TransRe in New York. Photo by Eric Laignel.

There are few work environments as deeply disrupted by the Information Revolution as trading floors. These high-stress workplaces are often portrayed as hallmarks of chaos; the “open outcry” culture in which brokers shout and gesticulate orders across the floor are often the first example of trading floors that come to one’s mind. But, in fact, these floors are planned and articulated this way to achieve particular results, and remains true in environments that support trading beyond electronic processing.

Invenergy in Chicago. Photo by Eric Laignel.