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I'm always amazed that in discussions about offices vs open floor plans there is no mention of sunlight. To me offices buildings are always associated with 24h
by simiones 7y ago
I'm always amazed that in discussions about offices vs open floor plans there is no mention of sunlight. To me offices buildings are always associated with 24h fluorescent-only lights for all but the best offices (usually top managers/senior engineers), whereas most open offices have ample sunlight, regardless of whether you have a sit by the window or are working in the center.
Not to say that there aren't all sorts of disadvantages to open offices, but I still feel sunlight counts for a lot.
- save_ferris 7y agoEh, I’ve only had solid sunlight in about 50% of my open office layouts. I agree that it’s super important, but open office != guaranteed sunlight in my experience.
- samkater 7y agoI would echo the sibling comment (save_ferris) that in many places open offices do not encourage sunlight - especially those places where the offices are on the outer perimeter (capturing the sunlight) and the interior is stuck with fluorescent lighting (a previous experience of mine). To add to your sunlight comment, though, is I also rarely, if ever, see notes about ventilation. Converting an open-space office into a private-space office (or potentially even cubicles) is non-trivial as far as ventilation is concerned. Not that I think it is an excuse for an open office, but it isn't as simple as throwing up some temporary walls in an open space. Do I believe it is worth it? yes. Would most places see the work required and want to deal with the hassle of coordinating everything with the building owner to get the work done? probably not.
- ubercow13 7y agoFor a lot of the year in the UK, the grey sky you can see out of the open office windows is not especially invigorating.