Interview about Dopamine Element Neihu Taipei Office, winner of the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2020
The design brings in the concept that space may generate dopamine in your body and feel great in office operations. Mobile Office Function: Jump off the routine and inspire the creative ideas. Flexible use the space: improving communication and performance. Branding Image to customers: Inject the spirit into enterprise operation, and make space users present. In order to meet the three basic demands of the space functions, natural lighting was introduced, leaving the southwest side to the permanent office area; small meeting rooms and telephone rooms, with clear glass.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe concept of dopamine became a design catalyst by grounding the project in behavioral neuroscience. We conducted extensive observations of daily work patterns and identified specific triggers that stimulate dopamine production—such as autonomy, sensory novelty, social engagement, and task accomplishment. These findings were translated into spatial components: flexible work bars that encourage spontaneous collaboration, modular seating that can be rearranged for different work modes, and transparent partitions that maintain visual openness while supporting focus. Natural light was strategically introduced to reinforce circadian balance and elevate mood. By weaving these neurological insights into tangible spatial experiences, the office becomes a dynamic environment that continually supports motivation, creativity, and emotional well-being.
The integration of natural light with clear glass partitions significantly reshaped communication dynamics within the workspace. Transparency fosters a subtle sense of connectedness—employees can visually sense team activity without feeling interrupted. The absence of opaque barriers encourages spontaneous exchanges, as individuals are more aware of colleagues’ availability and ongoing discussions. This architectural openness also flattens hierarchy; leaders become more accessible, and teams naturally gravitate toward collaboration rather than isolation. The resulting environment supports a rhythm of interaction that is fluid rather than forced, enabling more frequent micro-collaborations that cumulatively enhance teamwork and organizational agility.
The decision to use organic materials such as linseed-oil flooring was driven by sustainability goals and a desire to create a healthier sensory experience. These materials emit significantly lower VOC levels, reducing long-term exposure to chemicals commonly found in synthetic finishes. Their natural textures and warm tactile qualities create a grounding effect, helping employees feel more relaxed and psychologically secure. The flooring also ages gracefully, developing subtle patinas that reinforce the authenticity of the environment. Beyond environmental responsibility, the material palette contributes to a calmer emotional atmosphere, supporting overall well-being in a way that synthetic products rarely achieve.
The dual-sided movable whiteboard system evolved through multiple design iterations and real-user testing sessions. Initially conceived as a tool for ideation, it quickly grew into a multifunctional architectural element once teams began experimenting with it. Employees used the boards to carve out impromptu meeting zones, create semi-private work pockets, or extend project walls for long-term visual thinking. Their mobility empowers users to reshape the environment instantly, turning static office layouts into kinetic, ever-evolving landscapes. This adaptability not only enhances collaboration but also encourages ownership—teams feel the space belongs to them because they can actively manipulate it according to their workflow.
Receiving the Silver A’ Design Award elevated the project’s visibility and validated our research-driven approach to workplace design. It reinforced our commitment to emotional ergonomics—designing not only for functionality but also for psychological uplift. Following the recognition, more clients sought solutions that emphasized well-being, flexibility, and scientific insights. The award also encouraged us to systematize our methodology, integrating user-behavior mapping and emotional analytics into our standard design workflow. This project became a reference point for how intuitive, happiness-driven environments can outperform conventional offices.
The meditation and contemplation zones were informed by research demonstrating that even brief moments of mindfulness can recalibrate the nervous system, reducing cortisol levels and improving cognitive performance. Studies from organizations like Harvard and Stanford highlight the measurable benefits of rest-based productivity cycles. Drawing from these insights, we created environments that balance sensory reduction with subtle visual cues of openness—soft materials, controlled acoustics, and filtered lighting help employees reset without feeling disconnected from the workplace rhythm. These spaces acknowledge that high performance is cyclical, not constant.
Balancing individual concentration with collaborative engagement required a zoning strategy that respects diverse work states. We designed the floor plan with three gradations of energy: vibrant interaction zones near circulation paths, flexible hybrid spaces for semi-focused teamwork, and deep-focus areas buffered acoustically and visually. This gradient allows employees to self-select environments that match their immediate cognitive needs. The design embraces the idea that productivity is not monolithic; it fluctuates throughout the day, and the workplace must accommodate that natural rhythm.
Working within a compact 251.24 m² footprint required a high level of spatial discipline. We approached the plan as a dynamic system rather than a fixed layout. Modular furniture allows rapid reconfiguration, while multifunctional walls carry storage, writable surfaces, or display capability. We also optimized sightlines to create a perception of spaciousness, using light, color, and proportion to elevate mood. The challenge was to maintain the dopamine-enhancing qualities—novelty, control, interaction—without cluttering the space. The result is an environment that feels open, adaptable, and psychologically energizing despite its modest size.
Since its completion in 2016, the office has demonstrated sustained positive impact. Long-term feedback shows reduced stress levels, stronger team cohesion, and higher satisfaction with the work environment. Employees report feeling more empowered because the space allows them to choose how and where they work. Productivity metrics, such as project turnaround time and interdepartmental collaboration frequency, have shown measurable improvement. The space continues to function as an ecosystem that nurtures creativity and reinforces emotional well-being.
For designers aiming to create emotionally responsive workplaces, my key advice is to integrate scientific inquiry into the design process. Study how people behave, what motivates them, and how environments influence emotion and cognition. Instead of relying solely on aesthetics or trends, build prototypes—small mock-ups or behavioral experiments—to test how users respond. Emotional resonance comes from subtle calibrations: the right balance of openness and privacy, sensory richness without overstimulation, and the freedom for people to adapt their surroundings. The future of workplace design lies in spaces that understand humans as complex neurological beings, not merely users.
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