The oxi project: Symbiotic Workplace Ecosystem

Studio VI | Belmont University | 2025

This project reimagines the contemporary office as a living ecosystem that evolves with its users and restores balance between productivity, wellness, and the environment. Grounded in Neri Oxman’s philosophy of material ecology, the design treats architecture not as a static container, but as an adaptive system shaped by natural processes, human behavior, and technological innovation.

The concept is organized around three interconnected principles: Synergy, Flow, and Renewal, which guide spatial planning, material selection, and experiential sequencing throughout the workplace. Programmatic zones are arranged to mirror natural ecosystems, pairing collaboration with focus, activity with rest, and public engagement with moments of retreat. Workpoints, collaboration lounges, wellness spaces, and specialized labs are strategically interwoven to encourage movement, interaction, and choice throughout the day.

Biophilic strategies and bio-fabricated materials play a central role in the design. Curved partitions, organic geometries, and layered transparencies reference natural metabolisms, while sustainable materials such as mycelium panels, recycled composites, and adaptive acoustic surfaces support both environmental responsibility and human comfort. Light, texture, and circulation move through the space in a continuous rhythm, reinforcing a sense of calm, clarity, and connection.

Rather than prioritizing efficiency alone, this workplace is designed to support long-term wellbeing. Spaces for restoration, reflection, and informal gathering are treated as essential infrastructure, not amenities. The result is a symbiotic office environment where people and systems support one another, demonstrating that meaningful productivity emerges when design is rooted in balance, adaptability, and care.