Creative office spaces under investigation

Abstract

The aim of this research is to understand creativity related to three separate subjects, ‘creativity in mind’, ‘creativity in space’ and ‘creativity in practice’. All of the three subjects are linked to the creative spaces of the architectural office. It is the question, ‘’How did the interior of creative spaces within the architectural office form and how has it developed as a reflection of the architects creativity?’’ that will be answered. Creativity proves to be essential for arts, new inventions, innovations and human expression. Creativity often takes place in the studio, which is in essence a workspaces to bring creatives together to work hard, collaborate and learn from each other. The workspaces can both facilitate and stimulate the creativity of the people inside. The ability to produce something that is both original or innovative and possess utility or value for someone, proves to be an important part of the work of an architect. Creativity is, however, an integral part of the architect and architecture, which reflects on the workspaces of an architect. Personal preferences and the personal quest for creativity claim to a large extent the influence on the architect's workplace. Famous books about creativity, written by authors and philosophers are used as a source of information. Researches and studies of scientists are added to support and prove the literature. Creativity linked with the workspaces of architects and as a reflection of the mind of the architect, fills the gap between separate researches about creativity, architects and its workspace. The case studies of architectural firms, all located in the north of the Netherlands, add an additional layer of renewed information.