Open plan office design: Striking a balance

What is an open plan office design?

An open plan office is a type of office layout where employees work in a shared space with minimal barriers between workstations. This design aims to encourage interaction, collaboration, and a sense of community among team members. Open plan offices typically feature large, open floors with a variety of seating arrangements, such as desks, tables, and casual seating areas.

A history of open plan office design

The concept of open plan offices can be traced back to the early 20th century when architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Larkin Administration Building in 1906. This revolutionary design aimed to promote efficiency and communication by eliminating private offices and placing employees in a large, open space.

Over the years, open plan offices gained popularity, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, as companies sought to reduce costs and improve teamwork.

Creating a flexible workspace

The key to a successful open plan office is flexibility. By creating a workspace that can adapt to the changing needs of employees and the organisation, you can strike the right balance between collaboration and privacy, productivity and well-being.

Consider implementing flexible furniture solutions, such as movable walls, adjustable desks, and modular seating. These elements allow employees to customise their workspace according to their tasks and preferences. Additionally, embrace smart building solutions that enable remote work and seamless collaboration, such as video conferencing, project management tools, and cloud-based storage.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to an office fit out or office refurbishment. The most effective open plan offices are those that prioritise employee well-being, adapt to evolving needs, and create a workspace that inspires and empowers individuals to do their best work.