Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)
2018
Project Goal:
Back in 2018, Open Mind Interiors joined forces with Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) on a mission to revamp their workspace. NAN, a buzzing organization with over 100 employees scattered across three different office locations, was dealing with some real communication hiccups and productivity roadblocks. The challenge was clear: create a workspace that not only aligned with NAN's vision for a unified, culturally rich, and efficient environment but also walked the talk on sustainability, flexible design, and embracing NAN's unique identity. This project aimed to give NAN a workspace that pumped up their sense of purpose and pride, setting them up to carry on their vital work with renewed energy.
Challenges:
Fitting a sizable workforce into a compact building while addressing specific client requirements.
Designing modular workstations that provided adequate storage, technology access, and ergonomic comfort.
Prioritizing furniture in the early stages of office design to enhance staff support and productivity.
Creating a culturally inviting, adaptable workspace featuring a staff lounge on each floor, huddle rooms, open lounge spaces, ample natural light, and a staff gym.
Establishing a large in-house conference room for up to 100 people, reducing the need for offsite banquet facilities for important events.
Design Implementation:
The top floor, dedicated to executive functions, offered panoramic views of Thunder Bay, inspiring a distinctive layout.
The second to fourth floors accommodated most of NAN's staff, promoting open workstations to capitalize on natural light with glass walls.
The main floor catered to public events, featuring an eye-catching curved wood wall, modern lighting, and a unique lounge space.
Key Achievements:
Abundant Natural Light: The design maximized natural light throughout the workspace, aligning with staff's top priority for their new space.
Future Flexibility: Reconfigurable, demountable walls and glass office fronts allowed for easy adaptations, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for changing needs.
Sustainability: The project integrated "green" products, such as carpet tiles made from recycled fishing nets, to align with NAN's appreciation for nature.
Cultural Integration: The design incorporated elements from Woodland art and Indigenous culture, making the space feel unique and timeless.
