Space Matrix designs a multisensory office space for Northern Trust

Space Matrix, a leading multinational workplace design and build consultancy headquartered in Singapore, recently designed a one-of-its-kind empathetic and multisensory workplace in Pune for Northern Trust. A financial services company, Northern Trust Corporation is headquartered in Chicago and is one of the largest banks in the United States. Besides showcasing Northern Trust’s core values such as inclusivity and wellness, the company wanted their space to be intuitive to use, specifically for those with special needs. Thus, Space Matrix designed an office which relies on multiple senses to impart information and provide a more appealing work experience. The newly designed office offers many unique features such as way finding aids to improve accessibility. Speaking about this, Jaiprakash Aildasani, Regional Managing Director, India, Space Matrix said, “Experiential ergonomics encompasses several aspects to offer employees a synergistic ecosystem that allows fostering the best out of the individuals interacting with it. This was the entire concept behind designing the multisensory office for Northern Trust. It was created with the understanding that people experience spaces differently and this is what enhances employee productivity and satisfaction. We must fall back on simple principles such as quality of sound, climatization and spatial sensibility. Space Matrix strives to innovate starting at the core of humanness, and this is what our work in the Northern Trust office reflects.” Going with the core concept of inclusivity, Space Matrix has included design cues that enable the differently abled to enjoy the wholesome experience as well. The contrasting interplay of quiet and busy zones helps them in finding their way around the office. The flooring is differentiated with carpets, vinyl, concrete, and wood. There are tactile strips on the floor that aid in easy navigation. Braille signage and artwork placed at strategic locations around the Northern Trust office not only function as wayfinding devices but also make the office more welcoming. Some other design aspects include a Buddhist-styled musical installation, a circadian lighting system that adjusts with the time of the day, and a pantry on every floor featuring widescreen televisions for amicable interaction. Mr. Sanjeev Tullicherry, Senior Vice President, Workplace Services - Facilities Management - APAC at Northern Trust said, “Employee productivity has a direct relationship with their health and wellness. Given that this is the basis of all values and the work we do at the Northern Trust, we wanted our office design to mirror the same. Space Matrix not only understood this requirement but also ensured that these values come out appropriately in every way possible. We also wanted to ensure that our workspace is intuitive towards those with special needs. The design is reflective of all these and we are happy to have collaborated with Space Matrix." Northern Trust’s innovative Pune office carries the brand’s value icon, a huge anchor right at the entrance. Space Matrix has strived to balance the energies with distinctive use of warm tones in the work area while giving meeting rooms a calmer appeal. Alternative work chambers installed across the hall allow people to deviate from the rut of a mundane workday. There is an integral acoustical appeal which grants a serene aura to the Northern Trust office. With the understanding that comforting, homely aromas instantly make a space feel more welcoming, Space Matrix has also designed food and coffee points near the entrance making for a great olfactory first impression. The five senses play a vital and complex role in forming thoughts, impressions and behaviours. By targeting them, organisations can build a strong emotional connection with their employees, leading to an increase in productivity and potentially a positive outcome on their overall success.