Interview with Brightcove CTO Bob Mason
DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum’s Corporate Program has proudly partnered with Brightcove in support of the exhibition of original, contemporary art in the company’s new Boston Corporate Headquarters located at Boston Properties’ Atlantic Wharf.
Chief Technical Officer Bob Mason shares information about the design process and the importance of art in the workplace:
CORPORATE PROGRAM: Brightcove’s office has recently moved from Cambridge to downtown Boston and into a space designed specifically to meet your company’s needs, culture, and aesthetic. You mentioned that from “day one” the desire to exhibit artwork in the public, common areas of the work place were discussed with the design firm. Can you tell us a little bit about the art planning process?
BOB MASON: We worked with the firm Elkus Manfredi who was always very sensitive to our desire to invest in quality space to foster a vibrant and productive environment. Not only is this goal critical so the existing team feels Brightcove is invested in their success, but our physical space is also a reflection of our culture and brand to prospective employees. By joining the deCordova Corporate Art Program we not only support an important local institution, we also gain the benefit of beautiful art work both of which help retain and attract top talent in and around Boston.
CORPORATE PROGRAM: Over the past three years we have slowly noticed more and more corporations adopting an open floor plan concept in their offices versus the traditional maze of cubicles and corner offices. What was Brightcove’s goal in adopting this model and how does artwork enhance this environment?
BOB MASON: Brightcove works through highly collaborative, cross-functional teams that need to quickly adapt based on business priorities. It was important to us to have an open space design to provide the physical foundation of these work groups. Building out a new office is a major investment and we want to ensure the layout we have today can be adapted and evolve over the next 5 to 10 years. An issue to consider when designing an open floor plan is creating visual interest along sight lines. Rows upon rows of desks creates a sea of uniformity that I believe dulls the sense. At Brightcove we designed a layout that was broken up by color, views of the harbor, and interesting surprises with the placement of art.”
CORPORATE PROGRAM: Serving over 100 companies in the Boston area, we have observed many different approaches to the art loan selection process. At Brightcove, all staff members were invited to participate, a method very few members elect to follow. Why is group participation important to Brightcove?
BOB MASON: Organizing a group of volunteers to participate in beautifying our space comes natural to the culture at Brightcove. We expect engagement from all members of the team. We expect creativity and innovative solutions from all. That dialogue cuts both ways, as a company we need to provide forums for everyone to have a sense of ownership and allow them to make their mark, even if it means they can help place their favorite piece of art on the wall.
