Defining a new way of working

Gartner Mid-Atlantic Center of Excellence

Gartner desired a new regional headquarters that was both agile and performance driven. The company was intent on making significant internal changes by transitioning from private offices to an open work environment, and this new headquarters was the opportunity to get it right. Given all these mandated changes, our task was more than just the design of a new corporate headquarters—it was to define a new way of working.

For the 12 stacked staff floors, the team created a rich menu of spaces where staff can efficiently and effortlessly navigate from assigned to non-assigned work spaces. The sheer number of work options allows individuals to customize their daily routine and maximize their time between focused, collaborative, social, and learning environments.

However, work today isn’t just about efficiency and speed, it’s also about socializing and community. The café floor is the ideal place for staff to come together. Designed as a park-like environment, it offers dozens of seating and lounging arrangements inspired by the outdoors, including trees, benches, picnic tables, and even an alleyway.

Gartner’s shift from private offices to open work environment would ultimately result in a 23% reduction in real estate while increasing space occupancy by nearly 40%, and combining the variety of work spaces with the destination café floor, this new headquarters is well-suited for this generation’s work style.