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Imagine a large open plan space full of cubicles. Now imagine that same space, redesigned with walls and doored-offices. It would be a rabbit warren, and not o
by antidoh 14y ago
Imagine a large open plan space full of cubicles.
Now imagine that same space, redesigned with walls and doored-offices. It would be a rabbit warren, and not only would most people not have a window, you couldn't even see a window while walking around.
Which got me thinking. A compromise between open plan cubes and rabbit warren offices would be to slightly enlarge the cubes, and extend their walls up to the ceiling, but the wall material above chest height would be glass, so natural light has a chance to distribute throughout the space.
- kabdib 14y agoA ring of offices surrounding a common area (with couches and whiteboards) is the best environment I've been in. I have fond memories of parts of Apple's Infinite Loop 1. Reportedly Apple was going to put cubicals in the IL buildings, but decided to go with hard-walled offices because it was cheaper in the long term. (I haven't worked there since '94 or so -- for all I know it's wall-to-wall cubicals, with three minions to a cubie and the fourth hunkered under the table beside the power strips).
- ericras 14y agoThat's essentially how offices were in the 60s/70s - giant open floors with wall-like solid/glass partitions up to the ceiling. Also more configurable than drywall when the floorplan needs to change. Take a look at the current season of Mad Men for example. I think what changed was cubical walls are much cheaper and easier to move and some managers like being able to walk around and keep an eye on everyone (Lumbergh).