The Enduring Power of Place: Why Physical Environments Matter More Than Ever

In this thought-provoking episode, Brett Hautop hosts an engaging conversation with B Sanborn (Principal and Design Research Leader at DLR Group) and Jade Franklin (VP of Insights and Strategy at Teknion). Together, they explore the fundamental question: In our digital-first world, why does physical place still matter for work, learning, and human flourishing?

Redefining Work Beyond the Desk:

The episode challenges the traditional equation of "desk equals work" and "office equals productivity." The experts examine how the pandemic revealed that work is fundamentally about value creation, not location - yet physical places continue to serve crucial functions that digital environments cannot replicate.

The Neuroscience of Place and Learning:

B Sanborn brings fascinating insights from neuroscience and archaeology to explain how physical environments affect cognitive function:

• Walking and Thinking: How movement frees up higher-order cognitive processes for creative problem-solving

• Place-Based Memory: The critical role of the hippocampus in associating memories with physical locations

• Ergonomic Evolution: Why we've spent 70 years optimizing desks, and what other possibilities we might explore

Design Principles for Human-Centered Workplaces

The Balance of Familiar and Novel

• Creating environments that feel both comfortable and stimulating

• Learning from elementary school design principles that we abandon in adult workplaces

• The importance of "intentional friction" in fostering meaningful interactions

Comfort Redefined

Jade Franklin expands the definition of workplace comfort beyond physical ergonomics to include:

• Psychological Safety: Do I belong in this space?

• Inclusive Design: Meeting diverse needs generously, not grudgingly

• Cultural Signaling: How spaces communicate organizational values

The Case for Distributed Excellence

The conversation explores an innovative approach to workplace strategy: instead of large centralized offices, the experts discuss the potential of smaller, distributed locations that:

• Reduce commute times and increase work-life integration

• Create intimate, community-focused work environments

• Maintain company culture while serving local employee populations

• Foster deeper relationships among smaller groups

Learning from Libraries and Nature:

The experts draw inspiration from successful learning environments:

• Libraries: Spaces that balance familiarity with novelty, providing clear navigation while offering discovery opportunities

• Natural Environments: How biophilic design principles can inform workplace creation

• Third Places: Creating workplace environments that capture the appeal of favorite coffee shops and community spaces

Key Insights for Workplace Strategy

1. Intentional Design: Every element should serve a purpose in supporting human connection and productivity

2. Sensory Considerations: How color, texture, sound, and spatial layout affect cognitive performance

3. Equity in Experience: Ensuring all employees can find spaces that meet their working styles and needs

4. Community Building: Physical spaces as platforms for relationship development and knowledge sharing

The Future of Physical Workplaces

Rather than competing with remote work, the experts argue that physical workplaces should focus on what they do uniquely well:

• Facilitating serendipitous encounters

• Supporting complex collaboration

• Building organizational culture and belonging

• Providing sensory richness that digital environments cannot match

This episode offers essential insights for architects, facility managers, real estate strategists, and organizational leaders working to create physical environments that truly serve human needs in the modern work landscape.

Featured Experts:

• B Sanborn, Principal and Design Research Leader, DLR Group

• Jade Franklin, VP of Insights and Strategy, Teknion