Fourth floor Wallenberg
Here are three pictures of an unsuccessful cafe. Dan, if you read this, perhaps you can comment with your own impressions, having known the space better and longer than any of us. To me (MB), there never seems to be any activity in this space. Sure, individuals might use it to keept their lunch in the fridge. Or to reheat something. But I have never seen any social activity around that space.
Perhaps it is the isolation-- the cafe/kitchenette is cut off from the mail work areas by an aisle, and so it's very separate. Of course, that's factually correct- you do have to go to the cafe intentionally. But there's more than that going on.
There doesn't seem to be any lack of equipment. Fridge, dishes, ovens (toaster and microwave) and much else. Even TWO coffeemakers. What does that mean?
Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any cultural norm around the space.
What could improve the success of the Wallenberg 4th floor cafe space?
1. Regular coffee breaks, open to all 'residents' of Wallenberg 4 (SCIL, SHC, etc.). Maybe daily at 4? 2. Coffee etc provided on a rotating basis by each of the research groups. (Not by individuals) 3. Maybe a weekly informal chat by someone in one of the groups.
More provided by University/building will help create links between the groups using the space.
IDEO
(pending pictures from Greg Warman)
The IDEO cafe is open all the time during normal hours. It's a cool-looking space, and some people just use it for informal conversations... or even to sleep. (I didn't take a picture of this!). IDEO also seems to be a "work hard, play hard" place, so sleeping is appreciated when it can happen.
Here the cultural practice that's worth highlighting is a weekly time of sharing. Some of these are open to the public, and others are only for internal purposes. Generally, the idea is that someone from IDEO will share progress or ideas, and everyone else can come listen and ask questions. The fact that this happens weekly, on a schedule, is an indicator of the strength of the space. And it also underscores the idea that this space is more than just about food and coffee.
Frog Design Palo Alto
At frog design (picture coming), the cafe also is away from the main work areas. In fact, it's on a separate floor from most employees. But what they've done is create a shared time, a "coffee break" to gather everyone around. What that cultural practice does is several things. First, it gives people a reason to come to the space, and ensures that when you come to the space you will 1) find other people there and 2) not get in trouble for being there. Second, it may also affect the rest of the day. That is, the (subtle?) message may be, "work hard until 4:30, then you can take a break." And perhaps "expect to work past 5pm!"
In order for the cultural practice to work, they've done two other things. First, there are games in the space as well, like foosball. Two, there is food and coffee that are provided by the company. If it were up to individuals to bring their own drinks, it would hardly feel festive, and perhaps few people would do it.