Human-Centric Workplace Designs : human-centric workplace

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) Headquarters and Multi-Tenant Complex, designed by Moriyama Teshima Architects, represents a significant advancement in sustainable and human-centric workplace design. This 127,000 square foot mass timber structure in Toronto serves dual purposes as both the union’s headquarters and leasable office space. This arrangement potentially demonstrates how institutional buildings can achieve financial viability while prioritizing environmental responsibility and employee wellbeing.

The three-story facility employs cross-laminated timber and glue-laminated timber construction throughout, showcasing Canadian-sourced wood products that reduce the project’s carbon footprint. A central atrium acts as the building’s social and environmental heart, where connections between occupants and nature are facilitated.

The human-centric workplace design incorporates numerous innovative sustainability features, including geo-exchange heating/cooling, daylight harvesting systems, natural ventilation controlled by CO₂ sensors, and a rooftop solar array that generates 25% of the building’s energy needs. These design decisions are expected to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 84% and energy consumption by 63% compared to conventional office buildings.

Image Credit: Tom Arban