Abstract
As the workplace evolves in our vertical cities, the need for "think spaces" and the public realm to meet, create and innovate will become integral to tall buildings. These people places are designed to address the social challenges and enhance the co-working environments which are emerging in the dense urban context of our future cities. The design of sky terraces and the "spaces between" offer a greener, more humane and smarter work environment for the future. The public realm should no longer be held down, fixed to the ground plane, but rather become part and parcel of the upper levels of our workplace centers. These collective spaces in our workplace centers must provide a three dimensional matrix of connected and identifiable platforms to leverage the open and progressive future way of working. This will enable social networking and idea sharing, and create multi-dimensional, multi-level business incubators for innovation and creativity. The BCO ( British Council of Offices) has performed a landmark Wellness Matters Report which provides an exemplary roadmap for the future of the workplace. Our future vertical cities must also provide for serendipity in the workplace; a key attribute to drive the information exchange and collaboration that are proven to provide positive and progressive business outcomes. In addition to demonstrating examples of existing built work and the concept of the integrated vertical public realm, the presentation also will consider and define wellness in the workplace as a critical factor in our design strategies and our future workplace environments Hanging Gardens, Roof Terraces and the Vertical Plazas; designed for interchange, wellness, animation and collaboration.