OPEN HUDDLE

CORPORATE OFFICES & DISTRIBUTION CENTERS

OVERVIEW

Collaboration space with a studio vibe.


Open huddles are designed to enable individual work or collaboration with a buzz of surrounding energy, allowing employees to change their setting and their mindset. The space is meant to optimize functionality by providing power, right conditions for video conferencing, and choice of multiple seating types. Open huddles should provide options to accommodate different group sizes, AV needs, and a variety of furniture types, while keeping the project budget in mind. ï»¿


Design Goals

  • Locate inside the secure perimeter, typically near the open workspace.
  • Design so they have a sense of permanence with distinct finishes, lighting, or use of color and textures. Can be partially enclosed or open, but shouldn’t feel overly exposed to high traffic circulation routes. They may be incorporated with team homes or team storage.
  • Furniture types should vary throughout the building; may include regular height tables, tall tables, lounge seating, or booths. Multiple huddles may be combined into a larger setting.
  • Make it functional! Outlets should be easy to reach. Include at least one of these (booths excluded): whiteboard wall, pin-up walls, rails for foam core boards, presentation screen, or zoom cart.

PHK, Beaverton, Oregon, USA.


Key Components

Download PDF and BIM files below


Download Drawings BIM Folder
  1. Collaboration table
  2. Convenience outlets
  3. Branding opportunity
  4. Writable surface (optional) 


Area:  Varies

Size: Varies

Capacity: 6-8


Branding

There are limited opportunities for branding in Open Huddle spaces. Since most surfaces are meant to support a range of creative tasks and processes, brand application must not obstruct their use. Instead, look for ways to connect with storytelling visible in neighboring areas through selection of color, materials, furnishings and simple graphics.


Cost guardrail for brand investment: Low level


REQUIRED SPECIFICATIONS

  • Clearances
    • Provide clear path of travel of 48” (122cm) between table edges and walls with no obstacles to allow free movement of mobility devices
    • In all other areas, 36" (92cm) min. width, which may be reduced to 32" (81cm) for lengths not exceeding 48" (122cm)
    • Ensure furniture is not blocking the path of travel for people with mobility devices or people with low vision
  • Finishes

    Walls

    • (x1) min. full-height not required. Include working walls (whiteboards or pin-up space)
    • Rubber base (or equivalent) is typical to match adjacent open workspace. Substitutions can be made for a brand or feature wall.

    Floors

    • Use cleanable, durable table finishes that avoid glare 
    • Avoid heavily patterned flooring or products that can cause glare. Provide contrast for visual clarity 
    • Provide transition edges for any freestanding rugs or mats to reduce tripping hazard 
  • Furnishings

    Furniture

    • A variety of seating to accommodate all body sizes and types
    • No booths or seating areas should be on platforms that exclude people with mobility devices (a platform with a ramp is okay)
    • Wheelchair users should have a seating position so they are out of the circulation path
    • Provide choices in furniture that accommodate people with different body sizes and mobility. Tall tables should not be the only option, nor should low lounge chairs (may be difficult to get in and out of)
    • Provide 30% min. of regular table height between 31"-34" (79cm-86cm), with a clear knee space at least 28" (71cm)
    • Individuals can pull up to tables without obstruction below the surface 

    Accessories

    • OPTIONAL: Writable surfaces: designed for use by full range of body types and from seated to standing
  • Casework and Plumbing

    Booth

    • Seat 2-6 people
    • (x2) booths are preferred in open huddles
    • Proportions: Use the required dimensions or approve variances with the design team
    1. Seating: 18” (46cm) max. depth
    2. Table: 36” x 48” (92cm x 122cm) 
    3. Table legs: 19” (48cm) min. inboard from the table edge to allow people using mobility devices to work comfortably
    4. Open knee space: 27” (69cm) min. height
    5. Low profile wall mount 4” (10cm) max.
    • Avoid separation panels between booths or ceiling enclosure, these are more costly and give a false sense of privacy
    • Do not install booths on raised platforms
    • At least one booth should be accessible for use by people with mobility assistive technology (wheelchair, scooter). The mobility device should be able to pull up without reducing the primary circulation path width, which may require the table edge to be setback from the walls on each side of the booth. Provide a 36” x 48” (92cm x 122cm) clear floor space
    • Clearances
    1. Allow someone using a mobility device to pull up without reducing the primary circulation path width. 27" (68.5cm) high knee clearance and a clear floor space on one side of at least 32" x 54" (81.5cm x 137cm). This may require the table edge to be setback from the walls on each side of the booth
    2. Table legs should be at least 19” (48cm) inboard from the table edge to allow people using mobility devices to work comfortably
    • For enclosed booths: Seal gaps for acoustics
    • Angled back is preferred, but not required
    • Durable, cleanable seating materials
  • Acoustics
    • Avoid reverberation and noise disrupting adjacent open workspace. Impact sound (footsteps, doors closing, etc.) shouldn’t be a distraction to adjacent spaces. Supports transition from a quiet, focused area to more energetic spaces
    • Noise criteria (NC): 40-45 dBA
  • Equipment
    • Ensure that monitors, accessories, shelves, etc. do not protrude more than 4” (10cm) from the wall; otherwise, provide a credenza
    • Ensure that meeting software has accessibility features for presentations (e.g. closed captioning, audio explanation for images) 
  • Electrical

    Outlets

    • Above desk electrical outlet(s) at accessible heights for laptop and peripheral charging
    • (x1) electrical outlet behind display
    • If booths are provided, provide (x1) above table per booth

    Lighting

    • Lighting and other controls should be mounted between 44”-48” (112cm-122cm)
    • 30-40 FC (323-430 LUX). Calibrate on-site within the range listed
    • Controls: User dimmable with vacancy sensor
    • If used, hang suspended fixtures at 8’ (2.4m) min. above the floor and 18” (46cm) min. below the ceiling
    • Lamps or feature lights to define the space or add character
  • Wayfinding
    • See Wayfinding section
    • ID sign only if the Open Huddle is assigned as a team home
    • Often a good opportunity for placemaking
  • Branding
    • All painted elements should be easy to clean and resistant to food spills or normal wear.  Low VOC paints should be used whenever possible.
    • Wallpaper should be non-vinyl wall covering such as DreamScape Terralon.
    • Furniture painted with brand colors should be powdercoated for durability.
    • Custom furniture or upholstery should follow CAL 133 or other local flammability standards 
    • Standard window film is 3M Fasara Cloud or similar.  Custom window film prints can be added in special circumstances.
    • Framed graphics are typically Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG’s)

  • Technology
  • Safety and Security
    • For Workplace Security standards, contact your local Design or PM team. EHS standards can be found in resources

Examples

Berlin, Germany

Subtle Branding

Brand imagery is applied to built-in shelving units to bring energy and personality to the space. Open shelving maintains its function, allowing objects to be displayed and stored.

 John McEnroe, PHK

Leveraging Adjacencies

Branding provides a textural backdrop to screens and whiteboards while the material choices bring warmth to the space and connect with Nike's standard palette. A large-scale wall graphic leading into the space adds a discoverable element that does not impact space function, and conveys a sense of permanence.

EHQ - Hilversum, Netherlands

Curated Objects

Curated objects bring Nike stories to built in shelving. Decorative accents like a chevron area rug in Volt and ottomans in Blue Ribbon Sports Blue embed Nike heritage into the space.