architect office design case study

Shop for home

Herman Miller online store

Discover new ways to live, work, and play. Our online store is stocked with best-selling classics and contemporary favorites designed for every mood and mode.

• Small Business Program

Herman Miller Professional

Let's grow together. Sign up for Herman Miller Professional, and receive product advice, exclusive discounts, and complimentary 3D renderings for your small business.

Learn and plan

For more than 100 years, Herman Miller has provided solutions that stand the test of time. Explore products and resources designed to inspire the best in people.

• Where to Buy
• Customer Service

• Office Chairs
• Side Chairs
• Stacking Chairs
• Nesting Chairs
• Lounge Seating
• Outdoor Seating
• All Seating
• Workstations
• Private Office
• Collaborative Furniture
• Sit-to-Stand
• All Desks and Workspaces
• Conference Tables
• Sit-to-Stand Tables
• Training Tables
• Dining Tables
• Occasional Tables
• Outdoor Tables
• All Storage
• Room Dividers
• Privacy Screens
• Freestanding Screens
• All Space Division
• Healthcare Casework
• Nurses Stations
• Healthcare Seating
• Healthcare Carts and Storage
• Healthcare Technology Support
• Healthcare Tables
• Healthcare Casegoods
• Waiting Area Seating
• Waiting Area Tables
• All Healthcare
• Technology Support
• Power Access
• Desk Accessories
• All Accessories
• Ancillary Portfolio
• OE1 Workspace Collection
• Herman Miller x HAY Collection
• Thrive Ergonomic Portfolio
• Patient Rooms
• Waiting Areas
• Administrative Areas
• Laboratories
• Materials Management
• Common Spaces
• Learning Spaces
• U.S. Federal
• U.S. State and Local
• Workplace Consulting
• Search Images
• Product Models
• Planning Ideas
• Symbol Libraries
• Search Materials
• Return Material Samples
• Application Charts
• Custom Materials and COM
• Chip Charts
• MicrobeCare
• Case Studies
• White Papers

Can Office Design Improve Efficiency?

Harry's Case Study

New York City, New York, US

Download PDF   (1.8 MB)

Harry’s former headquarters was essentially one cavernous workroom, a 3,000-square-foot loft in New York’s SoHo neighborhood. The space worked well enough in the company’s early days. The open office lent itself to interaction, and, because there weren’t many employees, there was enough space for people to separate themselves from the fray. But by the time the company had grown to a team of 65, the workplace had lost some of its charm. Business analysts squinted at spreadsheets alongside chatty customer service representatives, and product samples and packaging materials spilled over into the reception area.

“It was hectic,” recalls Scott Newlin, Design Director for the men’s grooming company. “All of that energy is great for momentum, but it also hurts your day-to-day when you’re just trying to have a phone conversation and you can’t.”

Inefficiency: The Cost of Making Do

Plagued by the pervasive hum of conversation and activity, people sought refuge in the outside hallway and stairwells for private conversations and phone calls. Meetings were another issue. With only two conference rooms to share, people were forced to gather in the freight elevator.

“We were meeting there in the depths of winter, wearing our winter jackets and sitting at a little cardboard table set up in the middle,” says Jeff Raider, Harry’s co-Founder and co-CEO. “At that point we knew we needed more shared space.”

The design for the new space would harness the vibrancy of the old office, but also allow people to do their best work.

It was more than just the inconvenience of meeting in elevators that drove the company to seek new accommodations. Harry’s office was inhibiting the collaborative creativity that had helped the start-up grow from two guys with an idea for improving the shaving experience to a booming business.

“Very few individual people in our company can see a project from start to finish,” says Raider. “It almost always involves a team effort. But in our old space, we were constrained. We had to dedicate the vast majority of the office to individual workspaces and desks, which didn’t leave lots of room for people to get together.”

The office was impeding employees’ efficiency, too. Hours were lost sending emails back and forth to schedule meetings in the single conference room. And with limited storage—placed far away from the workspace—people were running in circles to complete simple tasks.

Many employees had learned how to cope with the pitfalls of an outgrown office, but for new people and prospective hires, these small annoyances seemed overwhelming.

“We did have a couple of people come in that were interested in working for the company,” says Newlin. “I think that the old space and its buzz, and its energy and hecticness, were really something they had to sit and think about whether they would be able to work in a space like that.”

New Insights Through Discovery

The time had come for a new facility, and for a new way of thinking about the workplace. Harry’s worked with Studio Tractor and Herman Miller to design its new 26,000-square-foot space. And because Harry’s wanted to avoid the difficulties it faced in the old space, the company looked to Herman Miller and its Living Office® framework to better understand the ways its people work, identify the types of settings that would support their activities, and create a workplace where anyone would be proud to reside.

To begin this journey, Herman Miller guided Harry’s through the Living Office Discovery Process, which helps companies identify their purpose, business drivers, character, and activities. This allows an organization and its design partners to prioritize the settings that will best support the needs of people and the business, and to create a workplace with the right mix of these spaces.

Company leaders kicked off the process by identifying key organizational goals that they hoped the new workplace would help them advance. These included promoting knowledge sharing, increasing efficiency, and attracting and retaining top talent.

Next, employee focus groups met to identify aspects of the organization’s character—was it more formal or informal, uniform or diverse—and identified and prioritized daily work activities. The focus groups uncovered a few surprises along the way.

How to Be an Efficiency Expert

Read the Article

Living Office specialists led focus groups, including architects from Studio Tractor, through the Living Office Discovery Process to help the design team plan an office that would support people's activities, so people could work together—and alone—more efficiently.

From Findings to Floorplans

The first revelation was the staff’s desire for the organization—and their office—to become more formal in character. After working in a chaotic, open-plan office that didn’t support their activities, Harry’s employees craved more structure, organization, and efficiency.

“As a group that is working in a small space that has no real walls or boundaries or areas for specific tasks—literally just an open plan—I think that what ends up happening is you kind of feel like you’re grasping for structure,” says Newlin. “Private offices start sounding nice at that point.”

A second and equally important discovery was that their space wasn’t supporting the full range of activities people were doing throughout the day—creating new products, answering emails and phone calls, having quick chats and longer conversations, and solving problems together, to name a few.

“Through the discovery process, we really broke our activities and floorplan down into numbers,” says Newlin. “We need this number of conference rooms, we need this number of one-on-one chat rooms, this number of lounge areas where you could put your laptop on your lap and just work.”

Since the Living Office Discovery Process revealed that innovation is a top priority for Harry's, its new office has plenty of places for people to meet both formally and informally.

The Right Settings, Rightly Placed

Insights such as this helped Harry’s and the design team from Studio Tractor transform the new office into a diverse landscape with settings they could be confident would support a full range of activities—no easy feat in Harry’s cavernous new space. “At 26,000 square feet, the trick is to make sure the space doesn’t look like a ghost town,” says Mark Kolodziejczak, an architect at Studio Tractor. “With Living Office, you have different settings that support different activities. The settings are dispersed, but they allow activities to happen in meaningful proximity to one another.”

Employees now have formal Meeting Spaces where they can present to potential investors, small Coves for informal conversations, and bustling Hives where customer service representatives can power through emails or have quick chats with colleagues. In the Clubhouse Setting, graphic designers can easily create together. And if a task requires quiet, people can camp out in Havens—enclosed rooms that are perfect for making phone calls or thinking through problems.

With all of this variety and the freedom to work in the settings that best suit their needs, Harry’s employees were excited to move into the new space. But the true test came six months later when Herman Miller checked in to determine if these settings were actually helping the staff connect more easily and be more efficient. To do this, Herman Miller conducted robust, on-site research using a variety of methods, including on-site observation and extensive surveys among leadership and staff.

Wrote one employee in a survey. “The new layout allows for free communication with colleagues from all departments. But it’s comfortable and quiet enough to keep you focused.”

Giving Serendipity More Space

Settings aren’t the only thing helping people work better together. The hallways and open areas that cover 58 percent of the floorplan are also encouraging people to connect. These connective zones give people more opportunities to move about, bump into one another, and share ideas—much more than their former location, where only 37 percent of the layout was dedicated to circulation.

“In the last space, I felt like people weren’t moving because there weren’t options, or they were moving out of desperation,” says Rachel Peck, Staff Manager. “Here there are options and flexibility.”

Adjacencies Drive Efficiency

At the beginning of the project, Harry’s leadership team had also identified “Increasing Efficiency” as an important business driver. This priority was closely tied to the staff’s desire for a more seamless and structured workflow, which they expressed during the discovery process. The organized, efficient new floorplan is making this a reality.

“We have our marketing team sitting next to our customer acquisition team, who on a day-to-day basis have dozens of conversations,” says Newlin. “I think this really allowed a more streamlined approach to the way they work. It also has allowed us to take less time in between certain tasks.”

The employee survey shows that people are noticing this new level of efficiency. Only 29 percent of people thought their old office helped them work productively, but now 70 percent think the new space is helping them do their jobs faster and better.

Bringing the Brand to Life

When you walk into Harry’s new home—bright, open, vibrant but not chaotic—it’s easy to believe that the new space will help the company move the dial on its third business driver: attracting and retaining top talent. Anyone visiting the space will get a clear understanding of the type of company they will be working for. Harry’s brand and culture are evident in larger design choices as well as small details—from a display area with brightly colored razors and bottles of shaving cream and lotion, to a pop of blue from the company’s logo on the legs of desks.

Expressions of Harry's brand, including bright pops of blue, connect diverse settings throughout the office.

“I’ll meet somebody who I think might be a great fit for Harry’s. And my next step is always, ‘Come to our office. Just come check us out,”’ says Raider. “I think because we are so proud of our space, it speaks for itself for all who come here. They’re like, ‘Whoa, this is cool. It’s well designed, it’s open, it’s collaborative.’ The brand immediately comes to life.”

Peck agreed: “Every time I bring a visitor or guest in here people are impressed with the space. That’s really nice to finally be in a grown-up space where it feels good to bring friends, candidates, and investors.”

The employee survey also underscores this sentiment. Before the move, only 47 percent of employees were proud to bring visitors to the office. In the new space, 98 percent say they feel a sense of pride when they bring someone to visit.

Giving People What They Need

With its new workplace, Harry’s is fulfilling more than just their business needs; they’re also fulfilling people’s fundamental needs, such as security and autonomy. Take security, for example. When an office allows people to get their work done in a comfortable, intuitive way, people can worry less and focus more. Newlin can already see this happening in their new office. “You can walk into this space and know exactly what you need to do during the day, where you’re supposed to work, and where you can store things,” says Newlin.

Separated from the main workspace, Harry’s spacious café is a place where employees can enjoy meals together and hold impromptu meetings with colleagues.

In a Jump Space setting, anyone—from visitors to employees—can touch down to work for a few hours.

People also feel like their need for autonomy is being fulfilled; they appreciate that they have a choice of settings and the freedom to work in the ones that suit them best. Survey findings confirm this: 83 percent of employees said that they have the tools and resources they need to do their work, and 60 percent said that they have the ability to choose where they can work within the office. Newlin is already seeing a positive effect on employee satisfaction. “We have more spaces where people can work without being impeded by private conversations,” says Newlin. “People seem to feel happier in the spaces where they work.”

This improvement in employee morale is substantiated by the results of Harry’s Leesman Survey, which measures workplace effectiveness and employees’ satisfaction with it. While Harry’s previous accommodations garnered a mediocre 48.4 out of 100, its new headquarters received a 71.9—nearly twelve points higher than the Leesman Global Benchmark of 60.1.

Primed for Growth

It’s not that the new workplace is perfect—Harry’s has had to order additional furniture to support its growing staff, and make a few adjustments to the layout to better suit the staff’s workflow—but that’s what Living Office is about. It’s a system for creating work environments with a variety of purposeful settings that are capable of growing and changing as naturally as the people who occupy them.

“In many ways I feel like we have a Living Office,” says Raider. “I know the word living has multiple meanings. I think one is it’s an office that we feel like we can live in, and that accentuates action and vibrancy in the way that we interact. The other thing is that it can constantly evolve, and you can learn. And that’s very much aligned with how we think about growing our business. We’re really excited to continue to make this a Living Office.”

• Consumer Goods
• Collaboration
• Performance
• Sayl Chairs
• Public Office Landscape
• Layout Studio

Herman Miller

• Better World
• Our Designers
• Living Spaces

For Business

• Enterprise eCommerce

For Education

• Education Solutions

For Government

• State and Local

For Healthcare

• Healing Spaces
• Care and Assembly
• Chair Adjustments
• Product Warranty
• Catalog Opt Out
• Product Recalls
• A+D Representatives
• Investor Relations
• Media Relations
• Herman Miller Store
• Find a Dealer
• Account Sign-in
• Store Account

Shop the Store

Sign up for our newsletter

Email sign up

© 2024 Herman Miller, Inc.

• Privacy Notice
• Cookie Notice
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Accessibility
• CA Supply Chains Act

Part of the MillerKnoll collective

Corporate Office Design Case Studies - Steelcase

La-z-boy reflects culture in new office.

When you’re almost a hundred years old, being a little dated is to be expected. The 1920’s vintage headquarters of La-Z-Boy, however, didn’t just look out of date, it was holding the company back.

Steelcase Teams with Microsoft to Optimize Surface Hub 2

Relationship brings people, place + technology together to enable workers to collaborate in new ways.

Reinventing La-Z-Boy in New Headquarters

Leadership credits the new work environment with driving important changes at La-Z-Boy: greater employee enthusiasm, more communication and more frequent collaboration.

For many years, architectural firm HDR told clients the workplace of the future should support a mobile workforce. Yet their own office was hardly a model of that vision. Learn how that all changed.

BASF: Redesign For a New Way of Working

BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, recently unveiled a redesigned office for its regional headquarters in Hong Kong, that not

Quarles & Brady: New Innovative Office

A key design feature of this approximately 20,000-square-foot new workplace: It provides for flexibility in a way that also sends a clear message about the Quarles & Brady culture.

Integreon Redesign Drives Innovation

When Integreon planned a new building for Fargo, one that would bring both Fargo offices together under one roof, the initial workplace layout offered rows of workstations in a very traditional approach, hardly what a global, interconnected business needed.

TAQA Redesign: Collaboration meets Privacy

If one word can sum up the strategic intent behind the creation of flagship headquarters for TAQA, the global energy company, it is Majlis—which in Arabic signifies a place where people gather and are welcomed by their hosts.

Creating an Engaging Workplace at Groove

Because most of Groove’s work is collaborative in nature, the majority of the new space is designed for co-creation and brainstorming. Nicknamed “the pit,” this main area is open and collaborative, uniting the team.

Enhancing Company Culture at Orbea

Culture, the reigning champ of hip offices everywhere, promises to fuel employee positivity, productivity and loyalty in small businesses—but do we have proof it actually delivers results? We do now.

Driving Culture Change at Steelcase’s HQ

The company’s leadership decided on a bold plan: reinvent their global headquarters campus in Grand Rapids, MI, leverage the workplace to drive a more mobile, agile and innovative company culture, and use this transformation as a platform for testing new ways of leveraging space to add value to an organization.

Kennedy Space Center Upgrades Seating

NASA tried out the different chairs for a week and, not surprisingly, selected a chair that reflects both ergonomic and design innovation: Siento.

Cowan Liebowitz & Latman

How modern workplace trends influence law firms.

Cowan Liebowitz & Latman is a boutique law firm located in Midtown Manhattan. TPG was retained by this client for the relocation of their offices from 1133 Avenue of the Americas to a new floor at 114 West 47th Street, with the goal of reducing their real estate footprint by approximately a third. Cowan Liebowitz & Latman’s new office implements current trends in law firm design like the one-size attorney office, library nooks, and paralegal pods to achieve a 28% reduction in rentable area (39,000 RSF to 28,000 RSF), while at the same time creating an office that feels bright, spacious, and collaborative. The design features glass office fronts and contemporary finishes and furnishings, which contribute to the open airy aesthetic of the space. Employee comfort and wellness were also considered. Attorney offices feature sit-stand desks, while the café was conceived as a bistro, utilizing hospitality design elements to create a pleasurable setting to relax, eat and drink, or hold informal meetings and staff gatherings.

• Workplace Overview
• Legal Workplace
• Interior Design

Services Provided

• Corporate Interiors
• Programming

Contact us today!

We’d love to hear about your project.

Find anything you save across the site in your account

You Won’t Believe Work Gets Done at These Three Google Offices

By Katherine McLaughlin

Google offices may have slides, climbing walls, nap pods, and basketball courts, but they aren’t adult playgrounds, at least not wholly. “I think that the assumptions are very surface level,” Joshua Bridie, Google’s director of global interior design, tells  AD . Movies like  The Internship and video tours of the tech giant’s workspaces have long offered glimpses into the home bases of Googlers across the globe, prompting common adjectives to surface when discussing the infamous spaces: colorful, playful, animated, or fun. And though these descriptions are true, social media or theatrical adaptations often fail to encapsulate the most essential adjective required to detail the Google offices: intentional. 

“From day one, Google’s founding principles with our products were that they had to be user first,” Michelle Kaufmann, Google’s director of research and development for the built environment, says. “And that’s certainly how we think about our spaces too.” In Google’s 24 years, the company has pushed the office to its limits, operating on a belief that if the people who are working there are happy, healthy, and comfortable, then the company itself will thrive too. It’s in this idea that the jungle-gym-like elements that Google offices are known for become as integral as a desk or a filing cabinet. “They’re there because there is a need for the brain to disconnect and reconnect, so you can refocus your energies in an incredibly productive way,” Bridie says. 

Of course, it’s not just playful and whimsical design that makes a Google office—many factors inform the look and feel of these notable spaces. Below, Kaufmann and Bridie take AD through three of the company’s workspaces to show just what makes a Google office. 

Pier 57 (New York City)  

A 300-foot-long ramp that once transported cargo and buses was converted to provide a multimedia experience to welcome both Googlers and visitors. 

Whether working on a ground-up building or renovating an existing structure, the goal of every Google office is longevity and timelessness. “We think about every office very similarly, which is ‘how can we make a building that is functional and vibrant for hopefully centuries?’” Kaufmann says. Unable to predict the future, the company opts to look to the past for buildings that have achieved this lofty objective. “It turns out there were five main common properties,” Kaufmann explains: high ceilings, double-height space, access to daylight, long span between columns, and exposed structure. It’s largely this design skeleton that defines almost any Google space. 

Exposed structure is a common element of Google offices. 

A cantilevered room with views of the Hudson River at Pier 57. 

From this core, Google designers look to incorporate three types of spaces: those designed for deep focus work, for collaboration and meetings, and to build community and spark innovation. Many of these core elements of a Google space are on display at the company’s Pier 57 office in New York City: large windows open up to incredible views of the Hudson River, “neighborhoods” for teams are created within the relatively open floor plan, and numerous cafés and informal meeting spaces make room to decompress or ignite curiosity. 

Bay View (Mountain View, California)  

The central courtyard at Bay View features mariposa-inspired artwork, while skylights along the canopy roof allow plenty of natural light in. 

Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and Heatherwick Studios, Google’s Bay View campus is the company’s first completed ground-up project. “We had always been in existing buildings, and it’s only really been in the past five to seven years that we’ve actually been designing ground-up buildings for ourselves,” Kaufmann says. With a tent-like ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the building, the Bay View campus is easily one of the most unique offerings in the company’s real estate portfolio. However, it also represents Google’s push for sustainability. “We have this crazy, audacious goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 on a 24/7 basis with all of our buildings, including data centers,” Kaufmann explains, adding that Bay View exemplifies many of the strategies the tech company plans to implement to achieve this. 

90,000 silver solar panels make up the canopy roof at Google’s Bay View campus. 

Courtyards connect the collaboration and amenity-focused lower floors with the second-floor focus areas. Here, Googlers gather around the Dinosaur District courtyard and its towering T-Rex sculpture by Marianela Fuentes.

Instead of checking off standard environmentally friendly boxes—like using recycled materials—Google designers look to make their sustainability efforts just as beautiful and exciting for employees as they are for the Earth. “It’s about being sustainable while thinking about how we can create an extraordinary user experience,” Kaufmann explains. At the Bay View building, solar panels on the roof mimic a dragon’s scale in a visually interesting and original way, while a landscaped retention pond acts as an on-site wastewater treatment center, for example. “Thinking about sustainability from a user-first perspective is our unique approach,” Kaufmann says. 

Peachtree (Atlanta)  

A custom Google Atlanta sign and peach-shaped arch welcome guests and employees. 

Though the Google offices all have similar backbones, they each have their own flair too. “We want our spaces to be cousins, not identical twins,” Bridie says, adding this is often done by leaning into the design vernacular of the local community. Often, the company partners with local design firms and artists to not only better understand the area, but to truly embed the community in the office. “We’re tying to understand that local community and establish an aesthetic that is truly part of that region versus my interpretation of that region,” he says. In the newest Atlanta office, murals painted by local artists don the walls of a coffee bar, a peach-shaped arch welcomes employees to the office every morning, and upcycled cassettes donated by local Googlers reference the city’s musical history in a creative mural. 

Murals from local artists inspired by various themes in Atlanta’s history decorate this coffee bar and several others at the Peachtree offices. 

A mural made from recycled cassettes donated by Atlanta Googlers. 

Still, despite the purposeful designs, what truly makes each office unique is the people who move in. “Sometimes the spaces that resonate the least with me become the most popular with the Googlers,” Bridie says. “There are some things that might make design professionals uncomfortable, but I celebrate because it truly means that they now feel like they own the space, and that, to me, is success.” 

More Great Stories From AD

The Story Behind the Many Ghost Towns of Abandoned Mansions Across China

Inside Sofía Vergara’s Personal LA Paradise

Inside Emily Blunt and John Krasinski’s Homes Through the Years

Take an Exclusive First Look at Shea McGee’s Remodel of Her Own Home

Notorious Mobsters at Home: 13 Photos of Domestic Mob Life

Shop Amy Astley’s Picks of the Season

Modular Homes: Everything You Need to Know About Going Prefab

Shop Best of Living—Must-Have Picks for the Living Room

Beautiful Pantry Inspiration We’re Bookmarking From AD PRO Directory Designers

Not a subscriber? Join AD for print and digital access now.

Browse the  AD PRO Directory to find an  AD -approved design expert for your next project.

By Michael Gioia

By Livia Caligor

By Hannah Martin

Free Site Analysis Checklist

Every design project begins with site analysis … start it with confidence for free!

Understanding Architecture Case Studies

• Updated: February 12, 2024

History teaches us many things, and it can carry valuable lessons on how to move forward in life. In architecture , when we are faced with a project, one of the first places we can look is the past – to see what worked, what didn’t, and what we can improve for our own projects.

This process comes in the form of architecture case studies, and every project can benefit from this research.

Here we take you through the purpose, process, and pointers for conducting effective case studies in architecture.

What is an architecture case study

A case study (also known as a precedent study ) is a means of finding relevant information about a project by examining another project with similar attributes. Case studies use real-world context to analyze, form, support, and convey different ideas and approaches in design.

Simply put, architectural case studies are when you use existing buildings as references for new ones.

Architects can conduct case studies at nearly every stage of a project, adapting and relating applicable details to refine and communicate their own projects. Students can use case studies to strengthen their research and make a more compelling case for their concepts .

Regardless of the size or scale of a project, case studies can positively impact a design in a multitude of ways.

How do you select a case study?

There are more than a hundred million buildings in the world, and your project could have similarities with thousands of other projects. On the other hand, you could also have a hard time finding buildings that match your specific project requirements.

Focusing your search parameters can help you find helpful references quickly and accurately.

The architectural program includes the spatial organization , user activity, and general functions of a building. Case studies with comparable programs can give you an idea of the spaces and circulation required for a similar project. From this, you can form a design brief catering to the unique requirements of the client or study.

Scale can be a strong common denominator among projects as it can be used to compare buildings of the same size, with a similar number of occupants or volume of visitors. Scale also ensures that the study project has an equivalent impact on the city or its surroundings.

Spaces and designs vary greatly between standalone structures and large-scale complexes, so finding case studies that emulate your project’s scale can give you more relevant and applicable information.

Project type is crucial for comparing spaces one to one. Common types include residential, commercial, office, educational, institutional, or industrial buildings. Each type can also have sub-categories such as single-family homes, mass housing, or urban condominiums.

Case studies with the same project type can help you compare occupant behavior, building management, and specific facilities that relate to your design.

Some case studies can lead you to specific architects with specialty portfolios in certain sectors such as museums, theaters, airports, or hospitals. Their expertise results in a body of work ideal for research and comparison, especially with complex public or transportation buildings.

You may also look into a specific architect if their projects embody the style and design sensibilities that you wish to explore. Many renowned architecture firms have set themselves apart with unique design philosophies and new approaches to planning.

Finding core theories to build on can help steer your project in the right direction.

Project Location

If possible, you’ll want to find case studies in the same region or setting as your project. Geographically, buildings can have significantly different approaches to planning and design based on the environment, demographic, and local culture of the area. There are also many building codes and regulations that may vary across cities and states.

Even when case studies are not from the same locality, it’s important to still have a relevant site context for your project. A tropical beach resort, for example, can take inspiration from tropical beaches across the world.

Likewise, a ski lodge project would require a look into different snowy mountains from different countries.

How are they used?

Whether it’s for academic, professional, or even personal use, case studies can offer plenty of insight for your projects and a look into different approaches and methods you may not have otherwise considered. Here are some of the most common uses for architectural case studies.

Case studies are most commonly used for research, to analyze the past, present, and future of the project typology. Through case studies you can see the evolution of a building type, the different ways problems were solved, and the considerations factored into each design.

In practice, this could be as simple as saying, “Let’s see how they did it.” It’s about learning as much as we can from completed projects and the world around us.

Inspiration

When designing from scratch, it’s common to have a few blank moments here and there. Maybe you’re struggling to develop a unified design , or are simply unsure of how to proceed with a project. Senior architects or academic instructors will often suggest seeking inspiration from existing buildings – those that we can explore and experience.

Throughout history , architecture is shown to have evolved over centuries of development, each era taking inspiration from the last while integrating forms and technologies unique to the time. Case studies are very much a part of this process, giving us a glimpse into different styles, building systems, and forms .

A study project could serve as your entire design peg, or it could add ideas far beyond the facade. The important thing about using a case study for inspiration is beginning with a basis, instead of venturing off into the great unknown. After that, it’s all up to the designers to integrate what they see fit.

As Bruce Lee once said, “absorb what is useful, discard what is not, and add what is uniquely your own.”

Design justification

Case studies help architects make well-informed decisions about planning and design, from the simplest to the most complex ideas. A single finished project is often enough to show proof of concept , and showing completed examples can go a long way in getting stakeholders on board with an idea.

When clients or jurors show skepticism or confusion about an idea, case studies can help you navigate through the hesitation to win approval for your project. Similarly, as a student, case studies can bolster your presentation to help defend your design decisions.

Communication

Unless your clients are architecture enthusiasts themselves, you’re likely going to know a lot more about buildings than them. Because of this, certain ideas aren’t going to resonate with the audience immediately, and you may need additional examples or references to make a convincing presentation.

Case studies help to make connections to existing projects. Beyond the typical sales talk and flowery words, case studies represent actual projects with quantifiable results.

With a study project, for example, you can say “this retail design strategy has been shown to increase rentable space by 15% in these two projects”, or “this facade system used in X project has reduced the need for artificial cooling by 40%, and we think it would be a great fit for what we’re trying to achieve here”.

Do you find design projects difficult?

Have confidence in your design process.

What to look for during your research.

Each case study should have a specific purpose for your project, be it a useful comparison or a key contribution to your ideas. Sometimes a case study could look drastically different from your project, but it can be used to communicate a wide variety of features and facets that aren’t immediately visible to the eye.

Here are a few things to look out for when doing your research.

If you’re looking to build a museum, the first kinds of buildings to look out for are other museums from around the world. A building with the same typology as yours is almost guaranteed to have similar aspects and approaches. You’ll also be able to see how the building works with its surroundings.

In the case of a museum, you’ll see if the study projects stand out monumentally, or blend in seamlessly, and from there you can decide which is more applicable for your design.

Function is another important aspect that will inform your research.

If for example, you’re comparing two museums, but one is a museum of modern art and the other is a museum of military equipment, they’re going to have vastly different spaces and functions. Similarly, schools can take inspiration from thousands of other schools, but an elementary school’s functions are going to vary greatly from a college campus.

Finding case projects that function more or less the same way as yours will give you more relevant information about the design.

There are also study projects that work well together despite having slightly different functions, such as theaters and concert halls, or bus stations and train stations. These projects, though not exactly the same, still share plenty of similarities in spatial and traffic requirements to be used as effective case studies.

If you’re exploring a certain style, you can find projects with a design close to what you’re trying to achieve.

However the forms don’t necessarily need to look the same.

For example, if you’re planning a museum with a continuous experience from one exhibit to another, you might use the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York as a case study – being one of the earliest and best examples of such style with its round, gently ramped design. But your design doesn’t need to resemble the Frank Lloyd Wright landmark.

The main purpose for finding similar styles is to see how it’s been executed with comparable planning considerations, and to see the effect the style has on a particular project type.

Whether your project is relatively small or large, it’s good to consider how projects of the same scale fare when built. Even if a building has nearly identical features and functions as your project, if it operates on a completely different scale the same principles may be far less effective on your site.

Site conditions can hugely influence the architectural design of a project, especially when working with extreme slopes or remote locations. You’ll often want to study projects that are in a similar part of the world geographically, with comparable site conditions and nearly identical settings.

Check if your site is in a rural or urban area , if it has generally flat or rolling terrain, and if the lot is a particular shape or length.

Environment

Similar to the site itself, environmental considerations will have a large impact on the way case study buildings are designed.

It’s important to know the climate, weather, and scenery of study projects to fully understand the challenges and opportunities that their designers worked with. Buildings in tropical, humid environments use very different materials and elements than those in arid or icy environments.

Circulation

Circulation is a crucial aspect of projects as it directly affects how a building is experienced.

With case studies you’ll need to look out for the flow of people, the ingress and egress areas, and how people and vehicles pass through and around the building. Circulation will determine how the design interacts with the users and the general public.

Accessibility

Though often overlooked, accessibility is becoming increasingly more important, especially for large-scale projects in dense cities. This involves how people move from the rest of the city to the site. It includes traffic management, road networks, public transportation, and universal design for the disabled.

If the target users can’t get to your building, the project can’t be used as intended. When doing case studies, it’s important to consider what measures were taken to ensure the sites were made open and accessible.

Landscape architecture encompasses far more than vegetation and trees. Each project has a unique way of approaching its landscape to address specific goals and tendencies on site.

How does the building integrate itself with the site and surroundings? How are softscapes and hardscapes introduced to create a desirable atmosphere, direct movement, facilitate activity, and promote social interaction?

Government buildings, for example, are often accompanied by wide lawns and open fields. This conveys a sense of openness, transparency, and public presence. It also frames the buildings as significant, monumental structures standing strong in an open area. These are the subtle aspects that can shape your building’s overall perception.

Construction

Construction methods and structural systems are vital for making our buildings stand safe and sound. Some systems are more applicable in tall buildings, while others are more suited for low-rise structures, but it can be interesting to see the different techniques used throughout your case studies.

You can explore systems like cantilevered beams, diagrid steel, thin shell construction, or perhaps something new entirely.

Materiality

If you’re thinking of using certain materials like stone or wood, and you’re curious to see how it was executed elsewhere, case studies can offer some great examples of materiality and the different ways a single material can be used.

The Innovation Center of UC by Alejandro Aravena is a good illustration of how a particular finish – in this case raw concrete – can be used in an unusual way to the benefit of the overall design.

Building services

Building services are one of the many aspects that make architecture a science. Understanding how a building handles things like energy, ventilation, vertical transportation, and water distribution can help you see beneath the surface to get a better idea of how the building works.

Although there are common practices, buildings can deal with services and utilities very differently. A prime example of this is the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which famously turned the building inside out to expose its services on the facade while opening up the interior space for uninterrupted volumes of light and movement.

This style became known as bowellism , and it was largely popularized by the late Richard Rogers .

Some building types are much more demanding when it comes to building services. Airports, for example, have to deal with the flow of luggage, heightened security, and all the boarding and maintenance requirements of the airplanes themselves.

The final thing to analyze while doing your case studies is the building program. This is how the composition of spaces works in relation to the building requirements. It’s helpful to see what makes the building look good, feel good, and function well.

If your study project is accompanied by a program diagram , it can be an excellent way to see how the architects were thinking.

For instance, OMA’s big and bold diagrams show how their designs are organized in a simple and logical manner. It’s become a signature and memorable part of their work, and it communicates the program in a way that everyone can understand.

A building’s arrangement of spaces can often make or break a design. It can be simple and easy to navigate, or complex and intriguing to explore. It can also be confusing or at times, troublesome to get around. Spaces can feel spacious, cozy, or cramped, and each space can evoke a different emotion whether deliberate or unintentional.

The building program is a fundamental aspect that must be considered when conducting case studies.

How do you write and present an architectural case study?

Select the most applicable projects.

There are often hundreds of potential case studies out there, and you can certainly learn from as many projects as you want, but sticking with the most relevant projects can keep your study clear and concise. Depending on the focus of your research, limit your case studies to those most suitable for communicating your ideas.

Stay on topic

It can be tempting to write entire reports about certain buildings – especially if you find them particularly interesting, but it’s important to remember you’re only mentioning these projects to help develop yours. Keep your case study on topic and in a consistent direction to keep the audience engaged.

Use graphics to illustrate key concepts throughout your projects . Even before preparing refined, colorful graphics, you can sketch visual representations as an alternative to notes for your own personal reference.

In addition to making diagrams, you can present multiple examples of similar or dissimilar concepts to compare and contrast the core ideas of different designs. Offering more than one example helps people grasp the ideas that make a building unique.

Strategic Visuals

If the visual speaks for itself, your verbal explanation will only need to describe the essence of it all. When presenting, your speaking time is valuable and it’s best to prepare your slides for maximum engagement so that you don’t lose your audience along the way.

If you carefully select and prepare your visuals, you can optimize your presentation for attention, emotion, and specific responses from the target audience.

Create a narrative

Creating a narrative is a way of tying the whole study together . By using a sequence of visuals and verbal cues, you can take the audience through a journey of the story that you’re trying to tell. Instead of showing each case study differently and independently, you can uniformly relate each project back to the common themes, or back to your project’s design.

This helps to make the relevance of each project crystal clear.

What if your project is unique?

If you’re struggling to find relevant case studies for your project, it could be a good sign that you’ve created a typology that hasn’t been done before – a first of its kind. New building types are important for shaping society and expanding the boundaries of architecture.

Innovative buildings can make people’s lives better.

As far as case studies go, you’ll likely need to gather a handful of reference projects that collectively represent the idea for your project. You can also present a progression, explaining how current and past typologies have evolved into your proposed building type. New-era architecture requires creativity, not only in the ideas but also in the research.

Case studies show us – and our clients – the many great success stories and mistakes of the past, to learn from and improve on as we move into the future. They serve an essential role in guiding our decisions as we design the buildings of tomorrow.

From school , to practice , and everything in between, case studies can be made as the foundation on which we build upon.

For a deeper dive into how case and precedent studies can build upon and influence your conceptual design approaches, we cover this and other key determining factors in our resource The Concept Kit below:

...Remove the guesswork, and start designing award winning projects.

FAQ’s about architecture case studies

Where can i find architecture case studies.

There are many resources where you can find architectural case studies. Here are some examples:

• ArchDaily : This is one of the largest online architecture publications worldwide. It provides a vast selection of architectural case studies from around the globe.
• Architectural Review : An international architecture magazine that covers case studies in detail.
• Dezeen : Another online architecture and design magazine where you can find case studies of innovative projects.
• Detail Online : This is a great resource for case studies with an emphasis on construction details.
• Divisare : It offers a comprehensive collection of buildings from across the world and often includes detailed photographs, plans, and explanatory texts.
• The Building Centre : An online platform with case studies on a variety of topics including sustainable design, technology in architecture, and more.
• Harvard Graduate School of Design : Their website provides access to various case studies, including those from students and researchers.
• El Croquis : This is a high-profile architecture and design magazine that offers in-depth case studies of significant projects.
• Casestudy.co.in : It is an Indian platform where you can find some unique case studies of architecture in India.
• Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) : They have an extensive database of case studies on tall buildings worldwide.

In addition to these, architecture books, peer-reviewed journals, and university theses are excellent sources for case studies. If you’re a student, your school library may have resources or databases you can use. Remember to make sure the sources you use are reputable and the information is accurate.

What is the difference between case study and literature study in architecture?

A case study and a literature study in architecture serve different purposes and utilize different methods of inquiry.

• Case Study : A case study in architecture is an in-depth examination of a particular project or building. The goal is to understand its context, concept, design approach, construction techniques, materials used, the functionality of spaces, environmental performance, and other relevant aspects. Architects often use case studies to learn from the successes and failures of other projects. A case study may involve site visits, interviews with the architects or users, analysis of plans and sections, and other hands-on research methods.
• Literature Study : A literature study, also known as a literature review, involves a comprehensive survey and interpretation of existing literature on a specific topic. This could include books, articles, essays , and other published works. The goal is to understand the current state of knowledge and theories about the topic, identify gaps or controversies, and situate one’s own work within the larger discourse. In architecture, a literature study might focus on a particular style, period, architect, theoretical approach, or design issue. It’s more about collating and synthesizing what has already been written or published, rather than conducting new empirical research.

In short, a case study provides an in-depth understanding of a specific instance or example, while a literature study provides a broad understanding of a specific subject as it has been discussed in various texts. Both methods are useful in their own ways, and they often complement each other in architectural research.

Every design project begins with site analysis … start it with confidence for free!.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

As seen on:

Unlock access to all our new and current products for life .

Providing a general introduction and overview into the subject, and life as a student and professional.

Study aid for both students and young architects, offering tutorials, tips, guides and resources.

Information and resources addressing the professional architectural environment and industry.

• Concept Design Skills
• Portfolio Creation
• Meet The Team

Where can we send the Checklist?

By entering your email address, you agree to receive emails from archisoup. We’ll respect your privacy, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

• Workplace Consultancy
• Office Design
• Office Fit Out & Refurbishment
• Workplace Technology
• WELL Building Standard
• Case Studies
• Photo Gallery
• Our Process
• Our Accreditations
• News and Insights

Is your office worth the commute?

See the results from our huge Midlands workplace study. Learn what matters to employees now, and how to create a people-focused workplace fit for today's ways of working.

• RG+P Architects Office

Design and fit out of a collaborative workplace for a growing organisation.

Location: Leicester, Leicestershire

Completion Date: 2018

Architects office design and fit out

RG+P is one of the largest multidisciplinary architectural design, project management and quantity surveying practices in the Midlands.

On the decision to move office buildings due to a growing workforce, rg+p commissioned us to design their Leicester office space and complete the fit out .

Watch the video case study

Plan, design & fit out.

As a multi-disciplinary practice, rg+p adds value to the client experience by offering an extensive range of services to support their clients in all aspects of development.

The company thrives on the ability to work together, so their new offices needed to facilitate this, whilst being space that was going to inspire and energise their growing team.

A collaborative workplace

We designed and delivered an open plan and collaborative workspace helping to bring together the teams at rg+p.

The new space comprises of social spaces and breakout areas, formal and informal meeting rooms, a stylish reception area for receiving visitors and a range of workspaces for staff use. Workspaces are agile, and equipped with technology to support efficient solo-working as well as collaboration.

“The space that we have created with Blueprint is all about our future. We are looking long term in terms of how the business is shaped. A big part of that was the shift in ability of being able to work together and collaborate better. For us as a company, the ability to grow and develop each aspect of the business going forward is very much going to be linked with the space we have created.”

Ready to transform your workplace?

Case Study:

East midlands chamber of commerce head office.

Design and refurbishment for the second largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

Rainbows Children’s Hospice Offices

Complete redesign and refurbishment to create a more open plan, collaborative office space.

DB Wood Offices

Office design and fit out for a financial planning, investment management and risk advisory business.

CoStar Group Birmingham

Corporate office design and fit out for CoStar Group's central Birmingham location.

Sign up to our newsletter

• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

15th May 2024

Behind the Scenes with our Project Director, Andy

3rd May 2024

The WELL Building Standard: Your Essential Guide

24th Apr 2024

Claire has joined the team as Workplace Experience Manager

17th Mar 2024

Caitlin Joins the team as Workplace Designer

14th Mar 2024

We’re Finalists at the East Midlands Leadership Awards

29th Feb 2024

We’ve Welcomed Hamzah to Our Pre-Construction Team

Feeling inspired.

Contact us to find out what we could do for you.

Footer Form

• [ Advertise With Us ]
• Get Free Newsletter

• Upcoming Issue
• Current Issue
• Subscription
• Real Estate Roundup
• SR Architecture
• SR Interior & Product Design
• SR Rising Star
• SR Signature Spaces
• Home Improvement Ideas
• Architect Finder
• Interior Designer Finder
• Product Launch
• Application Ideas & Issues
• Product Showcase
• Bath, Sanitaryware & Plumbing
• Doors & Window Systems
• Facade & Roofing
• Flooring (non ceramic)
• Home Appliances & Automation
• Lighting solution
• Paints, Coatings & Finishes
• Stones & Marble
• Surfaces (non-wood)
• Wood Panel & Boards
• Decorative Surfaces
• MATECIA Exhibition
• India Interior Retailing (IIR)
• SR Launch Pad
• Showroom Launch
• Brand Finder
• Leaders Talk
• Editor's Desk
• SR Guest Blog
• Realty Dialogues
• SR Brand Buzz

This ad auto closes in 5 seconds

• Architecture & Design

Kalpvastu Design Studio Creates Beautiful CA Office By Keeping The Material Palette Simple and Natural | Maharashtra

Maharashtra-based Kalpvastu Design Studio led by Ar Puneet Pagariya and Ar Ruchi Pagariya incorporated simple yet elegant elements in this “Chartered Accountant Office'' to offer an efficient, healthy and collaborative ambience. Located at Jalgaon, Maharashtra the commercial office, spanning 1350 sq. ft, is informed by a simple material palette, visual connectivity, linear design, and naturally-lit areas. Architects shared detailed information about the project with  SURFACES REPORTER (SR) . Take a look:

Also Read:  Energetic Pop of Yellow, Green and Red Hues Exude A Feeling of Liveliness in This Mumbai Office | Quirk Studio

The primary focus of the entire design was to keep on the elegance and the simplicity of the area. “We tried to successfully work upon the element and make the best use of incorporating the natural light and efficiently bringing out that on the space, hence the materials, the colors, the lights, and all other interior aspects that brought out space as it turned out,” said the design team.

The key areas of design focus: reception & waiting area, 3 separate cabins specifically for meetings divided by glass partition, and a workstation. The client had the simplest requirement yet a tough one stating: ‘SPACE’ that not catches the client’s attention but also creates efficiency in the workspace.

Conference Room

Reception & waiting area.

“I always believe the more use of white in the space the wider it makes the space look. Installed a bronze mirror panel behind the reception making it the highlighting wall but at the same time, these are storages and are opening at the passage side,” said Ar Puneet Pagariya.

Reception and Waiting Area

Moving towards the wall panelling, right beside the reception area is the veneer panel and marble cladding hence breaking the white and adding another color to this space.

Passage Area

The shades of grey in the cabin 1.

Coming to Cabin 1, the headwall or the back wall has been coated with grey color, and to assure that the wall doesn’t look dull added a pattern of wooden battens, thus adding an aesthetic look. and which is also the hidden door for the attached toilet. Complementing the furniture, the satavario marble table has been made accordingly as grey and has used a combination of grey shutters and veneer over the top and dark wooden flooring. 

Also Read:  Quirk Studio Designs the Quintessential Twin Office for a Father-Daughters Trio in Juhu, Mumbai

Peach-Hued Cabin 2

Connecting Cabin 1 and Cabin 2  Now moving to cabin 2, the headwall has been coated with the pleasant peach colour with geometrical patterns to give subtle look and which is also a secret door for cabin 1, complementing the furniture, classic beige marble top table added with grey shutter and veneer top side storage.

The ceiling is also eye-catching as a geometrical pattern added to the ceiling in pleasant peach color.

Senior an d Junior WorkStation

Now Moving ahead to senior and junior workstations, it has been given a very subtle look by using a veneer panel with a highlighting pattern, and a white marble tabletop has been installed.

Senior Work Station

Played with lines in space hence vertical lines in the elevation and horizontal linear niche for indirect lighting in the storage unit. The furniture here used is in tones of beige and white color, the walls are more in the neutral story.

Junior Work Station

Therefore ensuring the balance in the space. The partition between the cabins and workstation has been done using sandwich opaque glass and wooden framing resolving the issues of visibility and privacy at the same time.

Project Details

Products/materials/vendors :, consultants for the project :, about the firm.

Kalpvastu Design Studio is an architectural firm founded in the year 2014 by Ar.Puneet Pagariya and Ar. Ruchi Pagariya. They are into sectors like residential, commercial, healthcare, interior, project management, etc . So far they had worked in various cities like Nashik, Bangalore, Pune, Jalgaon, Mumbai, and Ahmednagar.

Puneet Pagariya, Principal Architect, Kalpvastu Design Studio

Ruchi pagariya, principal architect, kalpvastu design studio, keep reading  surfaces reporter  for more such articles and stories..

Join us in  SOCIAL MEDIA  to stay updated

SR FACEBOOK  |  SR LINKEDIN  |  SR INSTAGRAM  |  SR YOUTUBE

Further,  Subscribe to our magazine  |  Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

Also, check out  Surfaces Reporter’s  encouraging, exciting and educational  WEBINARS  here .

You may also like to read about:

Inspired by India’ s Magnificent Palaces, Skootr Creates Office as a Piece of Art | Cybercity Gurugram

Century-Old Heritage Meets Modern Minimalism at This Office in Ahmedabad Designed by Ojas Trivedi

Swarali & Taha of Space Theory Designs A Positive and Vibrant Office in Ahmedabad | Biyani Tradelinks

Shodh Architects Designs An Office For Solace in Surat, Gujarat

And more…

Like & Follow

Get Weekly Newsletter

Post Your Comment

About surfaces reporter.

"Content that powers your Business. News that keeps you informed."

Surfaces Reporter is one of India's leading media in Print & Digital Telecast for News on Interiors & Architecture Projects, Products, Building Materials, and the Business of Design! Since 2011, it serves as a referral for designers & architects to know about inspiring projects and source new products. If you have a Product or Project worth publishing in Surfaces Reporter, please email us [email protected] or you can also submit your project online.

Like Surfaces Reporter on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram | Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

More Articles

A Simple House In Bangalore Made Using Natural Material Palette of Earth, Stone and Timber |Studio Motley

. Anchored on 450sqm, the eco-friendly House of Earth and Stone designed by Kajal Gupta and Anand Kurudi of Studio Motley features the use of natural materials.

Elegant Material Palette and Lavish Finishes Characterise this Modern Home | Ahmedabad | Archaic Design Studio

Elegant materials, rich finishes, subtle colour palette and warm tones wash over those who enter this Vora’s penthouse in Ahmedabad.

Earthy Material Palette With Calm Natural Surroundings Characterize “The Shell” By Studio PKA | Mumbai

Located in the serene setting of Awas Village in Alibaug, Mumbai The Shell is a design lab and a pavilion envisioned and fashioned by Studio PKA.

An Exposed Material Palette Creates This Raw and Relaxing Weekend Home | Vihar Fadia Architects | Ahmedabad | The Epicurus Home

The exposed surfaces and open ceilings purely give the glance of the industrial revolutionary architectural era to this home.

Notice Board

• Tadao Ando Introduces Serpent-Inspired Watch Collection for Bulgari
• Brutalist Exteriors Meet Tranquil, Warm Interiors in Bageecha Farmhouse | The Melange Studio | Vrindavan
• Recycled Wood Waste Transformed into 1500 Hanging Pins in Tehran Gallery
• Innovative Furniture made out of Recycled Parachute Material

Eco-Friendly Collection Unveiled at Milan Design Week

Read current issue.

Related Stories

• Beauty of Earth Brick and Exposed Concrete at Jungalow 2 | Neogenesis+Studi0261 Architects
• A Fusion of Minimalist Luxury and Functionality in This Mumbai Home | Parekh Residence | Anil Ranka Architects
• Kengo Kumas Tessellated Building with Exquisite Wood-Paneled Eaves | Japan
• Subtle House- A Minimalistic Haven with Raw Elegance By Aslam Sham Architects | Kerala
• 5 Alibag Homes That Emulate Luxury Green Living
• Snøhettas Elliptical Planetarium in France, Wrapped in Poplar Wood, Inspired by Stellar Motions

FURNITURE & HARDWARE

Leading Door Hardware and Digital Locking Solutions Brand Dorset Unveils its First 360 degrees Campaign every door deserves a Dorset

One Furniture Piece That Architects and Designers Loved Using In Their Recent Project

Loewe Lamps Exhibition Shines Light on Artistry and Innovation at Milan Design Week

CAN INDIA BECOME A READYMADE FURNITURE HUB? NAVIGATING CHALLENGES FOR GLOBAL DOMINANCE

Rising star.

SURFACES REPORTERs Rising Star-Hrishikesh More, Principal Architect, Hrishikesh More Architects, Mumbai

Italks videos.

SR iTALK | “MY FATHER, MY INSPIRATION!” - AR. SANGEET SHARMA | SURFACES REP...

Quick links.

• Products & Materials
• Architecture & Interior Design
• Headlines Of The Week
• Architect of the week
• Front Runner
• Subscribe Print Magazine
• Advertise with SR
• Readers View
• Post Your Opinion
• Subscribe Newsletter
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Download Mediakit

Don't miss the Weekly Newsletters:

Submit - Articles/Projects

Advertise in sr print, website & social media, stay connected.

• Get Complementary Magazine
• Subscription Query

Copyright © 2023 Surfaces Reporter Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Designed & Developed by eyeQ Advertising

Vintage Style  Advocate’s Office Interior | Karan Aakriti Interior Design

Vintage Style  Advocate’s Office Interior |  Karan Aakriti Interior Design

A comfortable, contemporary Advocate’s office, peppered with pops of color, with a slight inclination towards vintage style and plenty of space to accommodate books. The client Jasmeet Singh, advocate on record, the supreme court of India approached the Interior Architects, Karan Tuteja and Aakriti Tuteja of Karan Aakriti Interior Design with these thoughts in mind.

visit:  Karan Aakriti Interior Design

For this project, we needed to create private spaces in the earlier open-plan basement, giving the entire space a facelift. While the ground floor has provision for parking, the office has 2 entrances from the ground floor leading to the basement and a separate Lift Lobby. The lift from the ground floor gives direct access to the basement leading to the Foyer area of the office.

As one enters from the Foyer, the main attraction, the water curtain welcomes the user into the office, inculcating earthly vibes. Further ahead on the right of the water curtain are the Arbitration room adjoining the pantry and the common washroom. Since all the users of the office love to spend time with each other over lunch, one of their most stressed-upon requests was to have a sumptuous arbitration/conference room in which they are able to hold conferences when required and also use it as a leisure room.

Upon entering the arbitration room, the eye is caught by colorful arbitration chairs. The black checkered flooring surrounded by patterned floor tiles adds a dash of boldness to space. Behind the Water Curtain is the Juniors’ working area, the water curtain acting as a partition and an earthly element in the space. The highlight of the Juniors’ area is the series of Vintage Wall Lights along with the customized Swivel Chairs, giving a stylish touch. The fusion of vintage elements lends a hint of eclecticism to the décor.

On the left of the water curtain are the Waiting area further leading to the 4 lawyers’ chambers and the storeroom. We were given free rein over the creative process, and we experimented with materials and textures, marrying elements like cane, exposed brick, metal and painted finishes with vibrant colors and accessories, to create a luxurious yet minimal aesthetic.

The Chamber of Jasmeet Singh, which, according to the designers, is one of the most interesting spaces in the office. Since the chamber is divided into two parts, working space and a seating area, the designers added an arch between the two to add more character in the entire space. The herringbone wood floor adds visual richness and volume to space. The Charcoal Grey, Stainless Steel, Bookshelf serves as a striking backdrop for the working desk. The matte green walls on the sides of the bookshelf add a splash of flair to the design and soften the charcoal tones.

According to Aakriti, “The ambiance of the entire office was intended to create a sense of comfort amidst the working environment.” Karan says, “The project brief being extremely specific, the entire range of fixed/loose furniture is our in-house production.” “This is a fair milestone in our journey and a humbling one too. Aakriti and Karan did a fantastic job and made this lawyer from Beawar look like a fancy one.” Jasmeet Singh concludes.

Architectural and Interior Designers : Karan Aakriti Interior Design

Location : Jangpura Extension, New Delhi

Year/decade built : 2018

Size : 1600 sq.ft.

Number of spaces : 1 Foyer, 1 Arbitration Room, 1 Waiting Area, 1 Juniors’ Area,

4 Lawyers’ Chambers, 1 Store, 1 Pantry, 2 Washrooms

Photo Credit : Karan Dhall

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/karanaakritiinteriordesign

Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/karanaakritiinteriordesign/

The Interior Apartment Design Achieves A Balance | Foxline Architects & Interiors

The interior apartment design of this home achieves a balance between functionality and aesthetics, creating a sense of warmth and life through the integration of natural materials like wood, wicker, and plants. The use of earthy colours and textures, such as patterned throw pillows, Moroccan rugs, and blankets, further enhances the apartment’s Indian contemporary theme. It is personalized, with a […]

The Flat in Ahmedabad Stands As A Testament To Harmonious Fusion | Kalopsia Studio

The flat in Ahmedabad, The Skylon Apartment, stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of modern living with nature’s serene embrace. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the design of this residential space seamlessly integrate the indoors with the outdoors. Thus offering residents a tranquil retreat from the bustling pace of urban life. The […]

World Interior Day 2024 and 10 Trends in Interior Design

Welcome to World Interior Day 2024! As we celebrate the artistry and functionality of interior design, we also cast our gaze forward to the trends that will define the spaces we inhabit in 2025. World Interior Day 2024: “The Growing Generational Gap: Improved Multi-Generational Future” World Interiors Day is an annual event by the International […]

20 Features Timeless Art Deco Interior Design

Art Deco Interior Design is a unique style that emerged in the early 20th century, particularly flourishing during the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by its bold geometric shapes, lavish decoration, and vibrant colours. The design philosophy emphasizes elegance, sophistication, and a sense of modernity. Key elements include the use of exotic materials, symmetrical […]

This Modern Villa Design With A Contemporary Touch Is A Haven For Two | Tesor Designs

Nestled in a tranquil neighbourhood, this modern villa design with a contemporary touch is a haven for two. The colour palette of the villa is a combination of white, black, and vibrant pops of colour. Thus imbuing each space with a sense of freshness and vitality. This Modern Villa Design With A Contemporary Touch Is […]

The Design Of This 4BHK House Plan Bathes In Warm Tones | Aishwarya Interiors Pvt. Ltd.

In the garden city of Bangalore, the interior design of this 4BHK house plan bathes in warm tones. The seamless blend of modern and contemporary design elements evokes a sense of European styles of design. However, with the client’s requirements asking for a subtle design with a blend of classic touch with modern elements, the […]

Which Colour Is Best For Bedroom: 20 Stylish Colours Of 2024

As we venture into the year 2024, the palette of which colour is best for bedroom undergoes a transformation. It is a reflection of evolving trends and tastes. In the realm of interior design, the bedroom serves as a sanctuary. It is a space where one can retreat from the hustle of daily life and […]

TADstories with Darshan, Pragnesh and Sweta Desai | Design Paradigm

Ar. Darshan Desai, Ar. Pragnesh Desai and Ar. Sweta Desai, the principal architects of Design Paradigm share their journey into architecture and design. Design Paradigm is an architectural firm situated in the city of Surat. Founded in the year 2002, the firm carries out projects in architecture and interior design while learning and evolving with […]

The Timeless Elegance Of Rustic Aesthetic And Contemporary Allure | V Shah Design Studio

Welcome to “NILAYAM”, a sanctuary of timeless elegance of rustic aesthetic and contemporary allure where every corner tells a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and the enduring beauty of architectural design. As you step into this exquisite space, you are immediately enveloped in a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity. It is meticulously crafted to create […]

The Interior Of This House In Chennai Is One Of A Kind | HaakaD Architects & Designers

The interior of this house in Chennai is one of a kind, as the client of this project is an entrepreneur and industrialist who is living with his parents, wife, and two kids. They are an orthodox family and are more into Carnatic music. They want their apartment to be modern, but at the same […]

Apartment Interior With A Poetic Paradox | DE Tales - Design Stories

Sarpanch House | Neogenesis+Studi0261

A checklist for architectural case studies

A case study is a process of researching into a project and documenting through writings, sketches , diagrams, and photos. To understand the various aspects of designing and constructing a building one must consider learning from other people’s mistakes. As Albert Einstein quoted, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” 

A case study can be a starting point of any project or it can also serve as a link or reference which can help in explaining the project with ease. It is not necessary that the building we choose for our case study should be the true representation of our project. The main purpose is to research and understand the concepts that an architect has used while designing that project and how it worked, and our aim should be to learn from its perfections as well as from its mistakes too while adding our creativity.

• Primarily, talk to people and never stop questioning, read books, and dedicate your time to researching famous projects . Try to gather information on all famous projects because it is essential for a successful case study and easily available too. Also before starting the case study do a complete literature study on a particular subject, it gives a vague idea about the requirements of the project.
• Study different case studies that other people have done earlier on the projects which you would choose for your own just to get a vague idea about the project, before actually diving into it.
• Do case studies of similar projects with different requirements. For example, while doing a case study of a residential building, you should choose 3 residential buildings, one with the minimum, average, and maximum amenities. It helps in comparing between different design approaches.
• If possible, visit the building and do a live case study, a lot of information can be gathered by looking at the building first hand and you will get a much deeper insight and meaningful understanding of the subject and will also be able to feel the emotion which the building radiates.
• While doing the case study if you come across certain requirements that are missing but went through it while doing the literature study, they should try to implement those requirements in the design.

Certain points should be kept in mind while preparing the questionnaire, they are as follows,

Style of architecture

• The regional context is prevalent in the design or not.
• Special features.

Linkage / Connectivity diagrams

• From all the plans gather the linkage diagram.

Site plan analysis

• Size of the site.
• Site and building ratio.
• The orientation of the building.
• Geology, soil typology, vegetation, hydrography

Construction technologies and materials

• Related to the project.
• Materials easily available in that region and mostly used.
• Technologies used in that region. Search for local technologies that are known among the local laborers.

Environment and micro-climate

• Try to document a building situated in a region that is somewhat similar to the region in which the project will be designed.
• Important climatic factors- sun path, rainfall, and wind direction.

Requirements and used behaviors

• Areas required that will suffice the efficiency of the work to be done in that space.
• Keeping in mind the requirements, age-group, gender, and other factors while designing.

Form and function

• The form is incomplete without function. To define a large space or form it is necessary to follow the function.
• To analyze the reason behind the formation of a certain building and how it merges with the surroundings or why it stands out and does not merge with the surroundings.
• Why the architect of the building adopted either of the philosophies, “form follows function” or “function follows form”.

Circulation- Horizontal and Vertical

• Size and area of corridor and lobbies.
• Placement of staircases, ramps, elevators, etc.

Structure- Column, beam, etc.

• Analyzing the structure detail.
• Types of beams, columns, and trusses used, for example, I- section beam, C- section beam.

Building services or systems

• Analyzing the space requirement of HVAC, fire alarm system, water supply system, etc.

Consideration of Barrier-free environment in design detailing

• Designing keeping the requirements of disabled people, children, pregnant women, etc. in mind.

Access and approach

• Entry and exit locations into the site as well as into the building.
• Several entries and exit points.

Doing a case study and documenting information gives you various ideas and lets you peek into the minds of various architects who used their years of experience and dedicated their time to creating such fine structures. It is also fun as you get to meet different people, do lots of traveling, and have fun. 

She is a budding architect hailing from the city of joy, Kolkata. With dreams in her eyes and determination in her will, she is all set to tell stories about buildings, cultures, and people through her point of view. She hopes you all enjoy her writings. Much love.

Architectural drawings :5 Major components and how to ace them

10 Online courses architects can take during Isolation

Related posts.

LEED for Show: Exploring the Pitfalls of Building Green for Certification Alone

The Housing Crisis in Asia

From Bytes to Building

Why going to events important as a budding professional

Embroidering our Heritage through Textiles

Sustainability: The Ethical Principle of Architecture

• Architectural Community
• Architectural Facts
• RTF Architectural Reviews
• Architectural styles
• City and Architecture
• Fun & Architecture
• History of Architecture
• Design Studio Portfolios
• Designing for typologies
• RTF Design Inspiration
• Architecture News
• Career Advice
• Case Studies
• Construction & Materials
• Covid and Architecture
• Interior Design
• Know Your Architects
• Landscape Architecture
• Materials & Construction
• Product Design
• RTF Fresh Perspectives
• Sustainable Architecture
• Top Architects
• Travel and Architecture
• Rethinking The Future Awards 2022
• RTF Awards 2021 | Results
• GADA 2021 | Results
• RTF Awards 2020 | Results
• ACD Awards 2020 | Results
• GADA 2019 | Results
• ACD Awards 2018 | Results
• GADA 2018 | Results
• RTF Awards 2017 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2017 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2016 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2015 | Results
• RTF Awards 2014 | Results
• RTF Architectural Visualization Competition 2020 – Results
• Architectural Photography Competition 2020 – Results
• Designer’s Days of Quarantine Contest – Results
• Urban Sketching Competition May 2020 – Results
• RTF Essay Writing Competition April 2020 – Results
• Architectural Photography Competition 2019 – Finalists
• The Ultimate Thesis Guide
• Introduction to Landscape Architecture
• Perfect Guide to Architecting Your Career
• How to Design Architecture Portfolio
• How to Design Streets
• Introduction to Urban Design
• Introduction to Product Design
• Complete Guide to Dissertation Writing
• Introduction to Skyscraper Design
• Educational
• Hospitality
• Institutional
• Office Buildings
• Public Building
• Residential
• Sports & Recreation
• Temporary Structure
• Commercial Interior Design
• Corporate Interior Design
• Healthcare Interior Design
• Hospitality Interior Design
• Residential Interior Design
• Sustainability
• Transportation
• Urban Design
• Host your Course with RTF
• Architectural Writing Training Programme | WFH
• Editorial Internship | In-office
• Graphic Design Internship
• Research Internship | WFH
• Research Internship | New Delhi
• RTF | About RTF
• Submit Your Story

Looking for Job/ Internship?

Rtf will connect you with right design studios.

• Phone 646 460 8400
• Email [email protected]

Terrapin Report

Biophilic design case studies.

Explore the case studies to learn about the practice of biophilic design across building typologies and scales. Click here to read more about  our biophilic design services  or contact the Terrapin team to learn more by emailing us at [email protected] .

Description

Implementing biophilic design into our workplaces, healthcare facilities, schools, and neighborhoods has profound health and economic benefits. Building managers can retain higher rents; companies are more likely to see improved productivity of employee salaries and benefits; healthcare providers and patients can see financial benefits from faster recovery rates; and schools can experience gains in student performance and reduced absenteeism.

Based on the 14 patterns of biophilic design, Terrapin has compiled a series of case studies that best demonstrate successful biophilic design. These case studies encompass a wide variety of building types, locations, scales, and uses, including urban parks, office buildings, campuses, health care facilities, and residential buildings. Each case study analyzes the patterns present, how they were implemented successfully by the designers, and the health outcomes they each support. These case studies are meant to help designers, building owners, and corporations better understand how biophilic design can be successfully implemented to maximize its health and economic benefits.

Case Studies

Each case study features….

• Project summary
• Detailed descriptions of patterns present
• Concluding critical analysis
• Supporting images and diagrams

Click the links below to view and download each case study:

• Greenacre Park, Hideo Sasaki, New York, NY – PDF (5 MB)
• Glumac – Shanghai Office, Gensler, Shanghai, China – PDF (2 MB)
• Coeur d’Alene Resort/Casino, Mithun, Worley, ID – PDF (1.9 MB)
• Kickstarter Commercial Headquarters, Ole Sondresen Architect, Brooklyn, NY – PDF (3 MB)
• Paley Park, Zion Breen Richardson Associates, New York, NY  – PDF (3.6 MB)
• 641 Avenue of the Americas, COOKFOX Architects, New York, NY  – PDF (1 MB)
• Windhover Contemplative Center, Aidlin Darling Design, Stanford University, CA  – PDF (3.7 MB)
• Seeking Parks, Plazas, and Spaces: The Allure of Biophilia in Cities – PDF (2 MB)
• Östra Hospital, White Architects, Göteborg, Sweden  – PDF (2 MB)
• Parkroyal on Pickering, WOHA Architects, Singapore – PDF (4 MB)  

Copyright & Commercial Use

This article is available to the general public without fee or other access control. Anyone may read this article or use it for their own personal or academic purposes. No commercial use of any kind is permitted unless specific permission is granted in writing in advance. The copyright of this article is by Terrapin Bright Green, LLC. The copyright of images is by cited photographers.

Get the Report

We ask that you sign up for our email list before you view the full report. You'll hear from us every couple of weeks about our latest articles and publications.

Sign Up or skip sign-up and Go to Report

You are now subscribed to receive email updates from Terrapin Bright Green.

• Hispanoamérica
• Work at ArchDaily
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

Case Study: Slide-By House by Estes Twombly + Titrington

Situated on the edge of Massachusetts near the border with Rhode Island, the eponymously named Westport was the westernmost port ...

Case Study: Concord Blend by Eck MacNeely Architects

Before they lived in their current residence—whose design was meticulously orchestrated by Eck MacNeely Architects—the owners had lived in a ...

Case Study: The Narrows by Whitten Architects

Like many retirees, Whitten Architects’ clients came to Downeast Maine looking for an escape from their full-time life near Boston, ...

ARCHITECTURAL INTERIORS

Case Study: Tribeca Penthouse by Min Design

The penthouse apartment in the converted 1874 warehouse in New York had soaring ceiling heights, an abundance of daylight, and…

Case Study: Two Gables by Wheeler Kearns

The aptly named Two Gables residence in Glencoe, Illinois, might appear premeditated, but its symmetrical form emerged organically to serve…

Case Study: Tudor Redux by Cohen & Hacker Architects

The 1913 Tudor Revival would need more than gallons of white paint to turn it into a welcoming, light-filled home…

Case Study: 519 Indiana by Studio 804

Urban lots are not for the faint of heart, especially when surrounded by existing dwellings that predate zoning codes. Such…

RURAL / SECOND HOMES

Situated on the edge of Massachusetts near the border with Rhode Island, the eponymously named Westport was the westernmost port…

Before they lived in their current residence—whose design was meticulously orchestrated by Eck MacNeely Architects—the owners had lived in a…

Like many retirees, Whitten Architects’ clients came to Downeast Maine looking for an escape from their full-time life near Boston,…

Case Study: Vermont Farmhouse by ART Architects

If anyone knows how to design the quintessential New England farmhouse, it’s the Boston-based firm of Albert, Righter & Tittmann…

Case Study: Barrera House by Cotton Estes Architect

We all have a different idea of what our last, best house might look like and where it might be.…

Case Study: Presidio Heights Residence by Nick Noyes Architecture

Not far from the Presidio—a national park and Historic Landmark District at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge—San Francisco’s…

Case Study: West Lynn Residence by A Parallel Architecture

The sensitive renovation of a historic house can take many directions, and the possibilities are compounded when a wing is…

Case Study: Old Yacht Club by Elliott Architects

There are many reasons to rescue an old building—because you have to is one of them, because you want to…

Case Study: Farm to Table by McInturff Architects

It turns out that a dairy barn can become a family getaway without much ado, design-wise. Consider this rural Virginia…

ON THE BOARDS

Parti Shot: Silver Cloud by Studio B

Slicing across a rocky ridge where two valleys converge, Silver Cloud accommodates a young family and its many passions and…

Parti Shot: Stacked Moor by Flavin Architects

Most homeowners feel they could benefit from just a little more space. In an older house, that need for space…

Parti Shot: Lake Tahoe Cabins by RO | ROCKETT DESIGN

Humans have a primal desire to live by the water, even if it means assuming some hardships to do so.…

Parti Shot: Rolling Hills Residence by Clayton Korte

When your site has a steep vertical rise, no part of the design or build comes easily. Brian Korte and…

Sponsored Case Study: Simple Comfort in an Oregon Home

When architect Nahoko Ueda set out to design a family home in the rolling terrain outside Salem, Oregon, her goals…

Sponsored Case Study: A Private Lake Side Retreat in Texas

When you first see the 2,600sq ft lake house in Riverside, Texas, it looks like a glass box floating on…

Sponsored Case Study: Echo Hills Residence by Robert Gurney

Architect Robert Gurney leverages a site’s steeply sloped terrain to transform a suburban Maryland home into a tranquil oasis that takes its cues from nature.

Sponsored Case Study: Sanctuary House by Tai Ikegami

When he was brought in to design a modern home in Palo Alto, California, Tai Ikegami knew he’d have to…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

• Announcements
• Copilot Studio

Microsoft Copilot Studio: Building copilots with agent capabilities

Omar Aftab , Vice President, Conversational AI , Tuesday, May 21, 2024

At Microsoft Build 2024 , we’re excited to announce a host of new powerful capabilities in   Microsoft Copilot Studio —t he single conversational AI tool you can use to create your very own custom copilots or extend Microsoft C opilot experiences with your own enterprise data and scenarios.

The first of these are c opilots that can now act as independent agents— ones that can be triggered by events— not just conversation— and can automa te and orchestrate complex, long-running business processes with more autonomy and less human intervention.

For instance, consider the potential of a copilot that can react when an email arrives, look up the sender’s details, see their previous communications, and use generative AI to trigger the appropriate chain of actions in their response. From understanding the intent of the email, to look ing up the sender’s details and account , see ing their previous communications, checking inventory,   responding to the sender asking for their preferences, and then taking the appropriate actions to close a ticket — orchestrating and shepherding an entire process over days.  

With such capabilities, copilots are evolving from those that work with you to those that work for you. They can be designed to handle specific roles or functions, such as IT, marketing, sales, customer success, and finance across various industries, including travel, retail, and financial services.  

With these new capabilities, here are some examples of the kinds of copilots our customers can build:  

• IT help desk .  IT support is complex, involving tickets, order numbers, approvals, and stock levels . O pening and closing a ticket can be a long-running task that spans days. A copilot can now handle this process, interfacing with IT service management applications, resolving IT tickets with context and memory, creating purchase orders for device refresh, and reaching out and getting managers approvals — all independently .
• Employee onboarding . Onboarding new employees is often expensive and slow. Now, imagine you’re a new hire. A copilot greets you, reasons over HR data, and answers your questions. It introduces you to your buddy, provides training and deadlines, assists with forms, and sets up your first week of meetings. Throughout all of this, the copilot is in touch, guiding you through the weeks -long onboarding and account set up processes.  
• Personal concierge for sales and service . Balancing exceptional customer experience while meeting ambitious revenue goals can be challenging. When a copilot serves guests, i t can use the memory of previous conversations with guests to remember their preferences, make reservations, handle complaints, and answer questions related to the products and services on offer. The copilot learns from its interactions and proposes new ways of handling customer scenarios. By doing so, copilots can increase upsell and attachment rates, driving revenue for the resort while simultaneously enhancing guest experience, satisfaction rates, and repeat business.

Let’s dig deeper into a few of the underlying capabilities that make all this possible:

• Asynchronous orchestration of complex tasks . The first is the ability to use generative AI- powered   planning and reasoning to manage complex, multi step, long-running tasks. For example, reacting to a new order means determining the need to verify inventory, trigger ing the right payment processes, pinging a supervisor for approval if the amount is above a certain threshold, and replying with a confirmation. Many of these events can take hours—or even days— to complete, but the copilot will run through them , maintaining the necessary state and context to do so.
• Memory and context . One of the frustrating things about support has traditionally been having to repeat information: who you are, what your policy number is, what your address is. There is no continuity of conversation. Copilots will now learn from previous conversations from the users and utilize this knowledge to continually personalize interactions . A copilot may not need to ask you for your laptop model or your address when you call again for the same issue. Conversations will thus become long-running, contextual, and deeply personalized.
• Monitor, learn, and improve . Copilots can now learn and adapt, offering monitoring and teaching capabilities to make their interactions better. Each copilot records a comprehensive history of its activities, providing transparency into its performance, including user interactions, actions taken, and feedback received, and you can see what decisions it made — and correct and teach them — with just a few clicks.

• Delegation with confidence and guardrails . When developing copilots with agent capabilities, establishing clear boundaries is paramount. Copilots operate strictly within the confines of the maker-defined instructions, knowledge, and actions. The data sources linked to the copilot adhere to stringent security measures and controls, managed through the unified admin center of Copilot Studio. This includes data loss prevention, robust authentication protocols, and more.

The se advanced new capabilities in Copilot Studio are currently accessible to customers participating in a limited private preview  where organizations such as Centro de la Familia are excited to explore agent capabilities that support teachers and case workers, allowing them to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time working with children, ultimately leading to better child outcomes . Based on feedback from program participants, we will continue to iterate and refine these capabilities for broader access in a preview planned for later this year .  

Additional innovations with Copilot Studio

There’s a lot more to share at Microsoft Build with Copilot Studio, and we’ll touch on just a few of our new capabilities here. To learn more — just sign up and try it out for yourself here .

It’s easier than ever to create c opilots .  With Copilot Studio, creating and testing copilots is now incredibly simple. You can create your copilot with our brand new conversationally driven experience — simply describe what you want it to do, and what knowledge you want it to have, and Copilot Studio will create your very own c opilot. You can then immediately test it out, add additional capabilities, such as your own actions, APIs, and enterprise knowledge — and then publish it live with a few clicks.

Connect all your enterprise data with Copilot c onnectors .   Customers want copilots connected with data from their own enterprises business systems and apps. Copilot connectors enable anyone to ground their copilot in business and collaboration data. This makes it possible for copilots to use various data sources, including public websites, SharePoint, OneDrive, Microsoft Dataverse tables, Microsoft Fabric OneLake (coming this calendar year), Microsoft Graph, as well as leading third-party apps. You can even create your own custom generative prompts to configure how a copilot handles a response from an API or connector.

Here are a few examples of how Copilot connectors can transform copilot experiences for specific personas or functions:

• Legal and Compliance . Navigate complex legal landscapes with a Copilot extension that queries specific legal datasets, ensuring controlled and compliant responses without overwhelming users with extraneous information.
• HR Helper . Assist employees with accessing essential resources for benefits and PTO policies, and even book time off directly through Copilot.
• Incident Report Coordinator . Workers can locate the right documentation, report incidents, and track them efficiently, all within the context of the chat.

Starting in June 2024, developers can access the preview for Copilot connectors and stay informed on updates here .

Conversational analytics (private preview) : One of the most common asks from customers has been the need for deeper insight into what their copilot is doing, how generative AI is responding, when it was unable to give the right answers and why — and recommendations on what to do to improve it.

Templates : If simply describing your copilot to build it wasn’t easy enough, Copilot Studio will now also include a variety of pre-built copilot samples for departments and industries. Some templates — such as Safe Travels for comprehensive travel support, Organization Navigator for organizational clarity, Kudos Copilot for fostering recognition, Wellness for employee health insights — are available now, with many more releasing in the coming months.

Enhanced security and controls (public preview ) : Administrators can now configure advanced settings beyond the default security measures and controls. With Microsoft Purview , Copilot Studio administrators gain access to more detailed governance tools, including audit logs, inventory capabilities, and sensitivity labels. They will be able to review comprehensive audit logs that cover tenant-wide usage, inventory (with API support), and tenant hygiene (such as data loss prevention violations and inactive copilots), enabling them to effectively monitor business impact. Both creators and end-users will be able to view sensitivity labels when responses are generated using AI-powered answers based on SharePoint documents.

With all the amazing innovations, numerous organizations are using Copilot Studio to build transformative generative AI-powered solutions. Check out this story from Nsure on how they are using Copilot Studio:

Get started today with Copilot Studio

This is just a glimpse of all the exciting innovation around copilots and Copilot Studio — we have a host of exciting new capabilities to share in our sessions at Build. So, join us in watching the sessions below, and try out Copilot Studio yourself and build and share your very own copilot in minutes.

Watch the sessions at Microsoft Build:

• “ Microsoft Build opening keynote ”
• “ Next generation AI for developers with the Microsoft Cloud ”
• “ Shaping next-gen development: the future of Copilot in Power Platform ”

Deeper dives:

• Breakout: “ What’s new with Microsoft Copilot Studio ”
• Breakout with demos: “ Build your own copilot with Microsoft Copilot Studio ”
• Breakout with demos: “ Build Microsoft Copilot extensions with Copilot Studio ”
• Demo (live only): “ Build your own Copilot extension with Microsoft Copilot Studio ”