Office Design For Open Spaces   by John K. Taylor

in Home / Interior Design    (submitted 2012-01-31)

When it comes to office design, you don't need a small or restricted space in order to bring out your creative side. Large and open spaces can implement some clever tricks to make the workplace feel more intimate and attractive to outsiders.

• Wall Partitions: just because you are trying to create an open plan office design does not mean that you cannot utilize some creative and attractive wall partitions. Try a triangular format (where each cubicle has two walls that meet in a point) or a singular partition separating desks. Not only will this give your staff enough privacy to make phone calls and work independently, it will also allow increased communication and greater work flow.


• Multi-Purpose Spaces: in an open plan office design, there will still be some need for spaces that are at least partially closed off from the distractions and interruptions of daily life, such as meeting rooms. Why not implement some creative ideas, such as moveable partitions, so that the space can be left open but closed off when necessary? This will encourage your staff to congregate in different areas for lunch or a quick chat, making use of your entire workplace.


• Light: having an open plan office design that is badly lit and appears dark at most times of the day can actually make your workplace feel smaller. If you are implementing an open plan design, you do not want it to feel as if your staff is working on top of each other. Make good use of floor to ceiling windows in large spaces and, if this doesn't supply enough light, install some white lights.


• Furniture: in an open plan office design, the furniture really needs to take precedence as the features of the space. It is, however, important to ensure that you don't over do it - after all, you need your staff to be able to work efficiently with little distraction. Choose original features for one aspect of your workplace, such as signature desks, and pair them with more understated pieces that will show the original pieces off.


• Little Touches: when it comes to open plan office design, never underestimate the power of the little touches. Carry a single colour throughout the entire space in clever ways (a feature wall, the stationary your staff uses, your reception chairs) or hang some relevant artwork (photos or prints of animals for a veterinary surgery, for example, or images of motor parts for a mechanic).

A clever and creative attitude is needed when it comes to open plan office design, as making the space functional yet intimate should be your first priority. By implementing the above tips and hints, your office design will make the most of any size open plan space.

About the Author

This article is shared by John K. Taylor on behalf of Cooper Group. Cooper Group is Melbourne based Office Design Company. They also provides services like Commercial Office Fitouts, Office workstations, Office Partitions in Melbourne, Suspended ceilings, Shop Fitouts and Office Fitouts in Melbourne to their clients.