Workspace as strategic recruitment platform

Their immediate challenge is to recruit, within a short timeframe, the brightest talents from this intensely competitive recruitment pool. What is it then that can both wow the talents and sets Symbian apart from its peers? Symbian top management feels that the physical workplace holds the key. "This space is where interviewees learn first-hand for the first time who Symbian is," says Patrik Falk, Managing Director, Symbian Beijing. "This is also where, when people join the team, they will be working together daily to build the continued success of the Symbian OS™. Therefore, we want the space to be a unique and creative environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and team spirit."

To create this uniquely Symbian space, the M Moser team sought to reflect the essence of Symbian. Written in its own C++ language, Symbian OS™ is a living platform which, like an organism growing and self-reinventing, drives forward the rapid ongoing mobile communications revolution. In a similar way, the workspace is a living platform that, organic and spontaneous, inspires creative thinking and innovation in the people working in it.

A living platform is one that is open and congenial, ideal for communication. The client floor and office floor are designed as "living platforms" for the different kinds of activities taking place.

To visualise the fluid, organic yet abstract nature of the business of mobile communication, an open landscape is sculpted in the reception and visitor's lounge area with custom-designed fixtures. The reception desk is tailor-made with both fluidity and strength imbedded in the shape. The reception wall features original wood patterns that establish the organic theme. From here, a pathway leads the visitor into the space, its abstract gravel patterns simulating a path in nature. A bamboo wall, together with the C++ language feature wall across the path, forms the backdrop of the abstract landscape. Originally obstructing the open plan, structural columns are turned into tree trunks, defining the vertical dimension of the landscape. Surrounding one tree is the lounge sofa, shaped in a semi-oval configuration, subtly echoing the reception desk. Against another tree leans a gently curving slope, with clear-glass "nurturing pods" displaying the mobile phones operating on Symbian OS™. Further in is an informal breakout area with an open pantry. The black and white landscape is enlivened by natural light bursting through the meeting room glass partitions and by the vividly colored chairs.

Taking visual cues from winding paths of nature, a main artery is created through the heart of the office floor, an open plan arrangement with plenty of natural light for everyone. Views evolve as one moves along the main path, affording an interesting spatial experience in an otherwise nondescript corridor. A variety of spaces that facilitate communication and teamwork are incorporated in the open office to encourage different modes of collaboration.

The hot spots - communication foci - are located on both sides of the main path. First there are the elliptical meeting rooms with transparent glass walls and curtains. The curtains become multi-functional props, bringing privacy and better acoustics to the meeting rooms. Visually, they are reminiscent of nomads' tents, so the meeting rooms subtly reference that people with mobile connectivity are nomads in the 21st century.

The focal points for communication are not limited to meeting rooms. By unconventionally placing managers' stations by the main path, collaboration is enabled as managers can easily reach people passing by for a chat. Likewise people are encouraged to drop in to discuss problems with their supervisors. Chance encounter is increased, and people communicate more easily and spontaneously, while privacy is ensured through the semi-open high partitions. For the often required quick discussions, people need not go far - the system furniture has table ends that serve as quick meeting spots for two-to-three people discussion.

For a total change of scene and a get-away from heads-down time, staff can enjoy the generous pantry/library at the south end of the main path. The sun-drenched space allows the staff to carry out multiple modes of collaboration over cappuccinos. The casual and relaxing feel adds to the convivial working environment. A flat screen TV and a foosball table help people blow off steam. Movable tables and chairs allow reconfiguration for occasions such as casual meetings or staff members' birthday parties.