More Than a Café: Building 11’s Updates a Perfect Fit for NASA’s Future of Work

If anything has been learned from the pandemic, it’s that human beings are surprisingly resilient. The pandemic forced ever-changing conditions on people and businesses alike, evolving the way we work. To stay in step, NASA Johnson Space Center’s Center Operations Directorate and Starport partnered to update Building 11, which was, for the longest time, simply a cafeteria.

No longer, though.

“The space is designed for innovation and collaboration, impromptu or planned meetings,” said Starport Deputy Operations Manager Chasity Williams. “The furniture allows for electrical power access, there are Wi-Fi for high internet speeds, the tables and whiteboards are mobile and can be written on directly. We want people to think of it like Buildings 56/57 [collaboration spaces] —not just as a cafeteria.”

However, unlike the collaboration spaces in Buildings 56 and 57, they will not be reservable for meetings. This feature is especially appealing for workers who need to meet right away but don’t have time to reserve a room — or if the room they want isn’t available when they need it.

And while Building 11’s new accommodations and layout are sleek, open, and inviting — perfect for small groups — there are other areas that can be likened to cubby-like workspaces, evoking a feeling of privacy in a large room. These nooks are ideal for workers who want a change of scenery but also need the trappings of a comfy chair, place for their laptop, and high-speed internet.

Food is certainly not off limits, and you can still grab a quiet place to eat or have lunch with friends. Starport is also rotating food-service vendors during the week in the building, offering convenience and delicious meal options. (Stay tuned to Roundup Today or go to Starport’s website for the latest on which vendors will be making an appearance and when, as these change as demand warrants.)

The Building 11 gift shop, meanwhile, will reopen Monday, April 11, with daily hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Once again, Johnson team members who need to grab NASA notebooks, essentials, gifts, and more will have an in-person shopping option available to them soon.

And while Starport has its Starport Scene (formely Starport Virtual Wellness) newsletter, which was a mainstay for communicating its services during the pandemic, Building 11 is the perfect escape for the extroverts and introverts returning to on-site work.

Check out its new look and work/meeting spaces in the gallery below. (Click each image to enlarge.)