Lab83 is a place where we like to ask ‘why’. It’s a place to experiment, innovate, and explore what’s happening at the bleeding edge of collaborative workplace design. This is a place for teams to come together and solve difficult problems in a new way utilizing the latest workplace tools. We then scale out successes and re-look at failures and keep moving!

We have 3 core elements that we explore at Lab82; collaborative technology, furniture design, and biophilia. It was my responsibility to build the Lab82 program starting in 2016. We literally scrapped, begged, and pleaded for almost everything involved with Lab82 since it was so experimental. Over the course of 3 years, we were able to establish a budget for evolutionary builds each fiscal quarter. We were also able to leverage various partnerships through various projects at Lab82. There were many contributors to this space and the products we tested and explored. The successful products and experiments were rolled out to current workplace projects happening all over the world. This program was very successful in measuring what works and what doesn’t. It ultimately built a culture in the workplace program called “permanent beta”…everything is an evolving prototype. It allowed us to experiment and learn from failures very quickly.

The version of Lab82 being shown here is v3. We chose KEM Studio to work with us on design because of their ability to understand strategy, product, and architecture. They are industrial designers, which we feel was a missing link in thinking about workplace design. We decided to explore a concept called ‘Kiva’. This piece of furniture allowed the users to create flexible enclosed spaces while also allowing for technology to play a part. Kiva creates space and is also an armature for screens, whiteboards, acoustical sound-absorbing panels, and other collaborative devices. KEM Studio also proposed a series of tables that were all modular and could be re-arranged to accommodate 1-12 people all at one table.

The furniture is this evolution was designed by KEM Studio and made by Mash Studios, a partnership that evolved out other workplace projects. Herman Miller allowed us to test the Cosm chair as part of a pre-release program for their elite clients.

Biophilia is a topic we love to explore at Adobe. We have created a filter for architectural material selection which prioritizes biophilia; natural materials, recycled materials, biomimicry, plants, sounds, and aromas. Our flooring partner Interface created a custom carpet that evokes frozen ground and melting snow over soil. We also partnered with Biome and included 2 of their products in the space. Our technology partner was Microsoft, which allowed us to test various Surface Collaborative products.

We also explored sound, as we believe it plays an important role in how we work together. We created various ‘radio stations’ for different types of mood or work environments within Lab82.

To keep things chill, we provided an aromatherapy station for users to explore how aromas can enhance mood and environment.

Team

Adobe Workplace Experience, Adobe Workplace Technology, KEM Studio, Media Objectives, Mash Studios, Herman Miller, Biome, Interface Flooring, Pivot Interiors, Cushman & Wakefield, Microsoft