Evolution and Development of the Workplace Since the wave of office innovation accompanying advances in information technology took off in the early 1990s, we have observed a diverse range of case examples, including the appearance of nomadic workstyles and alternative offices, the transition of workplaces into infrastructure that supports business model renewal, and the changing role of the office from cost reduction to value enhancement. ECIFFO marks its 50th issue as it continues to observe the ever-changing office from various perspectives. In this issue, we reflect on the diverse case studies we have featured so far and explore future directions.relationship. Designing the Spaces for Experiences Next-generation workplaces are intended to effectively support the ever-diversifying range of business activities, and their builders will expect them to fulfill a range of roles. In our opinion, one of their functions will be to inspire and facilitate people's total experience. This is the role of the office as experiential space, a space that conveys different messages to the people who work or visit, inspiring ideas, prompting behaviors, and encouraging new encounters and social interactions. In the following articles, we look at original case studies with focus on these workplace aspects. In ECIFFO 49, we looked at Inspiring Workplaces in Europe; in this issue, we turn our attention to their counterparts in the United States. Corporate Message Changes Ways of Working   Fast-growing companies have little time to reflect on their existence and tend to go with the flow. Relocating or building a new office provides an ideal opportunity to stop, think, and reconfigure their vision. Like many others, biotech company Genzyme Corporation grasped the opportunities that its new headquarters project pre-sented. The finished product?the Genzyme Center?communicates a corporate message in many forms, both within the company and to the outside world. Genzyme Center / Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Set Up to Encourage Incubation   The time and cost of office and IT facilities can be a bottleneck for startups. As an incubator, Nexspace consciously provides high quality space and services to these companies. This is an ideal environment for small businesses.collaboration with other organizations. The IT City of Katrinebjerg puts this principle into practice. Nexspace / Los Angeles, California, USA A Place to Find Inspiration   Honda R & D America's Advanced Design Studio relocated to downtown Pasadena because the team members felt they could not create new product concepts stuck out in the suburbs at the company's headquarters: They wanted to seek inspiration somewhere close to consumers' daily routine. Underpinning the team's design work is a one-of-a-kind cocoon-shaped studio?a fitting environment for people designing futuristic concept cars. Honda Advanced Design Studio / Pasadena, California, USA Space and Organization Support Collaboration   The Los Angeles office of HLW produces creative architectural designs on the West Coast of the U.S. Small teams of four or five work on projects in collaboration with HLW's other staff, other offices, and clients. A casual style of office space and organization support their work. HLW / Santa Monica, California, USA Comfortable Space as a Creative Service   AZ Los Angeles, a unique post-production sound studio that works mainly on music for commercials, stands apart. It relocated to Santa Monica in 2003, turning a warehouse into a third studio that features comfortable spaces intended to stimulate creators' imaginations. Its minimalist interior is accented by trendy furniture, and modern art adorns the white walls of a gallery?all in all, an environment anyone would enjoy working in. AZ Los Angeles / Santa Monica, California, USA Environment Encourages a Total Experience At the world headquarters of sporting goods manufacturer Reebok International Ltd., office and sports facility are one. A full-size running track, a soccer pitch, and a softball field are visible from office windows. The open corridor area?the "main street"?features an indoor basketball court and a company store that proudly displays Reebok products. These amenities, which employees use regularly, give a total sensory experience of sight, touch, and sports that encourages. Reebok / Canton, Massachusetts, USA