Critique of the officescape

The current enthusiasm for accommodating practically all office staff in large open-planned spaces is a radical shift from traditional attitudes toward office functions. In the face of such enthusiasm it seems prudent to assess very carefully the advantages and disadvantages of the open office, as compared to traditional cellular office plans. In Germany, where the current trend began, there is by now enough experience to begin to weigh the merits and demerits of existing spaces, and studies of various physical, economical and psychological aspects are under way. This paper records the first conclusions thus reached.Peer reviewed: NoNRC publication: Ye