Amenities at the Edge: Where the Workplace Meets the Street

The article "Amenities at the Edge: Where the Workplace Meets the Street" by Brian Stromquist, dated October 31, 2023, discusses the evolving relationship between office buildings and the urban streetscape in the context of post-pandemic recovery. As cities rebound, with increasing numbers of people returning to central business districts, there is an opportunity to reimagine ground-level office spaces as multiuse destinations that engage both employees and the community. This revitalization is not just about catering to the daytime workforce but also about enhancing the overall experience of being in the city. According to Gensler's 2023 City Pulse Survey, there is a strong correlation between the quality of experience in a city's central business district and the overall perception of the city. The article suggests that companies have a role to play in this transformation, by programming pedestrian-facing spaces in ways that connect the workplace with the community, thereby enriching the urban experience for everyone.

Stromquist outlines two operational approaches for integrating workplaces with the urban environment: the "Inside Out" and "Outside In" approaches. The "Inside Out" approach focuses on extending workplace amenities to the public, such as creating storefronts that act as interfaces between the company and the community, offering public-private spaces like coworking areas, or using virtual environments to bridge office and community. The "Outside In" approach involves bringing the community into the building, for instance, through artist residencies that enhance the visual character of the workplace, event spaces for educational and cultural activities, and care centers for services like childcare and mental health. These initiatives not only transform office buildings into more dynamic, engaging spaces but also contribute to a vibrant street-level experience that extends beyond conventional office hours. This reimagining of office spaces is seen as critical to enhancing public perception and fostering a sense of community in urban areas.