the local culture or stereotypes like an oil drum in Texas, Big Ben in London, or a Douglas fir tree in the Pacific Northwest. Allow the audience a deeper insight into a region without resorting to billboard-like icons.

Consider both the Visitor and the Employee experiences. Do something that people can see every day and not grow tired of it.

Regional materials

Heritage patternsHeritage of place

Locally sourced furniture

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BASELINE COMPONENTSTHINGS TO DO IN EVERY SPACE

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Things to do in every space.

WHAT TO DO

BASELINE COMPONENTS

Color Palette Under FootCeilings,

Structure & Systems

Lighting Personality

Furniture Sensibility

Wall Surfacing

The Window Wall

AcousticalConsideration

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Dark has many shades

COLOR PALETTE

BASELINE COMPONENTS

Sheen

Ambiguous Color

Dramatic. Bold

Mix Color Families

White has many shades

Color is Morethan Paint

Natural Materials have COLOR

WHAT TO DO

For additional detail on paint and color: Flooring and Color A subtle but bold color attitude

There is a desire to be Timeless with Distinction and that is not to say adopt a benign approach. Create a point of view through color without succumbing to trend. Neutrals can be strong and rich. A dash of color is more powerful than a circus of color. Know the activity or desired behavior and fashion a color approach around that experience. Focus work often needs calm. Social places can promote dialogue and be lively. All things are not the same and depend on the situation:

Know the situation and the audience.

This is a color approach that embodies a sensibility of depth, contrast, comfort, and atypical color pairings that differentiate Microsoft from other brands.

Examples:

Hallways: Calm

Work areas: Calm. Neutral but not sterile.

Social spaces: More dynamic

Classics

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http://microsoftworkplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Flooring-and-Color.pdf

BASELINE COMPONENTS

ConcreteExisting concrete should be examined to make sure it is visually acceptable. Some wear and tear can highlight the buildings history and personality. Too much can be unsightly and should be avoided.

Matte finish, not shiny.

BASELINE COMPONENTS

Hard FlooringWhere hard flooring is appropriate at entries, hubs, main circulation paths or other areas, concrete or wood should be used.

CarpetThe range of spaces warrants a range of design ideas. Hallways and R&D work areas, for example, should be quiet and calm, not overly cluttered with pattern or color. Social spaces can support a more active design.

Know the situation and the audience.

Provide transitions at carpet pattern intersections. Directional patterns should not crash into each other.

Wood Light/medium tone wide plank oak or similar wood with a rough texture to easily disguise wear and tear.

Use Summit Hardwood 46594Color 1, 10, or 12

Under Foot: Floors

Clean, matte finish

SomeIrregularityis OK

WHAT TO DO

For additional detail on flooring: Flooring and Color

AcousticsWhere there is hard flooring make sure there are also absorptive surfaces to avoid spaces that are noisy and reverberant.

Calm Hallways

Need to provide some absorptive surfaces

PatternSubtle textureProvide transitions at pattern intersections Carpet

Concrete

WoodWith textureAllow patina

Light to medium toneWide plank At appropriate areas

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http://microsoftworkplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Flooring-and-Color.pdf

BASELINE COMPONENTS

Expressed Structure and SystemsWherever possible, expose systems and materials that are an inherent part of the building: ceiling structure, beams, decking, columns, air systems, conduit, and pipes. Exposing the structure feels more casual and lived in, gives a sense of more volume, and breaks from the corporate office feel.

Design the mechanical system.

Celebrate or exaggerate the system where possible.

Only use acoustical ceiling tile when necessary. Full rooms of acoustical ceiling tile can make a space feel sterile. Introduce breaks in spaces that require ceiling tiles where possible.

Make sure the spaces work acoustically. Too much hard surface will make for an unpleasant environment or transfer unwelcome noise to adjacent areas. Some options would be spray applied sound absorptive finishes, or direct applied finishes to the underside of the structure.

Ceiling, Structure & Systems

WHAT TO DO

Interesting ceiling tiles(Not the all white office)

Clean structure coupledwith hard lid ceiling Exposed wood, clean lines

Painted

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BASELINE COMPONENTSWHAT TO DO

Acoustical Consideration

The right amount of noise in the right places is a good thing. The wrong amount of noise is not a good thing.

Work areas must be designed to minimize distracting noise and allow for concentration, especially from nearby social and circulation spaces.

Social spaces, cafes, and atriums want to have an energy to them but still allow for conversation and not be overly reverberant or loud.

Balance sound absorptive spaces and hard surfaces. Do not use all hard, sound-reflective surfaces within a space.

Consider where people will gather or queue and buffer from work areas.

Balance hard and absorptive surfaces

Isolate games and gathering areas from work areas.

Buffer areas people gather and noise will be generated

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BASELINE COMPONENTS

Interior window walls are often unconsidered and left untouched, which is a missed opportunity. At cafes, the best seat in the house is usually at the window. Use windows to create inviting spaces, where people naturally want to collect. Think window seats, visual layers like framing, different coloring, lighting at the walls, treatment of the glazing.

The Window Wall

Sheen

Examples of simple paint & sheen treatment to typical window walls

Strong but muted color

Light color, glossy sheen

Darker color

Neutral

Neutral

WHAT TO DO

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BASELINE COMPONENTS

Lighting PersonalityIntimate GlowVarietyShadow TextureLight Vertical Surfaces

WHAT TO DO

The aim is to create softer lit spaces where lighting is used to create

Atmosphere

Ambiance

Focus

Softness

Warmth

In general office spaces have harsh lighting based on maximum efficiency - long linear fluorescent or LEDs - which no one would never use in a home or restaurant

Overhead downlight creates harsh shadows on the face.

Light edges and vertical surfaces.

Avoid relentless and continuously lit surfaces all at the same lux or foot candles: it can create fatigue.

Create highs and lows; darker and lighter, contrast and drama.

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SIGNATURE ELEMENTSSPECIAL ELEMENTS AND DETAILS THAT MICROSOFT CAN OWN

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Distinctive Wayfinding

Wallcovering: CODE

SIGNATURE ELEMENTSSpecial elements and details that Microsoft can own.

Front Door

ArrivalExperienceArt

Bring Nature Indoors

Game Play, Hidden

Messaging

Orientation &

Navigation

WHAT TO DO

Dynamic Environments

Tech Expression

Tech ExpressionPAGE 28 OF 57

ArtIntegrated art.

Pertinent to the concept and story.

Design early in the process to impact overall decision making.

Be throughtful of the imapct of art to different audiences. Do not be offensive.

Source locally wherre feasible.

Consider lower cost options for hanging art and alternates like murals that are not so precious. Things that could be painted over later.

SIGNATURE ELEMENTSWHAT TO DO

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Wallcovering: CODEWriting on the Wall (its Code)

The beauty, the genius, the rigor, and the relentlessness of code should be appreciated. Code is the everyday; it is the background and backbone.

Turn it into....

Texture

Art


Surfacing

DiscoveryThe far view and the near view: from afar it is texture but up close, one discovers a different picture.

There should be code wallcovering somewhere in every project, not necessarily in a prominent location.

It should be an element of discovery.

For additional detail on wallcovering:Wallcovering Details

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http://microsoftworkplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016-0303_MS_Brand-Wallcoverings.pdf

More than a desk

Multiple settings

Hand touch

ARRIVAL EXPERIENCEWHAT TO DO

Greet Point & HostThe experience should be welcoming and comfortable.

Think hospitality service concept and meet and greet versus a receptionist at a desk. It’s about the people.

The greet point should be welcoming, not a barrier between host and guest. It should feel more like a great multi-purpose object or a piece of furniture rather than a big built-in office reception desk. The materials should invite touch and tactile fascination.

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SIGNATURE COMPONENTS

Orientation & NavigationAnalog & Digital. Overlay or integrate analog and digital mapping content and methods into the environment...site, exterior, interior.

Microsoft in Context. Explain a particular story such as Microsoft’s relationship to the work area, the city, or even global reach.

Points of Interest. Highlight points of interest both well-known and little known.

Know the Lay of the Land. Assist people with key points of interest at the micro or macro level as a way to make the surroundings interesting and more meaningful.

Signage must be manage able over time and accommodate all users through contrast and tactile / braille components.

WHAT TO DO

Distinctive WayfindingWayfinding and signage should be more. Rather than a room number on a plaque, it can be a significant piece and can add flavor to the environment. Consider unique ways to orient visitors and employees: 2D and 3D.

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SIGNATURE COMPONENTSWHAT TO DO

Dynamic EnvironmentsIntelligent spaces that learn.

Adaptable places.

Change, reconfigure and morph to stay relevant.

Many places should serve several purposes and adjust to the activities in them. Space, whether inside or outside, is too valuable to serve only one function.

Allow for personalization so that people feel connected to THEIR space.

Encourage people to interact with the environment.

MORPHABLE

MULTIPLE USES

MOBILE

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Environmental Game PlayHidden Messaging

Create environments with several layers of meaning. Make it play. Keep people thinking.

Patterns can mean something

Numbers and qualities can be a message or offer clues

Texture on a surface can mean more

Create an inquisitiveness.

Happy Easter Egg hunting!

Morse

Cryptography

Binary

Hidden code in the furniture details

A message concealed in the lighting

Hidden Meaning in Imagery


Interesting graphic treatments

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MICROSOFT RED


Front Door - Sense of Entry

Every site is unique.

Just a unique door pull makes a difference.

Identifiable at a distance.

Oversized gracious portal.

Heighten sense of passing through to enter

something special.

Detail counts: sheen and physical touch

considered.

Exit ‘crash bar’ only when necessary, artfully

integrated.

Treat the main entry door, sometimes that will

be the door to a suite in a shared building.

Treat inherited doors.

Consider the sound and touch.

Hack existing doors and hardware.

For additional detail on Front Doors:Microsoft Doors

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http://microsoftworkplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Microsoft-Front-Doors.pdf

Bring Nature IndoorsEstablishing a natural feel, aside from views to the exterior, is achieved in several ways.

Blurring the line between exterior and interior space.

Porosity. Opening the interior to the exterior creating indoor / outdoor space where possible.

Provide views to the outdoors.

Evoking Outdoor Qualities:

Dappled light

Distinctive shaped shadows

Fractal geometries

Translucency

Allude to the qualities of outdoor spaces, not just nature and plant life.

Patio

Plaza

Street cafe

Shadow play

Dappled light

Translucency

Encourage employee interaction with nature.

Planters as the natural element

Unique plantscapes

Robust greenscape

Planter as screen

Outdoor lighting...indoors

Dappled light


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WHAT TO DO

BASIC - SMALLPre-packaged elements in the $10,000-$50,000 cost range.

MODEST - MEDIUMPre-packaged elements in the $50,000-$100,000 cost range

DigitalGraffiti

Bing Views

Lenticular Wallpaper

Interactive Seating

Kinetic, Tactile light

Everbright Dynamic Logo

Data CloudsLarge

Luminous Surface

Dynamic Mapping

Mystery Button

HoloLens Environments

Choose your MoodInfinite Mirror Illuminated

Carpet

Interactive Wall Paper

Tech Expression elements and concepts are set in 2 Tiers based on the ease and expense of their application, and their appropriateness to various sites

SIGNATURE ELEMENTS

Tech Expression

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Interactive Wall Paper

DigitalGraffiti

Bing Views

Lenticular Wallpaper

Interactive Seating

Kinetic, Tactile light

Everbright Dynamic Logo

Packaged go-to elements from $10,000 - $50,000

Tech Expression - Small

WHAT TO DO

SIGNATURE ELEMENTS

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DIGITAL GRAFFITILeave your mark / Expressive, social, interactiveDigital Graffiti allows employees, visitors, and customers to leave their mark and customize their environment. Different locations can be networked together so that what someone is painting in one location can be projected in another location or onto a remote object. The ability to share artwork from one location to another creates a social connection between remote spaces, another room, or the other side of the world.

LOCATIONS: lobby, hub, employee areas. Potential to create virtual and expressive connection between locations.

BING - VIEWSBrand Awareness / Ever-changing ‘artwork’Put the imagery from the front page of the Bing search engine to work as art and as digital vistas. Leverage the archive of photography. Images can be projected and should be carefully framed and displayed in unexpected ways (not just a monitor on the wall). Think ceiling integration, provocative scale, and framing that creates a ‘magical’ effect of perceived depth and distance.

LOCATIONS: lobby, hubs

KINETIC, TACTILE LIGHTEXPLODED VIEW light object by Sam van Gurp (Vantot) “...the sun never fades; it is the earth that moves closer and further away, causing the light to reflect, change colour, dim or die. Ultimately the experiment has led to a series of lamps representing different approaches: Cumulus, which dims through layering; Eclipse, which keeps the light contained or sets it free; and Lunar which plays with reflection.”

LOCATIONS: lobby, hubs, can be used to create surprise interactive moments throughout spaces.

INTERACTIVE WALLPAPERScreen-printed illustrations, conductive ink and projection mapping.Everyday this space is brought to life with the inspiring energy of the people who inhabit it. Let’s connect this flourishing activity to playful animations that spring to life using light and sound. Sensors will track everything from when it’s raining, when someone brews a fresh pot of coffee or sends a tweet.

LOCATIONS: lobby ‘stay’ zone, team rooms, mini hubs and common area lounges

Packaged go-to elements from $10,000 - $50,000


WHAT TO DO

SIGNATURE ELEMENTS

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INTERACTIVE SEATINGI sit down, you move up Interconnected seating modules interact with each other. Sitting down on one raises another.

LOCATIONS: social areas

EVERBRIGHTWall of color changing LEDsThis light-hearted experience adds beauty and interactivity into the space. Keeping on brand, Everbrite’s attract state boasts Microsoft colors. This enormous, colorful wall creates a lively atmosphere in the space. Guests who venture up to the screens will realize they are able to manually change the hues, patterns, and create their own pixel images. This act of discovery will encourage others to contribute to the tactile experience.

LOCATIONS: employee social areas

DYNAMIC LOGOThe brand mark as expansive, immersive, environmentalExpand the logo to create an immersive experience. Explode the shapes and colors and interpolate them into a vast array of subtle variations.

The expansion of the logo can be a static application enveloping and encompassing greater spatial volume for bigger impact.

Even better, as an animated motion graphic the application of the logo becomes more fascinating, memorable, and much less predictable.

Being freer with the use of the logo allows for its invigorated application.

LOCATIONS: lobby, customer spaces,branded environments

LENTICULAR WALLPAPER

3D images with the illusion of depth and motion as you walk past.

LOCATIONS: lobby, hubs


WHAT TO DO

SIGNATURE ELEMENTS

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EXAMPLESMICROSOFTARRIVALSOCIALWORK AREAS

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EXAMPLES

Arrival Social Work Areas

Welcome to our HomeThis is our home and we want to make great first impressions and memorable last impressions. Our guests come in the front door, but we arrive through all sorts of ‘doors’. How can we consider all of them? Keep the audience intrigued. Change things up; keep the mind and eye thinking and create that signature calling card, the new version of a ‘welcome mat’.

Fuel up. Take a break. Get together.Work or relax. Social hub and community magnet,the heart and hearth of our home. While mostly social it is also a place to be alone, but with others. It’s fun to be close to the action but view it from the edge. It should be full of personality, different from its surroundings, and worth seeking out in its own right. These are destinations for gathering, social interaction, and work.

The Complete Employee ExperienceThe work areas are critical. They are where people spend most of their time. Spend as much time designing the work areas as the public areas.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHERThe following Journey Experiences are examples of curations of the Big Ideas, Baseline Components, and Signature Elements. Shown here are examples of spatial qualities that can give direction for future projects.

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ARRIVAL - ENTRY / LOBBY EXAMPLES

LIGHTING AS AN ADDED DETAIL

DRAMATIC FOYER | SAY ‘MICROSOFT’ WITHOUT THE SIGN | CONCIERGE VS. RECEPTION | DISGUISE SECURITY | CO-WORK PLAZA | CONNECT TO OTHER SPACES

START THE EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE

LOCAL AND PERSONAL

WOOD WITH VARIETY OF TONES AND TREATMENT

TAILORED AND RELAXED

WOOD FLOORS WITH GRIT AND CHARACTER

DIMENSIONAL AND TACTILE

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PLYWOOD: INEXPENSIVE BUT WARM

BASIC DETAILS WITH STRONG CHARACTER

SOCIAL - HUBSEXAMPLES

INCLUDE NATURE

EVOKE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

FLEXIBLE, MIXED SETTINGS

SOCIAL HEART | SCALABLE | CENTRALLY LOCATED | VIBRANT AND EXCITING | DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT | EMPOWER SOCIAL AND INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTIVITY

HARD FLOORS: CONCRETE

EXPOSED CEILINGS

‘RESIDENTIAL’ KITCHEN MODEL

RELAXED SOFT FURNISHINGS

COMFORT UTILITY SEATING

Primary hub view

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GATHERING POINTS AROUND NATURAL ELEMENTS


CONNECT TO OUTDOOR NATURAL LIGHT | VIBRANT AND EXCITING | DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT | EMPOWER SOCIAL AND INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTIVITY

TREAT THE CONCRETE FLOOR

EXPOSED CEILINGS

INTIMATE, SCREENED SETTINGS

MIXED TONES OF WOOD

TREAT THE WINDOW WALL

UPHOLSTERY WITH DETAIL

Primary hub view

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INCLUDE NATURE

SOCIAL HEART | SCALABLE | VIBRANT AND EXCITING | DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT | EMPOWER SOCIAL AND INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTIVITY

UNIQUE LIGHTING DETAILS

EXPOSED CEILINGS

HARD FLOORS: CONCRETE RUGS DEFINE SPACES

CASUAL CLASSICS

GAMES

COLORFUL AND TACTILE

Secondary hub view

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MICROSOFT EXAMPLES (to date)

PRAGUE (SMSG)83

83 PIONEER STUDIOS (R&D)

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44 CAMBRIDGE, MA (SMSG / Customer)

44 LONDON (SMSG / Customer)

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CAMBRIDGE, MA

B113 (DESIGN)B113 (DESIGN)B44

B16RENDERING

NORTHEAST RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

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HOW TO APPLY - SITE TIERS

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WHAT ARE THE TIERS?

The intention with the site profiling is to ensure that RE&F investments of time, OpEx and CapEx are directed to where it makes most impact. The Tiered site profiling approach is based on the importance of the location to Microsoft business and does not necessarily consider if the site is R&D or Office.

It is a scalable system for applying the Baseline and Signature Components and Tech Expression.

These are all Microsoft spaces and should reflect the Design Language to the greatest extent possible.

All projects should thoughtfully curate the right blend and not try to do everything.

APPLICATION - SITE TIERS

Tier 1

Strategic Locations for the BusinessIntent to stayLarge or Owned sitesCore SpaceSymbolicGlobal and Regional HQsLarge Campuses

Tier 2

Medium or Large non Tier 1 sitesFlexible SpaceMedium term / Flex leaseSupport / Admin functionsTemporary or Flex spaces on large campusesNeutral profileTech expression at SMSG, Not at Corporate

Tier 3

Small sites – Fewer than 100 occupantsShort Lease or serviced officeAgile / cost efficientFunctional / EffectiveTech expression ‘light’

Remodel

Remodels can fall in to any of the three tiers and need specific strategies for each site based on the circumstances.

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Application - Site Tiers


Wall Surfacing

The Human Touch

Nature Infused Discovery Elevate

the Ordinary

A Good HostAlone

andTogether

Timeless with

Distinction

RegionallyRelevant

Color Palette Under FootCeilings,

Structure & Systems



Wall Surfacing

The Window Wall


Distinctive Wayfinding

Wallcovering: CODE

Front DoorArrival

Experience Art? Bring Nature Indoors

Game Play, Hidden

Messaging

TechExpression

Tier One sites should thoughtfully curate the full range of the Design Language but not do everything all at once.

Baseline Components

Signature Elements

Big Ideas

TIER ONE - WHAT TO DO

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Under Foot(hard floor at circulation)

Exposed Structure &

Systems(at arrival/

social)

TIER TWO - WHAT TO DOApplication - Site Tiers

Must Do:

Must Do:

Must Do:

Color PaletteUnder Foot

(hard floor and arrival and

social, carpet)

Exposed Structure &

Systems



Wall Surfacing

The Window Wall


Unique Floor Details

Front Door(go to)

Greet Point: Host /

Concierge

Wallcovering: Code

(go to)


Game Play, Hidden

Messaging

DistinctiveWayfinding

(go to)

Nice to Have:(in order)

Nice to Have:(in order) Front Door

(custom)

DistinctiveWayfinding(custom)

The Human Touch


the Ordinary

A Good Host Alone Together

Timeless with

Distinction

Regionally Relevant

TechExpression

Tier Two sites should thoughtfully curate the range of the Design Language as much as feasible. Scale and scope will be more modest that Tier One sites typically.

Big Ideas

Baseline Components

Signature Elements

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TIER THREE - WHAT TO DOApplication - Site Tiers

Under Foot(concrete floor

at arrival)

Exposed Structure &

Systems(at social)

Must Do:

Must Do:

Must Do:

Color PaletteUnder Foot(concrete

floor at social, carpet)

Exposed Structure &

Systems(at arrival)



Wall Surfacing

The Window Wall


Unique Floor Details

Greet Point: Host /

Concierge

Wallcovering: Code

Ceiling Tile ‘Hack’


Game Play, Hidden

Messaging

Front Door(go to)

DistinctiveWayfinding

(go to)

Nice to Have:(in order)

Nice to Have:(in order) Orientation

&Navigation

(go to)

The Human Touch


the Ordinary

A Good Host Alone Together

Timeless with

Distinction

Regionally Relevant


TechExpression

Big Ideas

Baseline Components

Signature Elements

Tier Three sites will express the root elements of the Design Language. Careful thought must be given to each site’s specific situation as the Design Language is applied.

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Microsoft has a Unique Strategy People are the heart of our purpose. And we believe in what they can make possible.

We are here to empower.

To empower people to achieve more.

We are reinventing productivity.

We do this by delivering experiences that express three key external attributes: Humanizing, Connected, and Intelligent.

“Microsoft is the productivity and platform company for the mobile-first and cloud-first world.”

Satya Nadella

SETTING THE TONE

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www.microsoftworkplace.com

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