Creativity isn’t just for artists and musicians anymore: it’s for everyone. Although it is often surrounded by an aura of mystery and unattainability, creativity is a process in which we can all engage and a characteristic that we can all encourage in each other. The new partnership between Steelcase and Microsoft is all about exploring how the thoughtful integration of places and technology can support the ways people create.

Steelcase and Microsoft have introduced an array of “Creative Spaces” featuring the Surface Hub to help people generate new ideas, solve problems, and keep them moving forward. There are five different categories of “Creative Space”, each harnessing the powers of the place and design in a unique fashion in order to foster a particular kind of creative energy.

The Focus Studio: A solo workspace, configurSteelcase Microsoft Creative Spaces Surface Hubed with V.I.A walls to keep out ambient noise and reduce visual distraction, while also featuring AirTouch and Miracast to facilitate quick shifts for bouts of two-person consultation.

 

 

The Duo Studio: Steelcase Microsoft Creative Spaces Surface HubDesigned for pairs in ongoing collaboration, Ology tables and Umami lounges provide many easily reconfigurable options to keep the energy flowing, and allowing for space for others to join in when the time is right. The Surface Hub’s “I’m Done” security feature also removes content from the previous session, encouraging rapid starts for new collaboration.

 

The Ideation Hub:Steelcase Microsoft Creative Spaces Surface Hub An active, high-tech destination that encourages participation and contribution from co-located or distributed teammates. Stool height seating encourages movement and interaction with the Surface Hub, which is integrated with V.I.A. walls to both provide unparalleled privacy and focus while also enhancing remote participation via Skype for Business.

 

The Maker Commons: SocialiSteelcase Microsoft Creative Spaces Surface Hubzing ideas and rapid prototyping are key elements in the modern creative process. This space supports a range of postures – seated, standing, lounging, perching — encouraging movement and flow between conversation, experimentation, and concentration. Brody WorkLounges create a cocooning micro-environment within the open plan to sketch or take notes on Surface Pro4 when inspiration strikes.

 

The Respite RoSteelcase Microsoft Creative Spaces Surface Hubom: When it comes to working creatively, being able to relax and recharge is just as important as active group work, and that is what this space is all about. Relaxed postures support diffused attention and allow the brain to wander, which can lead to ‘eureka!’ insights, while V.I.A. walls create acoustic privacy and visual relief, allowing the brain to rest, form new connections and access spontaneous ideas.

The Microsoft Surface Hub, a powerful team collaboration device designed to advance the way people work together naturally,  is central to the design of all of the different Creative spaces.

Surface Hub enables engaging and productive meetings with its large multi-touch display, responsive pen and inking experience, built-in video conferencing and on-board Office apps. You can walk up and join a Skype for Business meeting with a single tap, and share content effortlessly, so that you spend your time connecting to people rather than technology. And since you can easily send meeting notes and content after your meeting ends, you can save time and effort by instantly communicating outcomes and action points.

Contact us at info@waldners.com to bring the Surface Hub and “Creative Spaces” to your office and transform the way you work.

Check out this video about Creative Spaces with Microsoft Hub!