Designing Workplaces That Work:<br> How Community-Based Design Creates Better Offices

The way we work has changed, and offices need to keep up. Today’s best workplaces blend collaboration, focus, and flexibility, making employees feel connected, supported, and productive. That’s where Community-Based Design comes in—a human-centered approach that creates vibrant, functional office spaces.
At Franklin, we partner with Steelcase to design offices that foster connection, creativity, and productivity. Here’s how:

• The Key to a Great Workplace? Think Like a City.
  The best offices function like bustling cities—with different spaces designed for different needs.
• City Center – The Social Hub
  Much like a town square, this is the heart of the office—where employees connect, collaborate, and recharge. Think cafés, resource stations, and casual meeting spots—designed to bring people together naturally.
• Neighborhoods – The Team’s Home Base
  Employees need a predictable, familiar space to focus and collaborate. Neighborhoods are team hubs with a mix of individual workstations, shared desks, and meeting areas—customized to fit how often people are in the office.
• Business District – Where Ideas Happen
  Collaboration drives innovation, but today’s teams need flexibility and tech integration to work effectively. These spaces mix meeting rooms, brainstorming zones, and adjacent focus areas, making it easy to switch between group work and deep thinking.
• Urban Parks – A Place to Recharge
  Just like a city needs green space, employees need mental breaks. Quiet nooks, lounge areas, and outdoor seating offer a place to disconnect, reset, or casually connect with others.
• University District – Learning for the Future
  Workplaces need dedicated spaces for growth. Training rooms, mentoring spaces, and informal learning zones help employees develop skills, share knowledge, and stay ahead.

Why It Works

• Encourages Connection – Thoughtfully designed spaces build community and collaboration
• Supports Different Work Styles – Balances focus, teamwork, and relaxation
• Boosts Productivity & Well-Being – Gives employees control over how and where they work

Let’s Build the Workplace of the Future

Your office should be more than just desks and chairs—it should be a place where employees thrive. At Franklin, we design flexible, high-performance workspaces that bring people together, boost productivity, and support hybrid work.

Let’s create a space that works for your team. Reach out today!