Abstract
M.Tech. (Interior Design)
Evidence-based design (EBD) – which originated from evidence-based research (EBR) - is an approach that can be integrated into the design process and assist corporate interior designers to design a user-centred workplace environment to effectively support user needs. However, there is a gap in terms of engagement with EBD, particularly on the part of corporate interior designers. Therefore, the aim of this research is to gain a better understanding of the value of EBR and EBD as applied within a particular case study, that of Discovery (shared value insurance company). The aim of this study is also to gain better understanding of how EBD influences spatial typology and, in this particular case, the interior design approach to Discovery’s new workplace environment. The theoretical framework that supports this study is divided into three sections: EBR and EBD; EBD in the workplace environment; and contemporary office design principles.
This research dissertation employs a qualitative research approach with a focus on a single-case study that is situated in an interpretivist framework. The qualitative approach aims to obtain a rich and deeply meaningful feedback from participants that are closely involved with the case study. Both purposive sampling and snowball sampling was used to select the interview participants. Purposive sampling was also used to collect documents. Open coding, an inductive coding approach, was used to analyse the transcribed interviews as well as the collected documents. Four primary themes emerged from the analysis process. These themes related to the objectives that the study aimed to achieve, and provided a framework for presentation of the findings.
As such, the findings of the study are categorised into four themes. The first theme reveals that there was a need for Discovery to conduct a pilot study as part of their EBD approach. The second theme reveals a number of influential elements that drove the spatial typology of Discovery’s workplace design. These elements include the dynamic workspace, Discovery’s office culture, the need for agile work settings, human behaviour and influential office design principles identified as being innovation and collaboration; flexible space utilisation and balance; and employee performance and engagement. The third theme reveals that the Discovery interior design team and workplace consultant’s office design principles and research findings further drove the interior design of Discovery’s new building. The final theme reveals that corporate designers underutilise EBR/EBD; this is despite the fact that there is significant value in incorporating EBR and EBD within the design process.