Kaiser IThrive

With the goal to create a new model for collaborative work, Kaiser’s KPIT technology group envisioned its IThrive office prototype as a recruiting tool. As it competes with high tech companies for talent, KPIT sought to explore new concepts in office planning that foster knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and a stronger sense of community.  Huntsman developed the design concept with a clear set of workspace types tailored to the modern tech worker.  Four neighborhoods break down the scale of the large floor plate and create more intimate spaces.  The neighborhoods are arranged around a community center which offers a café and game lounge and serves as a communal gathering point. In keeping with Kaiser’s Thrive campaign for total health and well-being, the community center links to spaces for group fitness activities, recharge stations, and a flex room for yoga.  The café provides natural and organic food options and will be used for instructional demonstrations and cooking classes. Private offices provide flexibility by doubling as project rooms via pocket doors with writing surfaces.  Work carrels, or quiet zones, sit alongside picture windows for individual, heads-down work with a view.  

Workstations are also placed along the window line maximizing access to views and daylight. At the building’s core are technology-intensive spaces like communication pods, where users can make video calls or attend webinars.  The spine of the building houses larger conference rooms for executive meetings and scrum rooms for brainstorming sessions.  Kaiser worked with Huntsman to plan a menu of varying work environments that could be implemented into other KPIT locations.

Client Kaiser Permanente
Location Oakland, CA
Scope Office Prototype Design
Size 21,000 square feet

Publications
“Tech Leads the Way in Office Design,”
The San Francisco Chronicle, January 14, 2014

Credits Photography by Jasper Sanidad