‌The Power of Beauty and Design in the Workplace

 Did you know?

A thoughtfully designed workspace does more than just look good—it enhances well-being, morale, and productivity. According to the WELL Building Standard, aligning design principles with an organization’s core cultural values can positively affect employees’ moods and comfort. Integrating art, aesthetics, and culturally meaningful elements helps create environments where people feel inspired and connected. 

Why Beauty Matters

‌Human Delight: Beautiful spaces evoke joy and comfort, reducing stress and supporting mental health.

‌Celebration of Culture & Place: Incorporating local art and cultural references fosters a sense of belonging and pride.

‌Meaningful Art Integration: Public art and design features can transform ordinary offices into uplifting, memorable environments.

Key Issues in Workplace Design

Monotony and Sterility: Workplaces lacking aesthetic consideration can feel uninspiring, negatively affecting mood and creativity.

Disconnect from Culture: Generic designs miss the opportunity to celebrate local identity and company values.

Missed Opportunities for Well-being: Overlooking beauty in design means missing out on its proven benefits for mental and emotional health. 

HSBC's First Flagship Wealth Centre in Kuala Lumpur

Bringing Beauty to Life: Unispace Project Highlights 

 Unispace Art for Impact Campaign: Casa Congo x Las Tejedoras 

Art for Impact: Sustainability & Social Change

Unispace’ Art for Impact program connects businesses with artists and communities to drive sustainability and social equity.

Example: Collaboration with Casa Congo and Las Tejedoras in Nicaragua. Over 30 unique tapestries created from 50,000 recycled plastic bags, now displayed in global offices, empowering local women, supports economic development, and transforms waste into beauty.

Employee Experience: Art installations reduce stress, boost creativity, and inspire purpose-driven work.

  In alignment with its core values, Zoom collaborated with the Unispace Art for Impact (AFI) program to create a bespoke sustainable artwork through AFI partners Casa Congo and Las Tejedoras. Within Zoom’s new space, a bespoke tapestry composed of 3,500 repurposed plastic bags serves as a powerful symbol, inspiring both individual and corporate action in environmental conservation and social impact 

 Unispace Art for Impact Campaign: Orrick, Los Angeles  

Orrick, Los Angeles: A Downtown Oasis

Orrick’s LA office redefines the future of work by blending innovation, inclusivity, and community impact. Unispace’s design features:

Art for Impact: A striking mural by Robert Vargas, celebrating LA’s diversity and Orrick’s partnership with local nonprofits.

Universal Design: Equitable office sizes, abundant natural light, and full accessibility, ensuring everyone feels represented.

Hybrid Workspaces: Flexible layouts for collaboration, learning, and mentoring, reflecting staff feedback and post-pandemic needs.

Community Engagement: Local artists’ work and social justice partnerships are woven into the fabric of the workplace.‌ 

 This mural by Robert Vargas, “It’s All About Love,” in the reception highlights the work of ANWOL and their founder Susan Burton. The mural depicts re-entry into the community - in this instance a mother is re-bonding with her child, sparking their connection the way they did at birth. Overlaid are California poppies, the state flower that can bloom anywhere, representing the resilience of these women. 

Takeda, Vietnam 

Takeda, Vietnam: Celebrating Heritage and Collaboration

Takeda’s Ho Chi Minh City office exemplifies how global standards and local culture can coexist:

Cultural Integration: Columns adorned with Saigon landmarks honor local heritage and foster pride.

Hybrid Design: Neighborhoods and team clusters balance collaborative and focused workspaces.

Growth & Flexibility: Space planning accommodates expansion while supporting creativity and connectivity.

People-First Approach: The design reflects Takeda’s commitment to inclusion, well-being, and a thriving workplace culture. 

A vibrant mural  and use of local elements energizes Takeda Vietnam’s workspace, seamlessly blending local culture and dynamic artistry to inspire creativity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging among employees. This bold design feature not only enlivens the office but also reflects Takeda’s commitment to well-being and a people-centered environment. 

Why It Matters

When beauty and design are prioritized, workplaces become more than just offices—they become spaces where people thrive. At Unispace, we believe every project is an opportunity to create environments that inspire, support, and celebrate the people within them.

Let’s keep designing for delight, culture, and well-being—one beautiful workplace at a time.

Inspired by the WELL Building Standard’s Beauty and Design feature. Learn more about how we’re shaping the future of work through thoughtful design. 

About Cheryl Martirez

Cheryl Martirez joined Unispace as an Associate, Design, based in Hong Kong. She holds a Master’s in Design, specializing in Design Management & Practice and Sustainability in Interior Design, from The University of New South Wales, Australia.

A LEED and WELL-certified professional interior designer, Cheryl is also a certified ESG planner, bringing a strong sustainability focus to her design approach.