Case Studies / Town of Markham

• 8100 Warden Avenue, Markham, ON
• June/08 to November/08
• 22,000 sq ft

SERVICES

• Exploration & Analysis
• Schematic Design
• Design Development
• Interior Design
• Project Management
• Construction Management
• Bidding and Negotiation
• Construction Administration
• Post Construction
• Construction Documents and Specifications
• Construction
• Moves

As part of Mayhew's detailed exploration and assessment process, the Town of Markham recognized a number of deficiencies within their current office environment: size, natural light, collaborative space, and more.

When Powerstream decided to vacate their space at the Town owned 8100 Warden Ave, the Town saw a perfect opportunity to remedy their space woes while tackling a number of strategic operational goals, including conforming to the Town's Zero Waste Initiative. Following much exploration with Mayhew, it was determined that 8100 Warden would be an ideal location to relocate several groups, making space available within the existing Civic Centre for organizational growth.

In making the decision to move, the Town of Markham needed to ensure that the new space improved employee morale and aided in retention and acquisition. The result was a bright, inviting workspace that optimized employee performance and morale, with minimal waste going to landfill.

MAYHEW INGENUITY

WORKSPACES THAT ARE THE PERFECT FIT FOR THE JOB.

Mayhew did an on-site functional assessment and recognized the non-alignment of worktools and worksurfaces with job function. To help remedy the situation, Mayhew established worksetting standards, and recommended a point system enabling Town of Markham employees to customize their workspace based on their job function.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR WASTE.

The Town of Markham was very interested in the environmental impact of the construction and materials being used. With the Town's Zero Waste Initiative in effect, we worked to create specific demolition specifications that greatly reduced the amount of materials going to landfill. The majority of the demolished materials were able to be recycled while some construction materials were even recycled back into the design.

REQUIREMENTS

Growing out of their 101 Town Centre facility, the Town of Markham took the opportunity to move to a facility recently vacated by Powerstream. In doing so, the Town of Markham needed assistance with:

• Upping employee morale to help meet retention and acquisition objectives
• Maximizing square footage with new furniture to reduce the overall workstation footprint and increase the number of collaborative spaces
• Maintaining environmental objectives

RESULTS

• A healthier, more natural work environment where people feel more comfortable
• Effective improvement of natural light and airflow
• Created equality through provision of appropriate size workstations customized to job function
• Contributed to retention/acquisition of staff
• Recycling and reuse, with minimal waste directed to landfills
• Better collaboration amongst team members resulting in improved productivity
• Implemented on time and on budget

KEY ADVANTAGES OF THE DESIGN

• A point system that enabled employees to personalize and customize their workstation for their individual nature of work
• Flexibility strategy that would lower the costs of future moves
• Design reflects open culture and provides for effective collaboration
• Reducing the overall height of the workstations and lowering the panels from standing height privacy to seated/collaborative working heights
• Equality of workstation sizing throughout the facility
• Removing overhead storage thereby reducing the costs of workstations

KEY DESIGN FEATURES

• Customized workstations and worktools
• Zen-like rock garden
• Lower height workstation panels
• Classic, neutral finishes creating a uniform appearance with broader appeal
• Less pieces in inventory decreasing operational and inventory costs

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FEATURES

• Specific demolition specifications that greatly reduced the amount of materials going to landfill
• Some construction materials were recycled back into the design while other elements were recycled into post consumer product
• 100% recycled paint
• Minimal drywall contributed to limited waste thereby facilitating greater flexibility