Nigel Oseland, Alexi Marmot, Felicity Swaffer and Sophia Ceneda
This paper aims to share recent research to inform the design and facility management community on how to design and operate offices that enhance interaction, creativity and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to share recent research to inform the design and facility management community on how to design and operate offices that enhance interaction, creativity and ultimately innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
A two‐year applied research project was conducted which involved a literature review followed by field studies. Surveys conducted in the offices of five diverse organisations piloted new methods for investigating interaction, termed WorkWareCONNECT.
Findings
Key findings include: more meetings occur in office buildings with more meeting space; on average meeting rooms are used 37 per cent of the time; the quantity and quality of space is important but does not overcome organisational factors; much creative thought takes place alone.
Research limitations/implications
Conducting fieldwork in the real world has its limitations. For example, only five organisations were surveyed and therefore the results may be considered by some not to be representative. However, the paper considers that the data collected in real offices are realistic and valid.
Practical implications
The research resulted in a calculator for determining meeting room numbers and sizes, a system for prescribing the best media for interaction, design guidelines for interaction spaces, and guidance on the etiquette of successful meetings.
Social implications
In the current economic climate many organisations focus on reducing costs and under‐cutting competitors. However, it is innovation that gives businesses a competitive edge and innovation starts with good interaction and creativity.
Originality/value
The recommendations are drawn from both the design and management communities. The research has resulted in practical advice to facilities managers, designers and the business heads.
Details
Keywords
Stephen Bradley and Christopher Hood
Unwarranted allocation of personal space and the accumulation of personal ‘stuff’ can become impediments to business agility, turning conventional offices into ‘millstones’ which…
Abstract
Unwarranted allocation of personal space and the accumulation of personal ‘stuff’ can become impediments to business agility, turning conventional offices into ‘millstones’ which suppress an organisation’s ability to change direction smartly in the face of new competition and other business forces. Workplace design needs to cater for perpetual change of occupancy, organisation, work processes and messages about the business. Tangible assets should be dynamic, adaptable and even portable. Setting aside arguments in favour of ‘showpiece’ corporate headquarters, this paper advocates that what is needed to help business units to stay competitive is a ‘minimalist workspace’ ‐ kept free of ‘stuff’ that clutters and impedes quick and inexpensive adaptation to local needs, every few months rather than every few years. The minimalist workplace does not need to be bland or impersonal. Imaginative design and minute attention to detail of the physical environment and the tools, technology and support services can produce attractive and ‘liveable’ environments which can successfully accommodate personal preference and promote a sense of belonging as well as mobility. This paper outlines four ‘golden rules’ for best practice in the minimalist workplace, demanding more proactive space management and more intelligent real estate design and specification to cater for greater utilisation of facilities.
Details
Keywords
To illustrate the complexity of post‐occupancy evaluation of officebuildings, details the 1991 IFM competition and the FTcompetition for Architecture at Work. Stresses the…
Abstract
To illustrate the complexity of post‐occupancy evaluation of office buildings, details the 1991 IFM competition and the FT competition for Architecture at Work. Stresses the importance of research into and knowledge of building user needs to developers and financial institutions; property professionals; and government departments. Suggests that post‐occupancy evaluation is a technique that will be increasingly applied, and it will help the profession of facilities management to become more scientific.
Details
Keywords
Divides into two the strategic thinkers on the office of the future– the traditional “business as usual” brigade withlarge concentrations of staff, or those who advocate…
Abstract
Divides into two the strategic thinkers on the office of the future – the traditional “business as usual” brigade with large concentrations of staff, or those who advocate permutation of location for employees, who go to work without “going” to work. The former camp dies hard and inroads by the latter have so far been negligible. However, feels that now could well be the point of take‐off for the second approach, with movable sites, movable staff, adaptability of IT (teleworking), leading to greater staff motivation, cost‐effectiveness and increased productivity.
Details
Keywords
Examines the issue of smoking for facilities managers faced withneed to reconcile conflicting demands within the constraints of spaceand building services. Considers the possible…
Abstract
Examines the issue of smoking for facilities managers faced with need to reconcile conflicting demands within the constraints of space and building services. Considers the possible options for facilities managers: outright ban of smoking; ventilation systems; time restrictions for smoking; limited smoking areas. Reviews the responsibilities for facilities managers. Finally, discusses signage and controlled smoking policies.
Details
Keywords
Wim Pullen and Stephen Bradley
Based on a presentation entitled “Modernising government workplaces”, looks at how modernisation can help in increasing productivity in the workplace. Examines public buildings as…
Abstract
Based on a presentation entitled “Modernising government workplaces”, looks at how modernisation can help in increasing productivity in the workplace. Examines public buildings as economic and social assets and factors of productivity while taking into account the work of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). Concludes that CABE should set up an independent research body that produces evidence‐based knowledge, applied in educational programmes at universities, commercial training bodies and professional institutes, and which provides evidence‐based knowledge, not just experience‐based learning.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to summarise the main psychological theories that have implications for the design and management of successful workplaces. This will support real…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to summarise the main psychological theories that have implications for the design and management of successful workplaces. This will support real estate professionals in advising occupiers on how to enhance the quality of their workplaces to improve the performance of its occupants.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper summarises relevant psychological research and offers guidance based on the literature review.
Findings
In general, current trends in building design and selection do not fully consider psychological factors. Whilst new buildings may be space efficient they are unlikely to be as effective as those buildings that do account for basic individual and organisational needs.
Originality/value
This paper provides a review of the psychological theories in the context of office design. A fuller understanding of such theories will improve the quality of workplaces.
Details
Keywords
Matthew Cunningham and Graham Walton
This paper aims to explore at Loughborough University (UK) how informal learning spaces (ILS) are used by students in the Library and elsewhere on campus. Focus includes learning…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore at Loughborough University (UK) how informal learning spaces (ILS) are used by students in the Library and elsewhere on campus. Focus includes learning activities undertaken by students, reasons why the ILS is chosen, suggestions on how they can be improved and how technologies are used. Comparison will be drawn between how students use Library ILS and other ILS.
Design/methodology/approach
Case study based at Loughborough University and its Library. Semi-structured interviews were held with 265 students in various ILS spaces across campus.
Findings
Similarities and differences are present in the way students use Library ILS compared with other ILS campus spaces. These include impact of campus geography and individual academic levels of students.
Research limitations/implications
This is a single case study and the results can only relate to Loughborough University. There may be some lessons and themes that are relevant to other universities. The number of interviewees is relatively small.
Practical implications
Highlights the need for cooperation between various university stakeholders to strategically and operationally manage different ILS on campus.
Originality/value
This is one of the very few studies that investigate together the range of ILS including the Library in a comparative approach.
Details
Keywords
Suggests that the trend towards desk sharing is the result of theneed to think of the office as a full‐time productive resource. Presentsspace occupancy survey and several…
Abstract
Suggests that the trend towards desk sharing is the result of the need to think of the office as a full‐time productive resource. Presents space occupancy survey and several concepts of space sharing. Examines cases where innovative desk sharing solutions have actually been implemented. Considers the contradictory implications of desk sharing and the future of the office in terms of new locations, new technology, new forms of organisation, increasing support space, raising productivity, and finally new forms of facilities management.
Details
Keywords
– The purpose of this paper is to present an extended book review of “The Physical University”.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an extended book review of “The Physical University”.
Design/methodology/approach
This article takes the form of a literature review focusing on one title.
Findings
This is an uneven collection of fragments of conventional late twentieth-century thinking about the physical campus. The future of the physical university, the campus is in doubt. Yet, only two of the dozen authors engage in this existential question.
Originality/value
The collection of articles ranges from purely philosophical to moderately practical. It is a poor summary of current thought and offers little guidance for dealing with the evolving future of the physical university.