Consider possibly hedging work and break areas with trees and cacti to provide shade and screens in and around work areas. Surround the building with a grass yard to accommodate impromptu soccer matches, bocce courts, volleyball games, or picnics. Inside the building, the integration between the natural and work environments should continue. Glass curtain walls provide abundant natural light. High ceilings and glass skylights allow natural light to bounce and move throughout the workplace.
Operable windows provide fresh air, light, and nature's sounds and smells.
At all points throughout the building, occupants should be oriented not only to their work but also to the natural world outside. Rather than being alienated from the natural envi-ronment while on the job, occupants can integrate it into their work. Additionally, this kind of office building could decrease typical energy consumption by as much as 20 percent. First, a central team approach should be developed. The new teams are unable to apply the lessons learned by the old team.