Workplace design research : A research-through-design approach
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
L10
Topic of the dissertation
Workplace design research : A research-through-design approach
Doctoral candidate
Architect Piia Markkanen
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Oulu School of Architecture
Subject of study
Architecture
Opponent
Professor Hilde Remøy, Delft University of Technology
Custos
Docent Aulikki Herneoja, University of Oulu
Spaces that work: Designing workplaces for a changing work life
Work life is undergoing a transformation: multi-locational work, remote meetings, and the need for recovery are challenging traditional office spaces. A new doctoral study from the University of Oulu shows that employees require more diverse and atmospherically varied work environments that support concentration, collaboration, and recovery throughout the workday.
In her dissertation, architect Piia Markkanen developed and tested a participatory design process in collaboration with companies in Oulu. Employees were actively involved in the development of their workspaces, and their experiences and needs were taken into account at every stage of the design process. The results indicate that participatory design enhances employee satisfaction and improves the functionality of workspaces.
The study introduces a new theory-based framework that broadens the perspective on workspace need-supply fit. In addition to privacy and focused work, the model emphasizes the importance of atmosphere and interpersonal interaction. Empirical findings show that remote meetings increase the need for privacy, while in collaborative and recovery-oriented situations, the atmosphere of the space becomes more significant.
Markkanen’s research brings workplace studies and design practice closer together and offers practical methods for user-centered workplace design. The proposed theory-informed workplace design framework analyzes spatial design comprehensively through its instrumental, aesthetic, and symbolic dimensions. The framework also considers employees’ perceived environment through spatial atmosphere and affordances.
The framework helps designers generate structured data to support design processes. In addition, it offers researchers tools to explore previously overlooked perceived aspects of space, such as atmosphere, aesthetic, and symbolic dimensions, in relation to users’ needs and designers’ goals.
Participatory design enables organizations to respond to changes in work life by developing workplaces that support employee well-being, collaborative opportunities, and satisfaction with the work environment.
In her dissertation, architect Piia Markkanen developed and tested a participatory design process in collaboration with companies in Oulu. Employees were actively involved in the development of their workspaces, and their experiences and needs were taken into account at every stage of the design process. The results indicate that participatory design enhances employee satisfaction and improves the functionality of workspaces.
The study introduces a new theory-based framework that broadens the perspective on workspace need-supply fit. In addition to privacy and focused work, the model emphasizes the importance of atmosphere and interpersonal interaction. Empirical findings show that remote meetings increase the need for privacy, while in collaborative and recovery-oriented situations, the atmosphere of the space becomes more significant.
Markkanen’s research brings workplace studies and design practice closer together and offers practical methods for user-centered workplace design. The proposed theory-informed workplace design framework analyzes spatial design comprehensively through its instrumental, aesthetic, and symbolic dimensions. The framework also considers employees’ perceived environment through spatial atmosphere and affordances.
The framework helps designers generate structured data to support design processes. In addition, it offers researchers tools to explore previously overlooked perceived aspects of space, such as atmosphere, aesthetic, and symbolic dimensions, in relation to users’ needs and designers’ goals.
Participatory design enables organizations to respond to changes in work life by developing workplaces that support employee well-being, collaborative opportunities, and satisfaction with the work environment.
Last updated: 22.5.2025