The KPF Design Principal joins cultural anthropologist Melissa Fisher to explore how ethnographic methods can reshape workplace design in “The Third Place Incorporated: An Anthropological-Architectural Approach to Fostering Community in the Workplace.”
Complimenting Fisher’s esteemed anthropological work, Hana draws on her architectural expertise and research to advocate for the integration of “third places”—distinctive, community-oriented environments—within office settings. She emphasizes that spatial qualities such as coherence, fascination, and “hominess” are essential for fostering belonging and social cohesion among employees, referencing both her own scholarship as well as leading studies in neuroaesthetics and environmental psychology.
Throughout the piece, Hana highlights a series of KPF-designed spaces—including lounges, coworking zones, and amenity-rich environments at projects such as Meta Farley, the interiors at 330 West 34th Street, and the firm’s own New York studio. Her approach, grounded in ethnographic insight and lived experience, demonstrates how adaptable layouts and flexible elements can support a range of social and cognitive needs. This vision is closely aligned with KPF’s work to elevate cities through context, craft, and performance: By designing workplaces that nurture both community and creativity, offices can not only strengthen organizational culture but also enrich the civic fabric of the city. The featured case studies underscore Hana’s commitment to creating environments that seamlessly weave together the needs of individuals, organizations, and the broader urban context.
Read the full article in Work Design Magazine here.
