Roy David Architecture unveils Nuvo‘s new headquarters that reflects the maternal-fetal health technology company’s data-centric and feminine nature.
Roy David Architecture, a leader in office interior architecture, officially unveiled the new headquarters of a maternal-fetal health technology company, Nuvo, located in Tel Aviv’s recently opened Alon Towers. The office occupies an entire floor with 1,500 square-meters of design.
Founded in 2007, Nuvo has dedicated itself to developing wearable, sensor-based technologies for pregnancy health. Roy David Architecture’s design brief was to create a space that reflects both the data-centric and feminine nature of Nuvo’s primary product, a revolutionary fetal monitor that vastly improves this segment of healthcare.
Nuvo has transformed the experience of pregnancy by connecting mothers and physicians to real-time information that enables healthcare providers to better manage the experience for both mothers and babies while reducing the cost to healthcare systems. The primary design challenge for Roy David Architecture was to create a space that not only spoke to the nature of the unique products Nuvo creates and develops, but also to provide a variety of working environments that would accommodate the unique and highly technical work done by the company’s employees, ranging from textile testing, development and data algorithms to marketing and finance.
When was the project completed?
2018
How much space?
16,146 SF
Was this new or renovated space?
New space
SF per person?
215 SF per person
How many employees?
75 employees
What is the average daily population?
75 to 85 people
Describe workspace types.
A combination of open space and multiple closed rooms for team and private offices depending on the department
What kind of meeting spaces are provided?
There are 4 formal meeting spaces ranging in size holding up to 6 to 12 occupants. There are 4 smaller closed collaborative spaces that accommodate 2-4 occupants. Additionally, there are several alternative meeting spaces: booths + hangouts. A portion of the kitchen can be closed off via a dynamic partition/moving wall for a larger conference/lecture space.
What other kinds of support space or amenity spaces are provided?
7 labs, 3 print stations, 2 coffee bars/small kitchens, and a main kitchen
What are the projects location and proximity to public transportation and/or other amenities?
The Alon Towers is a 5-minute walk from one of Tel Aviv’s main train stations. There is also a docking station for Tel Aviv City Bikes adjacent to the building.
Was the “C” Suite involved in the project planning and design process?
Yes – the CEO was very hands-on in the initial planning and programming processes. Other heads of the department (CTO and COO) were involved in later stages specific to their departments.
What kind of programming or visioning activities were used?
We used our own office survey and one-on-one meetings with department heads and administration to arrive at the best, most precise/accurate program for the project.
Were any pre-planning surveys conducted to get employee input?
Yes, surveys and interviews with employees and department heads. It is incredibly important to us as designers to not only receive an accurate understanding of the program and the office culture, but we use this process to create a strong line of communication that facilitates the entire design process.
Please describe any program requirements that were unique or required any special research or design requirements.
Create a space that not only spoke to the nature of the unique products Nuvo creates and develops but also to provide a variety of working environments that would accommodate the unique and highly technical work done by the company’s employees, ranging from textile testing, development and data algorithms to marketing and finance.
Because of the product testing that happens in the office (i.e. in close proximity to workstations), special attention was paid to acoustics to ensure a quiet and pleasant work environment. Solutions included acoustic lighting elements, a unique configuration of the workstations and custom storage units that include a usable surface (whiteboards) to create small “rooms” within a larger space.
Was there any emphasis or requirements on programming for health and wellbeing initiatives for employees?
Yes, a variety of spaces, quiet rooms, booths, mediation rooms were provided for employees. In each of these spaces, special attention was paid to the acoustics and comfort of the space. Cork tiling that coordinated with the feel and lines of the concept were used not only to improve the acoustics in these spaces but as markers/indicators for these “quiet zones”.
Were there any special or unusual construction materials or techniques employed in the project?
Cork (wall tiling), felt (custom lighting in open space), curved lines and finishes (ceiling elements/construction and carpentry)
For specific examples, please describe the product, how it was used, and if it solved any specific problem.
The special techniques and materials used in the project helped to both strengthen the concept and create a calm and enjoyable working environment for Nuvo employees – something that was of utmost importance to the company’s CEO.
What products or service solutions are making the biggest impact in your space?
Ancillary furniture by Sancal, Task chairs and meeting room chairs by Interstuhl, storage units by Montana Design, and custom carpentry by Mordis Carpentry.
What kind of branding elements were incorporated into the design?
The company’s logo was integrated into the custom-made reception desk. The designers worked to create a custom terrazzo to highlight the logo on the piece.
What is the most unique feature of the new space?
The main entrance and reception. The designers integrated the strongest elements from the concept including curved lines mimicking the lines of the product itself, the female body during pregnancy, and the reference to the technical data involved in the creation and development of the product. These can be seen in the construction of the ceiling and the custom carpentry at the reception desk, partitions, and storage units. The logo and color palette are also strongly highlighted within the space.
What kinds of technology products were used?
AV, video conferencing in all meeting rooms, security systems for labs and HUB
If the company relocated to new space, what was the most difficult aspect of the change for the employees?
For a portion of the employees, it was transitioning from closed offices to an open space. Because of the thought that went into the planning of the space to be broken down by teams, there is still quite a bit of privacy while still maintaining the feel of an open space work environment. The employees have not only adjusted to the various private booths and meeting spaces within the open space (“HUB”) but are enjoying the benefits of what space has to offer.
Were there post-occupancy surveys?
There have been several conversations with employees and the company’s CEO about what improvements/adjustments can be made, but the feedback has been primarily positive.
Tell us more!
Studio: Roy David Architecture
Lead Design: Ariel Lumry & Ayala Lifshitz
Project Management: David Raz Project Management
Contractor: Elly Engineering
Photos courtesy of Itay Benit
