Control, Communication and its

correlation with space planning.

The functions of office space are a system of
control and communication. Also coined as
"cybernetics" by Dr. Nobert Weiner in 1948. In an
office, since work is done through the functioning of
the brain and computer, both symbolize control
and communication. Hence, they are known as
functions of the office.
Since all the spatial planning and organizational
decisions are made to facilitate the efficient
functioning of an office, control and
communication become the prime aspects of
being facilitated.
Spatial performance results from the capacity
of the space to influence human factors such
that control and communication are efficiently
facilitated. Hence to understand spatial performance,
the aspects of spatial planning become the factors
influencing, and control and communication become
the parameters amongst human factors which are
influenced by the spatial organization.
Amongst control and communication, control of
any complexity is exercised through people
making decisions. This cannot be done without
the aid of communication since it provides the
data which forms the basis and direction for
action to carry out controlling decisions. Hence,
control and communication are interrelated where
control is making decisions in a form which leads
to their implementation but it cannot be effective
if communication does not convey the context in
which decisions are to be made.
Control
In an office organization, control can be understood
by the competence of employees to be mobile
within the office and to use all range of spaces
available which leads to choosing and employees
having control over their work environment.
Control in work processing is also looked at through
the fundamentals of a closed-loop system, where
a set of technological tools regulate a process
through the connectivity of various mechanical
and electronic devices which facilitates work
from anywhere in the office, making the work
mobile as well as allowing virtual connectivity. Tele-
communicating and virtual connectivity are very
important in today's times where work is possible
from anywhere around the globe.
Fig 3.1.1. Mobility of work enhanced by
evolving technological controls.