AT&T Broadband Headquarters

Micro-programming meetings, led by BA's program specialist, were conducted with designated senior staff of the corporation. Review of corporate standards for the allocation of space to each staff position was a pivot point that helped the corporation transition from a hierarchical structure to a horizontal structure. The intent of the new structure was to introduce team-based work and increase collaborative styles of work (1). Space standards were revised from fifteen different office and workstation sizes to five. Simplification and reduction of numerous specially-designed work spaces allows for easier reconfiguration of teams, because fewer, if any, walls need to be demolished and reconstructed to accommodate change, and people can easily move from one workstation to another as teams change. Facility management is streamlined through the reduction or elimination of numerous custom furniture designs. Micro-programming explores much more than allocation of space: it explores the options to enhance and the consequences of big or small changes in corporate function and culture.

The Micro-Program Report identified Design Principles and direction for the interior, some of which are illustrated in the photograph (2). "The interior should be lit with daylight." "No building corners, circulation should be easy to understand and navigate, circulation should be continuous." "Connect level two and level one visually and physically." "Provide a suite of conference rooms close to the café and the entry." "Include a secure outdoor plaza or courtyard for use as place to enjoy breakfast and lunch, and for assembly of large groups and outdoor events." Space planning concept testing can, and often does, run concurrently with programming to illustrate ideas and give the Owner tools to make good decisions.

See Also:
- AT&T Headquarters
- AT&T Headquarters Master Plan
- AT&T Interiors
- Awards