The well-considered architectural design of a workplace is fundamental to the productivity of its employees. Failure to take a user-centred approach to the design process will inevitably lead to a space that isn’t fit for purpose and won’t stand the test of time with its occupants.

One guaranteed way to ensure employees are getting the most from their workspaces is a full audit of the team’s current user habits, favoured methods of working and ideal scenarios. Through close collaboration from the outset, this approach will enable teams to develop a greater understanding of how companies best operate.

As a case in point, we have profiled the stunning transformation of modernist building The Garage for creative company WPP. Prior to embarking on the co-location of WPP companies in Lisbon, BDG architecture + design undertook a review of each of the group’s companies which involved quantitative and qualitative research into how they used their workplaces at the time and what they required for the future. To find out more about this successful user-centred approach, turn to page 16.

Elsewhere in this issue, we hear from Glyn Coates of Zeroignition, who looks at the flaws in traditional methods of construction and offers solutions. Meanwhile Bev Hurley, Chair of the Institute of Economic Development, discusses the importance of social value in the construction industry and Tony Walker, Technical Specification Controller at PPG Architectural Coatings, explains what architects and designers can do to bring a breath of fresh air to their buildings.

I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via FC&A’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘fc&a’ on Google Play or the App store.