KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 10, 2025

Mary Beth Caldwell, a fifth-year architecture student at Kennesaw State University’s College of Architecture and Construction Management (CACM), recently earned first place and the People’s Choice Award in the annual Cooper Carry Three-Minute Thesis competition for her reimagining of the standard office space.

The competition, which challenges  students to present their research or thesis in just three minutes using a single slide, is designed to showcase the significance of their work in a concise and engaging way. Typically reserved for graduate students, KSU’s Cooper Carry Three-Minute Thesis competition is unique in that undergraduate students participate.

Caldwell’s project, titled “A Workplace for All: A Playful Approach to the Office Tower,” reimagines the traditional office environment, focusing on incorporating play into the workplace. Her inspiration stemmed from both personal experience and a growing trend in the post-pandemic work culture.

"I’ve worked in offices and have seen the shift toward remote work, but I noticed many office spaces were becoming underutilized," Caldwell said. "After experiencing how my parents worked from home post-COVID, I wondered why we don’t make office buildings more interactive, and more inviting for employees to return.”

Caldwell’s research began with a deep dive into the changing dynamics of business districts across America, particularly the rise of hybrid workforces. She investigated the preferences of millennials and Gen Z workers, whose desires for flexible workspaces are reshaping office culture.

"I found that most people didn’t love their office environment,” she said. “Many preferred working from home, and even more wanted spaces that encouraged collaboration, creativity, and interaction.”

Her project draws inspiration from innovative structures like Copenhill in Denmark, a waste plant that features a ski slope on its roof, and the Aqua Tower in Chicago, known for its wave-like, playful facade. These buildings represent the kind of bold, playful design Caldwell hopes to incorporate into her vision.

“Mary Beth’s success is a testament to the creativity and innovation we foster in the College of Architecture and Construction Management,” CACM Dean Hazem Rashed-Ali said. “Her ability to blend cutting-edge design with real-world applicability shows the true potential of our students. We are excited to see how her forward-thinking approach to architecture will shape the future of workspaces.”

The idea of blending work and play is central to Caldwell’s thesis. Her proposal centers on an office tower in Chicago with features such as coworking spaces, gyms, libraries, retail areas, and event spaces. With open office layouts and ample natural light, the building would reflect a future where office spaces do more than just serve as places to work.

Caldwell’s prize, a check for $1,500, was an unexpected but welcome reward for her hard work, she said. Recognition from the jury, which included architects and developers, was also a highlight. Many expressed genuine interest in Caldwell’s research and the potential for incorporating play into workplace designs.

While her thesis is still in the design phase, Caldwell would like to create more buildings that rethink the use of office space.

"I want these spaces to be a hubs where people can connect, relax, and do their best work,” she said. “I think that’s what’s missing from many office towers today.”

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photos provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.