IRVINE, CA—By including acoustical privacy early in the planning process, organizations will capitalize on a more-productive work environment in offices, Ted Heisler, VP, interior architecture and design, for Ware Malcomb, tells GlobeSt.com. As we recently reported, the firm recently completed construction on the Thales Group offices located at 53 Discovery here, providing interior-architecture-and-design, branding and civil-engineering services for the project.

The 61,000-square-foot project for the firm—a French multinational company that designs and builds electrical systems and provides services for the aerospace, defense, transportation and security markets—incorporates modern technology in a flexible open work environment. A highlight of the new offices is the Customer Experience Center, where Thales' client base of major airlines can experience first-hand Thales' innovative solutions. The center enables customers to set up their own work space in small conference rooms and includes a coffee bar, snacks and refreshments, as well as a business center and multicultural prayer room. The space features product displays, video walls and breakout lounge areas with flat screens.

To reflect Thales' role as a provider of in-flight entertainment systems and services that enrich the travel experience, the offices also features a life-sized aircraft fuselage situated at the center of the demonstration area, creating an interactive experience for visitors. Also included in the new design are a full-service cafeteria with a professional kitchen, a café with a coffee bar and a wide range of seating options for employees to utilize for impromptu collaboration and enhanced socialization.

We spoke with Heisler about the project and the office-design trends he sees as having legs versus those that he sees as short lived.

GlobeSt.com: What stands out for you about this project?

Heisler: The Ware Malcomb-designed 53 Discovery is the heart of the Thales InFlyt Experience campus, with a number of key spaces housed in this location. These versatile spaces include a work café that enhances collaboration among employees and clients, a state of the art research lab for highly technical engineering staff delivering innovative products and a Customer Experience Center for global clients to see product demonstrations and interact with Thales engineers during product development.

GlobeSt.com: Which design elements promote collaboration, innovation and community building within a single-tenant workspace today?

Heisler: Thales' core values of collaboration, innovation and connectivity are woven throughout 53 Discovery space. The Thales work café and coffee bar enhance collaboration and build a sense of community. Thales employees and clients can collaborate while enjoying meals prepared by a professional chef and beverages served by a coffee bar barista. Employees enjoy a variety of flexible settings within the café including a game room, reading area, coloring wall and communal space for large meetings. Technology is a big part of Thales' business and is readily available by WiFi and video conferencing to keep staff connected across time zones. The workspace provides a high degree of visibility allowing staff to interact and stay connected.

GlobeSt.com: Which design trends do you see as being short-lived in the office sector?

Heisler: The design trends for today include open office environments and creative spaces for people to engage freely. What is often overlooked with this trend is the need for a mix of work settings that include acoustical privacy. When employees are engaged in lively conversations the noise level can escalate causing “heads down” work to be less efficient. By including acoustical privacy early in the planning process, organizations will capitalize on a more productive work environment.

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