Since the 1990s, Steelcase has been refining its approach to community-based design1, drawing inspiration from the vibrant, organic interactions that shape great urban spaces. Heavily influenced by the work of visionary urban activist Jane Jacobs, Steelcase recognized that the principles that make cities thrive — walkability, diversity, density, and serendipitous encounters — could be applied to workplace design. By moving beyond rigid, siloed office layouts and instead fostering dynamic spaces that encourage collaboration and social cohesion, Steelcase pioneered a philosophy that continues to inform modern workplace strategy.
In this article, we explore the origins of community-based design — and provide an overview of the principles that enable business communities to thrive.
A brief history of community-based design
Jacobs’ seminal work, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, emphasized that urban environments are at their best when they enable frequent, unplanned interactions among people of different backgrounds and expertise. Steelcase saw a parallel in the workplace: the best ideas don’t emerge in isolation, but through cross-pollination. As a result, the company began envisioning its own offices as thriving neighborhoods, where chance encounters sparked innovation and the design itself nurtured a sense of belonging.
In December 2000, Malcolm Gladwell reported on an approach to workplace design informed by social networks.2 At Steelcase’s headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, desk arrangements on the executive level were determined by an analysis of social interactions developed by Karen Stephenson, an anthropologist and business school professor. Stephenson mapped employees’ informal networks based on their answers to questions such as “with whom do you spend time?” and “with whom do you talk about new ideas?” The findings revealed which team members would benefit from increased interaction.
Steelcase used this data to optimize seating arrangements, ensuring that key players — not necessarily the most senior, but the most socially connected — had ample opportunities for unplanned encounters. This methodology, which Steelcase referred to as floor-casting, demonstrated how workplace design could actively shape company culture, facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance collaboration.
The role of community-based design in wellbeing, engagement and retention
These principles have become mainstream components of contemporary workplace strategy, particularly in the context of hybrid work and a renewed focus on employee wellbeing. Community-based design fosters a workplace environment in which employees feel connected to their peers, their purpose and their organization’s mission. This sense of connection has three critical effects:
1. Enhanced wellbeing
Research shows that workplaces designed for social interaction contribute to lower stress levels and greater job satisfaction. When employees have spaces that allow for informal conversations, relaxation and movement throughout the day, they report higher levels of happiness and wellbeing.3
2. Improved engagement
Workplaces that facilitate frequent, meaningful interactions — both structured and spontaneous — see higher levels of employee engagement. Team members are more likely to be invested in their work when they feel part of a larger community and when their environment encourages collaboration and shared problem-solving.
3. Longer talent retention
A strong workplace community is one of the most effective antidotes to turnover. When employees feel a genuine sense of belonging and have strong social ties at work, they are more likely to stay. Companies that integrate community-based design principles into their office spaces create settings where people want to work — not just because of the job itself, but because of the relationships they build.
Supporting multiple work modes with workplace districts
For organizations looking to recreate the dynamism of thriving cities in their workplaces, the key is intentionality. Spaces must be designed not just for function but for human connection. Steelcase imagines each area of the workplace as a district that supports specific work modes, including social interaction, focus, collaboration, rejuvenation and learning.
City Center
Strategically placed at workplace crossroads, the City Center is a dynamic hub designed to support multiple work modes — particularly social interaction and collaboration. As the heart of the workplace community, it should foster face-to-face connections that build trust and engagement, countering the isolating effects of digital communication. It should serve as a natural gathering place for spontaneous conversations and teamwork, while also offering quiet nooks for focused work. Integrated with shared amenities like cafés, resource centers and tech support, the City Center can also encourage knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
Neighborhoods
Designed to provide structure and predictability, the Neighborhood gives employees a sense of ownership and a space to settle in for deep, focused work. With areas for collaboration, small group discussions and shared problem-solving, teams can easily connect and exchange ideas. Social spaces within the neighborhood should foster informal interactions, strengthening relationships and team cohesion. This district can also integrate rejuvenation areas for moments of respite, thus helping to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing.
Business District
The Business District is designed to foster collaboration, creativity and innovation. It should offer a variety of shared spaces where teams can meet, brainstorm and work together — whether in person or remotely. With hybrid work in mind, the district should integrates technology that ensures seamless participation for both physical and virtual attendees, making collaboration more equitable and engaging.
Flexible layouts are an important feature of this district, as they can accommodate different team sizes and work styles, supporting everything from structured meetings to spontaneous problem-solving sessions. Spaces for heads-down focus, such as pods, can provide a quiet retreat for deep work before or after collaborative sessions. By enabling smooth transitions between group work and individual tasks, the Business District helps teams stay connected, productive and inspired.
Urban Parks
Designed for rejuvenation, Urban Parks provide a much-needed retreat where employees can recharge, refocus and reconnect. These spaces should offer a mix of quiet zones for personal reflection, as well as open areas for social interaction. Whether stepping away to disconnect and reset or engaging in casual conversation, employees should be able to find a setting within the park that suits their needs. For those who prefer to recharge in solitude, private nooks offer a place to think deeply without distraction. Shared indoor and outdoor spaces, on the other hand, encourage social connection, making Urban Parks an essential destination for both restoration and collaboration.
University District
The University District is an education center designed to support individual and group learning, blending structured training with informal knowledge-sharing. This adaptable district should facilitate both in-person and remote collaboration, allowing employees to learn, teach and stay engaged with work.
Modular environments accommodate a range of learning experiences, from large training rooms for formal instruction to smaller enclaves for focused work, mentoring, and online learning. Common areas foster spontaneous idea exchange and knowledge-sharing, reinforcing a culture of lifelong learning that helps teams stay agile and future-ready.
By embracing community-based workplace design, companies can create environments that not only enhance productivity but also promote a deeper sense of belonging — driving wellbeing, engagement and long-term retention in the process. Just as Jane Jacobs imagined cities as ecosystems of human connection, today’s most forward-thinking workplaces are designed to function as living, evolving networks in which relationships, ideas and innovation thrive.
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