The transformation of the office from the standard bullpen configuration to today's dynamic, flexible and open floorplans has required new design methodologies that incorporate tools and technologies that are readily available to interior designers. Moreover, the increased use of teams in the workplace challenges interior designers to create environments that accommodate group and individual tasks. This two-phased research study explored the use of a web-based pattern language as a new tool for designing and evaluating teaming spaces. Pattern language is a design formulation methodology developed in 1977 by Christopher Alexander and his associates. It consists of a series of interrelated physical elements combined to create a framework for design solutions.
A web-based pattern language for teaming environments was created by this researcher and evaluated by an e-mail questionnaire sent to a sample of expert design professionals. The feedback from the survey was used to revise the existing language and was the tool used for phase two. This phase tested the pattern language against an existing teaming environment by having the researcher evaluate the space determining the inclusion of each pattern. A focus group was also surveyed and the results of both evaluations were compared for similarities.
The results of phase one showed that of those design professionals surveyed, the majority believe pattern language could be a valuable design as well as evaluation tool. Phase two results showed similarities between the responses by the researcher compared with those of the focus group.
In summary, pattern language may be a useful tool for the design and evaluation of teaming environments.
