By Robert Atkinson and Anne Tudryn, IIDA, LEED AP
March 29, 2018
New Opportunities Push the Boundaries for Wellness
ServiceMaster Innovation Center in Memphis, TN. Photo © Katie Bricker Photography
On a holistic scale, in Irvine, CA, IA’s renovation and repositioning of a 15-acre urban campus, dubbed INTERSECT, integrates a wellness strategy and design into the physical infrastructure. On the premise that a community of like-minded tenants with shared values will empower one another, the goal was to attract health-focused businesses that could play a significant role in the campus’s success. Among others, tenants include a natural supplement developer working with the emerging science of MentaBiotics, a fitness company that will brand the extensive indoor/outdoor fitness center, and a restaurant group to occupy both office and restaurant space, providing organic food options using produce from the campus’s sustainable urban garden.
INTERSECT Campus, Irvine, CA. Photo © Benny Chan / Fotoworks
With wellness at its core, the site shares many characteristics of today’s co-working spaces. Community, fitness, and healthy nourishment are touchstones of the tenant experience. A bike-share program and walking trail, game pavilion, and other amenities keep tenants and guests interacting and on the move. A shaded dining deck, picnic tables—even a beer garden with video screen and fire pit—offer choices for dining, social events, and relaxing. In an effort to engage with the adjacent community, an area for farmers-market stalls/food trucks is integrated into the planning of the campus.
INTERSECT Campus, Irvine, CA. Photo © Benny Chan / Fotoworks
Both INTERSECT and the SVM Innovation Center create a sense of inclusive community intended to nurture a happier, healthier, and more creative environment, while inspiring the loyalty critical for retaining and attracting talent in current competitive markets. Where people thrive, fully accepted and among friends, they want to stay.
Rob Atkinson
Senior Project Manager
With over 25 years of design experience, over 15 of which have been in leadership roles, Rob Atkinson simultaneously occupies the roles of Lead Designer, Senior Project Manager, and Sustainability Consultant across a broad range of industry sectors. These include a specific focus on workplace, financial, infrastructure, and life sciences projects. He collaborates with senior stakeholders and leads creative and technical teams globally across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Anne Tudryn, IIDA, LEED AP
Intermediate Designer
Intermediate Designer Anne Tudryn is based in IA’s Boston office. She holds a Master of Design Studies, Sustainable Design, from Boston Architectural College, is a member of IIDA and NKBA, and is LEED AP certified. Since joining, IA she has worked on a variety of projects primarily for confidential clients.
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Like What You See?
Learn about the ways that IA practices wellness in our own offices! Click below to read "At IA, Wellness by Design."
Where people thrive, fully accepted and among friends, they want to stay.