Workvitamins is A Programming Tool to Create Innovative Workspaces
In 2001, Martin van der Linden developed a new architectural methodology while working as an assistant researcher at Tokyo’s Waseda University. Martin believed that architecture should be a catalyst for change in innovative environments, and his methodology – called WORKVITAMINS – was based on this idea. But designing innovative and inspirational spaces from the inside out is not an easy task: descriptors such as poet, artist and great lover must be earned by the one being described, and the title of innovative workspace is no different. Therefore, Martin crafted a closed-loop system with four distinct steps:
Initiate
Setting the tone and direction for the project using a Shared Workplace Vision
Analyse
Finding the gaps between an organisation’s ideal conditions and its current situation
Change
Testing creative ideas to address the issues discovered during the analysis
Implement
Realisation of steps 1 through 3 and the design and construction of a truly innovative workplace.
Architecture is space created for human activity. The role of an architect designing a workspace is to provide the users with a variety of spatial choices that will accommodate their changing work needs. Architecture that starts with WorkVitamins encourages authentic experiences at work.