McGraw Hill Education (MHE) asked HOK to develop new workplace strategies and guidelines that would help it transition from a traditional publishing company to an innovative, digital tech business.
The guidelines provide direction on the planning approach, programming metrics and preferred level of architectural finishes, lighting, furniture and equipment. Specifications on MEP, Plumbing, AV, and IT also are included.
HOK designed MHE’s Chicago corporate office, which consolidates staff from two locations, as a pilot project for the new guidelines. The design embodies the culture and mission of MHE as an innovative, customer-focused organization.
The dynamic new workplace is 100 percent open plan with a standard workstation module. MHE’s people have access to focus rooms for heads-down work and a variety of collaborative spaces that support from two to 20 people.
A central hub promotes casual collisions and interaction. The hub also serves as a welcome zone for visitors, who range from preschoolers to university faculty.
A Customer Engagement Center (CEC) acts as an interactive lab where MHE can test new products, interview educators and learners, and collaborate with partners.
MHE’s people worked with HOK’s design team to create environmental graphics and branding that emphasize the concept of education.