In a knowledge-based economy, most of us are being paid to think—and thoughtful workers equal good business. Designing office spaces for clarity of mind is fundamentally different from designing factories for manufacturing, or workshops for assembling, or stores for selling. So how can the design of office space encourage creative thinking, facilitate problem solving, or enhance concentration and diligence?
The historical model of the office space was enclosed offices for management and open steno pools for the rank and file. Presumably those executives were thinking big thoughts in their spacious, quiet offices. Anyone who could maintain their focus and think big thoughts out in the noisy, tumultuous bullpen was someone who could advance up the ladder and get their own private office one day. Management was not concerned with making employees feel appreciated, or even interested in communication. Even with an “open door” policy, it was still pretty intimidating to approach your boss by encroaching into their inner sanctum.