Design is key to successful space consolidation

Real Estate Weekly, Dec 14, 1994 by William A. Buscaglia, Abby Rubenstein

The EDP and Communications operations are also housed on the 28th floor. The trend towards an open office concept appealed to Bank Austria, so NYDCI designed work areas enclosed in a modular landscaped partition system. Each individual has their own personal space, but is not closed in a four walled office. Rather, partitions separate one employee from the next-encouraging communications, saving space and eliminating a standard hierarchal structure. These partitions maximize personal space while reducing unnecessary common space. Additionally, the partitions can be reconfigured to accommodate the inevitable further growth of Bank Austria.

The 27th floor is designed much the same way as the 28th floor. Partitions dominate the work area and space is put to maximum use. The 27th floor is home to the administration and operations division of Bank Austria.

Finally, unique to Bank Austria's environment is the distribution the bank's key personnel among the three floors. Based on the philosophy that it's a team effort that leads to success, Bank Austria's key personnel are situated on the same floor as the individuals they manage to facilitate interaction between management and employees.

Thanks to NYDCI, Bank Austria's New York headquarters office has a Fifth Avenue address, an air of prestige and sophistication, and a new work environment that promotes increased productivity, as well as flexibility for the future.