HOUSTON—DesignHive by Brookfield Houston is a collection of four office suites that showcase the workspace of the future. Located on the 37^th floor of the historic class-A 1600 Smith building in the central business district, the designs address the ever-changing needs of modern space users, according to Brookfield Property Partners LP.

“Brookfield and the designers have found that modern technology is resulting in workers becoming more nomadic, so the DesignHive project created spaces that users will want to come to and stay in,” Paul Frazier, executive vice president and head of the Houston region for Brookfield, tells GlobeSt.com. “The multi-functional suites offer various 'destinations' for the user to choose from, depending on their current mood, supporting collaboration or privacy through formal and/or informal environments.”

The DesignHive suites are markedly different, each offering a unique interpretation of the future work environment. Yet all designers wholly agree: workspaces and Houston are evolving every day, so flexibility is paramount in addressing this ever-changing idea.

And, the design didn't rule out the past entirely. Inspiration was pulled from the building's historic architecture. Rottet Studio looked to communal spaces in office designs of the '50s and '60s, Ziegler Cooper's concept, “assemblage,” was popularized by Louise Nevelson in the '40s and '50s, Gensler's strategy draws from the theater and library, and Inventure Design employs the age-old Chinese philosophy of yin and yang.

“1600 Smith holds an iconic place in the downtown Houston skyline. When it was built in 1984, its innovative architecture created a new standard for the downtown Houston office tower. Now, DesignHive is redefining the standard for the modern work environment,” said Frazier.

Fully funded by Brookfield, the firms were given a set budget to cover the hard and soft costs of construction, and seven months to plan and execute designs. The construction firm was O'Donnell Snider Construction.

“DesignHive is creating spaces where people want to work. This project is unlike anything we've seen in the Houston market, so we were thrilled to lead construction efforts and see it to fruition,” said Randy O'Donnell, principal of O'Donnell Snider.

All suites have open common areas to foster collaboration, but also accommodate the remaining need for private space. Distinguishing design elements of the suites include open space to support different work modes, as well as personal and cultural attributes of the modern user. In lieu of constructing walls, the suite uses drapery for flexibility and acoustics.

“Our goal is to encourage spontaneous interactions through less-defined spaces,” said Chris Evans, senior associate at Rottet Studio.

Another feature unique to Rottet Studio's office is the “notch” running up 1600 Smith tower.

“The notch drove how we located a lot of the spaces features,” says Evans. “We wanted to engage users to utilize this area, pushing them towards the Houston skyline view.”

DesignHive offers immediate leasing and move-in opportunities for traditional and technology, advertising, media and information tenants.

“Regardless of industry, today's tenants increasingly demand a modern office environment. DesignHive demonstrates that a high-rise like 1600 Smith—with great architecture and design, amenities, greenspace, collaboration, connectivity, parking and access to public transit—is a viable option for a broad spectrum of tenant categories to thrive,” said Frazier.

“Our goal is to encourage spontaneous interactions through less-defined spaces,” said Chris Evans, senior associate at Rottet Studio.

Another feature unique to Rottet Studio's office is the “notch” running up 1600 Smith tower.

“The notch drove how we located a lot of the spaces features,” says Evans. “We wanted to engage users to utilize this area, pushing them towards the Houston skyline view.”

DesignHive offers immediate leasing and move-in opportunities for traditional and technology, advertising, media and information tenants.

Instant Insights /

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