An informal typology of workplace

How do we define a productive city?

The thesis explores architecture as a ripple effect: buildings create impacts that go far beyond their walls. The effect of architecture on both individuals and the wider society is far broader than that. In order for architecture to enhance the city’s productivity it needs to consider its wider ripple effects such as social, cultural, environmental and economic impacts.

The Ripple explores an informal typology of workplace, based on the emergent concept of co-working. Situated in the neglected area of Royal Docks in London, the scheme aims to regenerate the site’s urban fabric by creating different scales of impact. From a macro scale, the Ripple aims to socially and culturally reconnect the surrounding context and wider community as well as enhance the commercial regeneration of the area. On a micro scale, it aims to connect the growing industries of London; tech and creative start-ups as well as freelancers. By considering the current impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of hybrid working, the building aspires to create a sense of domesticity to empower a stronger connection between working and living.    

The informal corridor is a key space of the workplace that acts as an “in-between” space. It architecturally celebrates domesticity in the work environment and the idea of informality through providing moments of social and wellbeing interactions. The design of the corridor is inspired from the natural movement of the ripple effect to portray that one event activates an expansive set of other events. The informal corridor has its own ripple effect; it celebrates physical proximity, and it can lead to knowledge sharing and incidental learning.