Implementing Ontological Design – For a conversation on how ontological design can be incorporated in your space, book a call with us today.
This Non-Profit Foundation, renowned for its philanthropic endeavors with a substantial endowment of over $100 million, embarked on a visionary project to construct a contemporary office building. This 5,000 square foot space was meticulously designed not just to accommodate functions but to elevate the space’s essence, nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. The foundation’s commitment to innovative thinking, community engagement, and holistic growth is profoundly intertwined with the ontological design elements of the building.
Project Overview:
Location: The contemporary office building is strategically situated in the heart of the Oklahoma, fostering accessibility and connectedness with non-profit partners and the community.
Space: Spanning 5,000 square feet, the building embodies zones tailored for diverse activities aligned with the foundation’s mission of improving the community’s quality of life.
Ontological Design: The building’s ontologically designed elements go beyond aesthetics, aiming to stimulate profound shifts in perception, interaction, and thought processes.
Ontological Design Elements:
Sensory Aesthetics: The building’s design seamlessly integrates sensory experiences. Textures, lighting, and acoustic elements are carefully curated to evoke emotions and inspire contemplation. Visitors and occupants are invited to engage more deeply with their surroundings, stimulating curiosity and creative thinking.
Nature Integration: The building brings nature indoors through large glass windows facing the beautiful, forested portion of the property. This natural space is home to various birds, deer and other creatures. This integration not only creates a serene atmosphere but also fosters a sense of connection to the environment, encouraging innovative solutions inspired by nature’s brilliance. To help encourage the role of nature in this design, an extra-large patio with comfortable seating, multiple vignettes and integrated speakers allows for further idea creation and even the hosting of an evening fundraiser.
Circulation and Flow: The building’s layout emphasizes fluid movement, minimizing traditional rigid structures. Open spaces, water features, and interconnected areas stimulate dynamic conversations, providing opportunities for impromptu interactions and the cross-pollination of ideas. For instance, in the Idea Space, we created flexible seating that could be pulled and pushed apart, thanks to its wedge shapes.
Multi-Sensory Experience Zones: Purposeful zones within the building cater to different sensory experiences – from quiet meditation spaces with soothing sounds to vibrant collaborative areas with interactive installations with the wedge furniture shapes mentioned above, magnetic whiteboards and even room for walking for thinkers who need to move their body at the same time as their mind. These spaces trigger different ways of thinking and contribute to innovative problem-solving.
Ambient Light Play: The use of ambient light in various hues and intensities is orchestrated to create specific moods and enhance cognitive flexibility. This play of light engages the mind, inspiring innovative insights and fostering mental agility. Thanks to synthetic lights and dimmers, we were able to create various moods and compensate for those winter days that may be too rainy or dark.
Reflective Installations: The building incorporates reflective surfaces and installations strategically placed to prompt introspection. Encounters with one’s reflection or the surroundings lead to deeper contemplation, a catalyst for new ideas and perspectives. From mirrors in the bathroom to even catching yourself in the glass, the occupant has a moment of reflection.
Impact and Outcomes:
The construction of the contemporary office building, enriched with ontological design principles, epitomizes the Non-Profit Foundation’s commitment to transcending conventional spaces and fostering a mindset of innovation and collaboration. Through the careful integration of sensory aesthetics, nature-inspired elements, fluid circulation, and multi-sensory experiences, the foundation has established an environment that elevates occupants’ consciousness, nurtures creative ideation, and encourages innovative problem-solving. This building stands as a testament to the Non-Profit Foundation’s profound dedication to not only enhancing the quality of life within the community but also enriching the very thought processes that drive positive change.
To discuss ontological design in your space, book a call with us today!