In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace design, M Moser Associates stands out with its innovative living lab concept that they are implementing in their own offices worldwide. Come inside with us!
This global architecture, design, strategy, and delivery firm has been redefining the potential of the built environment since 1981. With over 1,300 professionals networked across Asia, India, Europe, and the Americas, M Moser helps transform organizations large and small by redefining the present and anticipating the future to drive positive change for people, planet and business.
We are transforming workspace design with our living labs, where we experiment, collect data and pursue transformative solutions, shaping the future of work in real-time.
– Nabil Sabet | Group Director | M Moser Associates
What is a living lab?
M Moser Associates’ offices are more than just workspaces; they are living labs where experimentation, creation, testing, and trialing of new ideas take place.
Each living lab is designed to evolve, expand, and adapt to future needs, serving as a ‘testing ground’ for:
- behaviors
- sustainability initiatives
- innovative technology
- new typologies
- sensory experiences
Global Reach and Local Impact
The first living lab was launched in Hong Kong in 2016, marking a significant shift in M Moser’s approach to workplace design. Subsequent iterations in New York, London, and Shenzhen have continued to evolve, each building upon the data gathered and lessons learned from the previous office. In each new living lab, teams harness the full breadth of M Moser’s multidisciplinary expertise, including design, architecture, strategy, engineering, and sustainability.
So, what happens in a living lab?
Here, M Moser’s interdisciplinary teams collaborate to expand the potential of the built environment. The concepts explored are supported by extensive knowledge and rigorously tested in their own workplaces before being applied to client projects.
Clients, thought leaders, researchers and industry professionals join M Moser across its global network of living labs to exchange ideas in real time, challenging existing perspectives and pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking.
This diverse mix of minds sparks curiosity and inspires innovation. By redefining the present and anticipating the future, these spaces help drive positive change for people, planet and business.
Living Labs in Action Around the Globe
Amsterdam: This space demonstrates how technology can strengthen operational efficiency and support ambitious climate goals, an invisible partner for making better decisions about design. The teams’ approach continually aligns the space with M Moser’s needs, offering a responsive solution to modern building management. Originally restored in 1901, M Moser repurposed the building from its initial function as a concert hall — its rich musical heritage is reflected throughout the space as artistic installations like this deconstructed piano. This office has earned the WELL Building Standard – Platinum, and is targeting ISO 14064.
Bengaluru: Embracing its natural surroundings, this living lab features floor-to-ceiling windows framed by trees, creating a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors. Daylighting is available on 3 sides with appropriate shading. The space resonates with local heritage, engaging with local artisans who contributed to the lab through locally sourced textiles, kitchenware and other crafted elements to instill a sense of connection and representation while promoting circular practices. Certifications include: WELL Platinum (awarded), RESET Air (awarded), IGBC Green Interiors (pending), IGBC Health & Wellbeing (pending) and it is operating on green power.
Toronto: The space is designed to be adaptive and align with work styles, flexible schedules and the client-centric nature of M Moser’s business. In each work zone, all furniture is untethered and modular to showcase how adaptive design choices can fuel productivity and drive growth when aligned with business goals. Considering typography, color, symbols, materials and spatial organization supports connection, promotes cultural resonance and enhances overall wellbeing. This office is targeting WELL and Net Zero certifications.
New York: The space can accommodate up to 75 people with 100% agile working, supported by access to rechargeable mobile battery packs for greater mobility. The office is equipped with a VR Lab to work through design solutions, a 3D printer to prototype architectural elements, and an Innovation Lab to strategize with design teams and clients.
Paris: Situated in the vibrant financial district, this living lab stands as a testament to new ways of working and living.This innovative workplace prioritizes wellness, sustainability and flexibility. The building it’s situated in features a gym, terraces, a rooftop bar and restaurant, courtyards, versatile meeting rooms and stylish cafés, elevating the experience for all.
Shenzhen: M Moser designed its Shenzhen office around a central question: how can we create a workplace where people feel comfortable, safe and ready to perform at their best work? Staff engagement programs revealed several key considerations: flexibility, collaboration, autonomy, socializing and wellness. Bringing in smart technologies and prioritizing sustainability and wellness, the space supports work in a safe and healthy environment with a WELL Health-Safety Rating (HSR).
Vancouver: Strategically placed sensors continuously monitor various factors – including particulate matter, CO2, PM1, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, light levels, light color, motion, occupancy, sound levels and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Dashboards provide real-time information, indicating when the air quality is at its healthiest. This proactive approach to cleaner air enhances decision-making, promotes creativity and boosts overall productivity.
Empowering Transformation Through Experimentation
At the heart of any transformation is the employee.
M Moser’s living labs test and measure the impact different environments have on human behavior. This culture of experimentation is harnessed to design and engineer inspirational, sustainable, and versatile work environments that help people do their best work.
We’re Twinning
Smart building technology influences many aspects of our spaces. Sensors analyze performance, providing insights into utilization, work preferences and behavior. This information is then sent to a digital twin and combined with data on energy usage, carbon emissions and environmental quality. Insights like these empower the firm to make informed decisions now and in the future.
Teams are able to model and simulate how workplaces are being used through digital twin systems. One use case is M Moser’s ability to predict meeting room demand and assess how successfully a configuration will meet it.
Collaboration, Culture, and Community
M Moser understands the power of community and local culture. These elements inspire its teams to create and build deep connections to where we live, work and play. Each living lab’s community connection is amplified, incorporating local art, objects, signage and bespoke installations.
For example, the Paris team engaged a French illustrator, Saturn, to create a bespoke mural in their wellness room while the Vancouver brand experience team created an anamorphic graphic at the entry. It’s inspired by ‘perspectives’ and forms the word ‘create’ from a single viewing point. An isometric illustration celebrates their work and showcases various project types on a large TV wall. An animated, digital portion of this illustration continues across the large TV.
Conclusion
M Moser’s living labs are more than just workspaces—they are hubs of innovation where the firm scales for sustainability across design, engineering, and delivery. These spaces allow M Moser to invent, design, and build so their clients can excel and create meaningful change.
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Article created in partnership with M Moser Associates.
