Concept and principles

The organizational concept of our spaces is a layered approach. This approach could denote layers of access, layers of use and layers of experience for both IBM employees and guests. The four personas are at the core of this approach, informing the space and how it’s provisioned across the globe.

In new IBM sites, there will be a significant increase in layering a variety of spaces to support diverse needs from the individual, team and organizational level.

Our new workplace is organized around the work modes of the different personas within every business unit. While our spaces will continue to support teaming and collaboration, there remains a need to provide enclosed and open focus spaces.

Every site will link back to the personas of the present business units. Certain features or functions may need to adjust, as each region, locale, headcount and building is unique. The principles shown here are consistent across our sites.

Each IBM site contains different zones that enable users to make the most of their time in the space. Here’s a representation of logical adjacencies for the various planning zones that defines an IBM space.

The planning zones support a variety of activities, whether IBM employees are collaborating as a team or across business units, meeting with clients or focusing individually. The variety of zones supports work activities to ensure delivery of a diverse and dynamic working environment. Flexibility and choice enable users to choose the zone that best fits their work requirements on any given day.

The diagram illustrates how each module relates to one another to support flexible planning. Modules include a kit of parts that can be assembled in various ways to define team areas. Their configurations and space types vary to support different persona requirements. A module may define a team area, or a series of modules may create a larger team zone.

The diagram doesn’t illustrate prescriptive planning. It simply illustrates examples, as variations will be needed based on the local context and project.

Modules generally consist of:

When distributing space types within zones, design teams should determine a planning grid to help organize spaces and infrastructure. The planning grid will vary building to building, but is typically aligned to a 1.8 m (6 ft) or 1.5 m (5 ft) structural grid.

Whenever possible, aligning built forms—like modules described here—to these grids can helps simplify construction and the distribution of services, such as HVAC or electrical.

Similarly, consolidating or grouping enclosed spaces can increase space efficiency and ultimately reduce cost.

There’s flexibility in the fluidity and configuration of the zones and space types within the workplace. Maintaining adequate clearances is standardized across all our spaces.

Use local code or the dimensions shown here—whatever number is greater.