A network of workspaces that go beyond the boundaries of the space occupiers rent. Including third-spaces such as active lobbies, outdoor structures with power and lighting and green space.

Research by WHO during this health crisis suggests transmission of viruses is less likely outdoors than indoors. During this year of lockdowns, people have worked from home where possible and embraced meeting outside. More flexible working patterns and outside lifestyles have become the norm as cafés extend outdoor seating and gardens become external living areas. Work is not constrained by four walls, so why is the workplace?

At IQL Stratford, Lendlease has already taken the neighbourhood beyond its buildings and created a working environment to harness the power of outdoor working. The gateway to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP) and Stratford Inclusive Innovation District, IQL has leveraged the unique qualities of its landscape to blend outdoor components and create a permanent outdoor workplace where anyone can work, collaborate and share ideas.

Delivered in early 2020, the Living Room is first in what will be a series of structures to support outdoor working. The free multi-use space provides flexible outdoor co-working and community event space. Integrated lighting, external sockets and USB charging-points encourage outdoor working and night-time use. A space for creativity and inspiration designed to integrate with the landscape while providing protection from the weather, it seats 25 in varied configurations to allow individual and collaborative working.

The Pavilion Roof Garden opens to the public in September 2021, bringing seating, solar powered USB and wireless phone chargers, and public toilets. Feature amphitheatre steps create a place to meet and dwell and connect to a new D&D rooftop bar providing great coffee. Integrated private terraces offer tenants outdoor space to work, and curated walking routes through QEOP will be promoted on the Life@IQL community platform.

IQL’s creation of permanent multi-use outdoor spaces fully considers the health and wellbeing of those using its workspaces, both now and in the future.

Working from anywhere is becoming increasingly accessible, so we’re creating a place that supports work no matter where you are, indoors or out. Nature and choice have huge benefits to happiness, health, performance and neurodiversity, and this year we’ve learned it's also about safety - reducing the threat of virus transmission by being outdoors. As part of a growing innovation district, these permeable spaces are important for people to connect and build loose ties across the community. So, this network of shared outdoor workspace, with seating, lighting, power (and access to good coffee!) is designed to help people thrive.
Rachel Edwards, Senior Strategist Workplace Futures