Finding that the effectiveness of their existing workspace could be optimized, the client tasked Ballinger with creating agile workspace to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in a team or “scrum” room, rather than the traditional open-plan workspace model.

In rugby, a scrum is a carefully coordinated event requiring a set number of players with varied skills and strengths to come together to solve a common problem. Achieving goals relies on players communicating and making adjustments on the fly.

Ballinger conducted an in-depth strategic analysis of the users’ work process and found that each of the agile teams has a variety of roles that employ their unique knowledge and skills to benefit the whole. To facilitate collaboration, both the individual needs (workstation, desktop) and general needs (writing boards, pin-ups) of the team must be adequately satisfied. Ballinger’s mission was to create a space that could be tailored to individual requirements while supporting the group and establishing clear parameters for productive work.

Team rooms are equipped with high and low tech solutions in support of a creative and collaborative work process. They establish space for the dedicated team as well as visitors joining from other locations. Multiple glass walls promote cross-team transparency and interaction.

Team rooms are complimented by a large café and gathering space that host daily standing meetings and scheduled collaborations. Privacy rooms for focused work complete the collection of space types: for individuals who need a moment away from team interaction. With remote work a norm in the digital team culture, these rooms are acoustically-designed for team video and phone conferencing daily.