This book begins by outlining the common design mistakes with the modern
open plan office and the industry focus on cost that has resulted in the
ill-fated Workplace Zoo. The requirements of office-based workers
according to psychological theory and research are then explained. Dr
Oseland references historical studies in psychophysics to describe how
to design environmental conditions (acoustics, lighting, temperature,
indoor air quality) that enhance performance by supporting basic
physiological needs. More contemporary research in environmental
psychology investigates how cognition affects our interpretation and
response to physical stimuli depending on personality, context, attitude
and other personal factors. This in turn informs individual requirements
for the environmental conditions as well as group needs. Studies in
evolutionary psychology and biophilia are also referenced.
The latter part of the book turns to workplace solutions and focuses on
how to plan, design and manage offices to accommodate our innate human
needs now and in the future. The importance of designing for inclusivity
is also recognised, including accommodating cultural, gender and
generational differences along with designing spaces for neurodiversity.
Dr Oseland's proposed workplace solution the Landscaped Office is a
revived and revised version of Bürolandschaft with a contemporary twist.
The impact of workplace trends, such as agile working and hot-desking,
is also explored and found to complement the workplace solution,
resulting in the Agile Landscaped Office.
This book is key reading for professionals, and post-graduate students,
in business, interior design, architecture, surveying, facilities
management, building services engineering, HR and organisational or
environmental psychology.
