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New models of shared work spaces have the potential to disrupt traditional employment spaces. The full implications of these new employment spaces for urban policy and planning are unclear.Drawing on a pilot study of Greater Perth and regional Western Australia, current planning policies that facilitate, or create barriers to, the success of shared work spaces are examined. Interviews with a sample of managers and users of shared work spaces are reported.Shared work spaces are emerging in regulatory voids left by outdated policy frameworks. They escape adverse policy settings by relying on the forward thinking of local regulators seeking to revitalise urban centres. The success of innovative repurposing of space brings into question the efficacy and purpose of more prescriptive land use regulations and policies.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on research investigating the relationship between physical activity and workplace design. In particular, the paper explores the social–ecological context of a new workplace building. This paper seeks to understand why better physical activity outcomes for the staff were not observed in the new building despite influence from a staff wellness committee during design; achieving success against existing best-practice indicators; and staff reporting increased feelings of wellness, energy and satisfaction with the new building. Design/methodology/approach Three design aspects are taken as a focus from within an opportunistic pre-/post-physical activity study of an organisation as they move from a building they occupied for 30 years into a new purpose-designed building. This study was conducted through mixed methods, incorporating ethnographic, architectural and quantitative means. Findings The social, spatial and personal context is important for understanding participant workplace-based physical activity. Despite the health and well-being goals and 5 Star Green Star outcomes of the new building, participants were sedentary for a substantive part of their workday in both buildings. Practical implications A well-designed environment can support staff feeling healthier, but the 5 Star Green Star rating does not implicitly ensure a healthier, activity-promoting environment. Facilities managers and designers can act to provide physically active paths as the most straightforward circulation option in workplaces. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in the opportunity to conduct a pre-/post-study of physical activity where the organisation, workforce and type of work are constant and where the variable is the building design, spatial configuration and location. The methods used in this study draw from both health promotion and architectural research practices.