Workspace and Technology

INIFD CORPORATE
ACADEMICS SUPPORT
Content

Work space and Technology

Elements of working Space
Furnishing
Lighting
Other materials
 Work space and Technology
The design of the general office, like the design of the private office, requires knowledge of
the basic dimensional requirements and clearances of the workstation, where applicable, of
the visitor seating to be accommodated.

In certain instances, where customized and/or built-in storage elements, work counters,
credenzas, etc., are required, knowledge of architectural woodworking, as may be related
to the design of such elements, can be quite helpful.

Accordingly, part includes basic planning criteria for general office design, in addition to
examples of architectural woodwork details in connection with some of the more common
customized components of general office spaces.

The basic workstation is the fundamental building block in understanding the

anthropometric considerations for the planning and design of the general office.

The work task zone must be large enough to accommodate the paperwork, equipment, and
other accessories that support the user’s function. The work/activity zone dimension is
established by the space requirements needed for use of the typical return. In no case
should this distance be less than the 30 in, or 76.2 cm, needed to provide adequate space
for the chair clearance zone.
The visitor seating zone,
ranging in depth from 30 to 42
in, or 76.2 to 106.7 cm,
requires the designer to
accommodate both the
buttock-knee and buttock-toe
length body dimensions of the
larger user. If an overhang is
provided or the desk’s
modesty panel is recessed,
the visitor seating zone can be
reduced due to the additional
knee and toe clearances
provided. The specific type
and size of the seating also
influence these dimensions.
The work/activity zone dimension range is 46 to 58 in, or 116.8 to 147.3 cm; additional
space is needed to allow for drawer extension of the lateral file. Not only does it provide
more storage, the lateral file unit is generally the same height as that of the work surface
and is often utilized as a supplementary work surface. The distance between this unit and
that of the primary work surface must be sufficient to allow for movement and rotation of
the chair.

Minimum Square Footage Standards for the Open and The Non automated Task. Square
footage workstation standards for the non-automated task are developed primarily
according to task profile, equipment, conferencing, and privacy requirements.

Task Profile:

Processing paper on work surface with quick turnaround.

Continued flow of material is

processed as it arrives at the
workspace and is passed on to
either another function or to group
storage.
Storage for permanent files and
reference materials minimal.
 Reference material accessed infrequently. Telephone tasks may require
concentration.

OFFICE SPACES
General offices and multiple work stations
Planning Data : Multiple Workstations

Depending upon function, the sizes of individual and multiple workstations vary
dramatically. Size of work surface, length and depth of return, chair size, and circulation
patterns all influence the gross square footage requirements
CONFERENCE ROOMS
Planning Data : Table Sizes and Seating Capacities

CONFERENCE / MEETING ROOMS

 Furniture
In view of Increasing safety concerns and the accompanying liability factors Involved in the
specification of furnishings, it is important that designers maintain quality control through
performance evaluation of furniture components. This chapter will classify types of
commercial furnishings, survey current performance testing, and provide guidelines for
maintenance and life cycle costing.

COMMERCIAL FURNITURE CLASSIFICATION

Furniture manufactured for commercial installation is best classified by use rather than
style. Four major categories can be established to include the following

(1) Office furniture,

(a) Open office systems,

(b) Standard office furniture, and

(c) Executive office furniture;

(2) Seating;

(3) Tables, and

(4) Accessories.

OPEN OFFICE SYSTEMS

Because open office systems entail more precise specification considerations than other
types of office furnishings, more detailed Information is given here. Open office systems are
usually based on three methods of component assembly.

1. One system utilizes freestanding vertical screens with conventional office furniture
2. The second type makes use of panels linked together to become self-stabilizing walls
or dividers from which work surfaces and storage components are suspended The
panels vary in size from 30 to 78 in (762 to 1981 cm) In height and 22 to 48 in. (559 to
121 9 cm) in width
3. A third method employs self-contained solid L-shaped wooden or steel units that
serve both as storage components and dividers. The second and third systems’
approaches frequently incorporate lighting components.
Workstations: These are semi enclosed areas that may accommodate one or more people.
The size of workstations is generally based on the functional needs of the occupant and
may be classified as clerical, secretarial, accounting, legal, supervisory, word processing,
middle management and executive. It is usually recommended that a percentage of
supervisory workstations be provided with a greater measure of privacy to accommodate
discussion of confidential matters.

1. Work surfaces, primary and secondary level surfaces

> Panel supported
> Floor supported
Tilted surfaces
> Panel supported
> Floor supported
> Mobile, pull-out surfaces

2. Storage components
> Filing units
> Panel supported
> Mobile
3. Drawer units
4. Shelf and overhead storage
5. Wardrobes
 6. Lighting components
> Integrated
>Ambient
>Task
>Freestanding Lighting

a. Utilities
> Internal raceways
> Overhead power connections
> Floor recessed
> Ganged outlet strips

b. Accessories
> Pinup surfaces for display
> Modesty or privacy panels
> Coat racks
> Draw fittings
> Chalk boards

EVALUATING OPEN OFFICE SYSTEMS

In the past several years the abundant production of open office systems has created a
perplexing problem for designers

Reaching a decision on which particular system will best meet the needs of a client is often
complicated by the complexity of components and similarities between systems. For
example each manufacturer offers variations of the following components

Workstation configurations
Acoustic controls
Accessories
Lighting components
Methods of integrating utilities

The problem is further complicated by the fact that a system designed by one manufacturer
is rarely interchangeable with any other system; i.e., once a commitment is made to a par-
ticular system, a client may add to that system, but not mix components from another
system. Other than complete reinstallation and certain financial loss, a client is locked into
a system for many years. Therefore, designers must give very serious consideration to the
evaluation and specification of open office systems.
The performance approach would prove very useful in establishing criteria on which to base
a final specification decision. The development of a preliminary performance matrix points
out major health/safety, durability, maintenance, and functional factors that should be
evaluated when comparing open office systems. It may be necessary to develop a more
detailed matrix for the evaluation of lighting and utility.
ACCESSORIES
For workers using an ergonomic task chair, accessories are unnecessary. However, if you
use a household chair, or already suffer from back problems, adding a wedge cushion or
lumbar roll can give extra comfort and help to prevent back strain.

BACK SUPPORT
A lumbar roll gives extra support to the small of the back, and helps to prevent slouching.
Most attach to the chair by straps and come in removable covers for easy washing.

WEDGE CUSHION
A wedge-shaped cushion, placed on a hard seat, gives padding and comfort. Its tapered
design helps to correct poor posture, in the same way as a forward-tilt mechanism.

FOOTREST
A foot rest, can help to relieve pressure on the thighs. It also enables you, if you are short, to
keep your knees at right angles to the floor and still be at the correct height for your desk.

CONTEMPORARY DESKS
Instead of the traditional L-shaped desk, consisting of a work surface and return for work
equipment, contemporary desks have a more pleasing, organic shape, with soft curves
substituted for sharp corners and unfriendly edges, and pastel shades and patterned
laminates instead of grey melamine. Most also have cable management facilities, so work
out your requirements and select a desk that is appropriate for your system.
 Lighting
Lighting can be kept open or concealed.

OPEN LIGHT
1) These are open lights:
2) Ceiling light
3) Hanging light
4) Bracket light
5) Pedestal light
6) Table light
7) Floor light
8) Indication light (bell, telephone)

Open lighting is normally used with shades to avoid glare and to give diffused light. Shades
should coordinate with the decor and colour of the interior. If they are made of cloth or
glass, care should be taken to provide more open space around the lamp. As far as possible,
the cover should be of white or a tint to absorb lesser amount of light. Darker colours can
be chosen if the required level of illumination is not considerable.

Concealed lightings are more pleasing to the eye, though they reduce illumination and
produce considerable heat which should be effectively removed. For this purpose,
minimum 2.5 cm space is left around them.

TYPES OF LIGHTING
Lighting can be divided into various categories according to various considerations.

Position
Wall, bracket

Movability
Fixed, portable

Adaptability
Tracking, turning, swivel

Adjustability
Dimmable, un-dimmable

State
Open, concealed
Purpose
General, specific, accent

Direction
Direct, indirect and variations of these

Architectural
Cove, valance, recess.

Application
Wall-washer, ceiling-down light.

Lighting engineers talk of types of lighting in terms of direct/indirect, while architects go For
architectural lighting and interior designers have penchant for application lighting. The best
way to approach lighting for utilitarian purposes is to imitate the model of general, specific
and accent lighting provided by the nature. Open/ concealed lighting has been discussed by
us in detail in chapter on light sources.

LAYOUT OF LIGHTING
Layout of lighting usually refers to ceiling or top light design which can be uniform or non-
uniform. Uniform design gives homogeneous and efficient light while non-uniform gives
heterogeneous light which might be more interesting than the uniform one, and can be
arranged to achieve low energy use
Subjective Impression of Layout
Various patterns formed by lighting can induce various subjective impressions in the
viewer.

Chessboard Layout
Chessboard or striped patterns,
though seemingly balanced, can
create dazzle effects from the
high contrast pattern as you,
sometimes, would have
witnessed from the zebra
crossing.

Perimeter Layout
Perimeter bands of light, e.g.,
coves, cornices, valances can
create an ambience of intimacy
and privacy by emphasising the
surrounding rather than the occupants.

Square Layout
Lighting arranged in lines of rectangular or square pattern, attracts attention by being the
dominant.

Diagonal Layout
The diagonally placed rectangular lighting conflicts with the rectangular form of the ceiling
and so attract too much attention without serving any function.
Neutral Layout
Down light lighting can be used uniformly or otherwise without creating any conflict with
the ceiling form. But in the night or cloudy days, it might give the appearance of pimpled
effect on building when viewed from the outside.

Principles of Lighting
We have already discussed the purpose of good lighting. Let us discuss how we achieve the
aims set out there these include:
1. Planning of brightness/ colour pattern
2. Effective use of light sources
3. Planning of visual comfort
4. Reducing the shortcomings of artificial light
Sources.
5. Consideration of safety
6. Installing emergency lighting systems.

1. Planning of Brightness/Colour Pattern -The brightness and colour pattern within the
working areas and the surroundings should be thoroughly planned to attract
attention naturally to important areas, to show the details quickly and precisely, and
to make the interior free of any hint of gloom of monotony, especially during a
gloomy weather like monsoon.

The brightness pattern within an interior comprises three parts:

i The task itself

ii Its immediate surroundings, and
iii General surrounding of wall/ceiling/floor/equipment/ furnishings.
In an interior, where visual demands might be low, but considering the welfare, safety,
amenity and health of the occupants, a general level of brightness of 150 lux should be
provided.

If the whole stretch of an interior is used as work area, the illumination provided should be
of a reasonably uniform quality, and if possible, the ratio of minimum to maximum
illuminance should not be less than 0.7.
After determining the appropriate task brightness of a task, the brightness of its immediate
and general surroundings should be decided. Here is a general guide for luminance
(brightness) ratio within the normal field of vision.
 Surfaces and Finishes
As the most permanent and visible elements in your
office, finishes for floors, walls, desks, and shelving
require particularly careful selection. The materials,
colours, and textures chosen will determine whether
your work space looks warm or cool; formal or informal,
and business like. Practical considerations must also be
taken into account: the cost, durability, and suitability of
materials are all vital to a successful choice. Experiment
with sample tiles and swatches before making a decision.

Contrast without Conflict

The warm wood flooring and panelling contrast with the cool glass and chrome table.

POINTS TO CONSIDER
1. Not all materials are equally durable. Hardwearing, long-lasting materials may cost
more’ initially, but they can save you money in the long run,
2. Some materials and finishes are more environmentally friendly than others, so check
with the manufacturer if this is of concern to you. If you decide to use a hardwood,
check that it comes from a renewable source.
3. Linoleum, although costly, is a
good option for a floor covering. It
is environmentally friendly,
recyclable, hygienic, durable, and
easy to clean and maintain.
4. Tiles and wood strip flooring must
be laid on an even surface so, if
this is your choice, you may have
to cover the floor first with
hardboard or screed.
5. Carpets and other soft furnishings
help to muffle noise.
6. Medium-density fibreboard (MDF)
provides an inexpensive option for
a work surface. Cut to size and
varnished or painted, it makes a
hardwearing, tailor-made surface.
7. Improve the appearance of a concrete floor by painting it with special
hardwearing paints.

LEATHER AND BAIZE

Once commonly used on writing desks, leather and baize inserts can be updated in modern,
vibrant colours.

ADVANTAGES
a. Creates a feeling of traditional luxury.
b. Can be easily replaced if damaged.
c. May be used to define certain areas on desk.

DISADVANTAGES
a. Stains easily and is difficult to clean.
b. Can wear and tear at the edges.
c. Heavy equipment will scratch and mark it.

TILES
Available in ceramic, slate, marble, vinyl, or
terracotta, tiles are popular as attractive,
low-maintenance surfaces.

ADVANTAGES
a) Easy to clean and maintain.
b) Useful on floors that tend to be
damp. Hard wearing and stain
resistant.
DISADVANTAGES
a) May necessitate special castors on chairs.
b) Heavy metal cabinets may crack ceramic tiles. Tiles can feel cold underfoot.

VINYL
Easy to cut to shape, vinyl is available in sheet or tile form as well as in a wide range of
colours and patterns.

ADVANTAGES
a) Good value for money.
b) Durable and easy to maintain.
c) Textured finishes and padded surfaces
available.

DISADVANTAGES
a) Nor suitable for uneven floors.
b) Can he marked by heavy furniture.
c) Wood and ceramic effects are rarely
convincing.

CARPET
Carpets provide comfort underfoot, and are available in tile or roll form. Special antistatic
carpet is available for offices.

ADVANTAGES
a) Provides sound insulation and draught proofing.
b) Cables can be safely concealed underneath.
c) Extensive choice of colours and patterns.

DISADVANTAGES
a) Some carpets can cause static
electricity.
b) Harbours dust and carpet
mites.
c) Thick domestic carpet will
show castor marks.
WOOD
An attractive and hardwearing material,
wood is available as stripped or painted
boards, parquet, or block flooring.

ADVANTAGES
a) Gives a warm, homely feeling.
b) Easy to clean and maintain.
c) Can be painted, stripped, or covered
with rugs.

DISADVANTAGES
a) Varnished surfaces need regular
maintenance.
b) Does not provide acoustic
insulation.
c) Pale woods show marks and dirt easily.

PLASTIC LAMINATE
Commonly used for office desks and shelving, laminates are available in a range of qualities
and finishes.

ADVANTAGES
a) Wide range of colours and designs.
b) Hygienic and easy to clean.
c) Cheaper than solid wood.

DISADVANTAGES
a) Lacks the warmth and naturalness of
wood.
b) Surface of cheap products may chip or
peel off.
c) Difficult to repair once damaged.