Building better buildings is good for business.

That’s the message from leading international architectural firm, Woods Bagot, as it launches its latest book, Public#3: WorkLife, on Thursday (May 10).

WorkLife is a collection of research and ideas from a new generation of thinkers and designers on how to meet the challenges of attracting and retaining staff.

Brisbane Studio Director and Workplace Sector Leader, Mark Damant, said buildings needed to be designed to engage rather than alienate staff.

“Our research suggests that it isn’t just about their pay packets or one-off enticements such as massages and holidays, that keep workers happy. WorkLife suggests that increasingly factors such as natural light, the level of technology, access to public transport, providing showers and overall sustainability are becoming points of differentiation for workers."

Creating an environment where staff would want to work was the design philosophy behind the Woods Bagot Brisbane Studio’s fit-out of the new Brisbane City Council headquarters.

“The Council saw the project as a chance to create a new work environment that embodies all the attributes of a successful workplace, whilst communicating a sense of community responsibility, professionalism and a sense of place,” Mr Damant said.

Mr Damant said sustainability is a major issue for designers. In the case of the Brisbane City Council headquarters, green design measures included using water from the Brisbane River for cooling, installing rainwater tanks, space planning to maximize access to daylight, and bicycle storage for 150 bikes with change facilities.

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