Explore the evolution of the cubicle and Teknion's new Focus line! The cubicle has evolved from a simple enclosure to a dynamic space, reflecting the changing needs of the workforce. Teknion's Focus line offers a demountable wall system that integrates various glass configurations, creating modern workspaces with a clean, European aesthetic.
workspace for
focus work: the evolution of the cubicle
1980
1985
From the comic strip Dilbert to the satirical film, Office Space, the cubicle has been a cultural punch line. Yet these familiar office set ups have had more longevity than expected, evolving to meet the changing needs of people at work. ¬¬¬ You can’t turn a corner in contract furniture industry without bumping into someone who claims to have invented the cubicle, but in reality, the concept emerged as a response to the nature of work in the last century. The classic 81” high cubicle of the 1960’s acted as an office worker’s primary destination, a semi-private retreat that provided substantial storage and a deep, wrap- around worksurface. In time, the walls came down to 66” or 51” with cubicle footprints shrinking to a mere 8” x 8”, creating more density even as lower panel heights bred more openness. Credenzas and cabinets were often pulled into duty for space division, as well as storage. More changes soon arrived as technology advanced, transforming the how and where of work. And today, the workstation is only one stop in a day’s worth of destinations – conference rooms, touchdown spots, the lounge area and the coffee counter. Along with changes in work behaviors and protocols, the office itself has evolved to embrace collaboration, as well as focused individual work. Facilitating focus, the workstation provides a place to achieve a task, meet a deadline, or finish a project with minimal distraction. At the same time, any given workday is likely to include on-site and virtual meetings or work on a team-based project that takes place in a meeting room or the office cafe. But while the office may take multiple forms in response to ongoing change, the need for smaller workspaces that afford solitude and privacy remains relevant, even essential, to good work and healthy workers alike.
The classic. This 81” high cubicle provided all-day privacy, substantial storage space for binders, files and personal items. Acting as a true office, expecting full day occupancy, with a deep wrap-around worksurface.
Variations of 81” and 65” heights give a little visual nuance to a floorplate – maybe in response to negative feelings around a “cubicle farm”, while still providing the large storage and workspace required.
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1995
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2010
The cubicle starts to get a residential feel. The credenza and cabinet divide space and provide a variety of storage options for the varied behaviors (pile, file, and dump) as office work begins to transition from one-size-fits-all and starts to accommodate the varied needs between workers.
More wood and traditional casegood-style storage start to give a higher-end look and feel. Storage pulls double duty, now providing space division as well. Office servers and increased use of laptops open up the potential for smaller worksurface size.
The “built-up” cubicle style is 51” high, with overhead add-on storage. The footprint remains at 8x8, and the worksurface is still substantial, but there’s a growing sense of openness.
The walls start to come down, as the 66” cubicle became the norm. The overall footprint shrank from 10x10 to 8x8. Storage needs begin to decrease, and the focus is more on personal items. The worksurface remains large.
2015
2020
2023
emerging
The predominance of spine planning leads to owner- less workstations with a height-adjustable table, screen and short-term personal storage.
Cubicles beginning to reemerge, with greater storage and space division to allow for more heads down work. The materials used, leg styles, curved screens and varied heights show a new elegance to this everlasting office element.
As collaborative work increases, planning styles move the workstation to be more of a touchdown than a destination. Storage is about personal items, paper storage is more piling than filing. The soon-to-be ubiquitous height-adjustable table appears.
Footprint continues to shrink to an average of 6x6, with an increase of furniture over system products. Team and central storage take the place of individual workstation storage. Daily behavior is no longer confined to one spot, and the cubicle is less of a focal point for work.
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A model of efficient functionality, the freestanding Power Spine offers a cost- effective way to divide space and route power and data. As a panel-based spine, untethered furniture can reside around it and be moved and positioned as needed, allowing for maximum flexibility.
Power Spine Softened Systems Components including Hoodie, Suspended Bag Drop, Side Saddle, and Drop Off Storage Tone Chair
The Smooth Felt Hoodie Screen creates a curving enclave that feels both private and welcoming. Soft- to-the-touch felt also provides an acoustical buffer, along with the potential to add color to a space.
craft elevated elevated
upStage™ elevates the lexicon of modern office furniture and changes the way we create the spaces we work in. upStage allows you to build along a horizontal or vertical plane to create layered worksurfaces and multi-story volumes.
These open bookcases support workstations that feature angled and tapered leg styles, while offering storage and display opportunities. Table lamps, upholstered task chairs and a soft, sophisticated palette evades a purely utilitarian aesthetic.
Upstage Zones Club Chair StudioTK Pico StudioTK Bevy Round Coffee Table
As part of a fluid office environment, lounge chairs with a scooped seat and an open, welcoming aspect create an intimate space for collaboration or respite.
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District ® combines the attributes of classic furniture with the functionality of systems, making efficient use of smaller footprints. A worksurface nestled between credenza and bookcases elevates the look of this highly functional layout.
District Powerspine Tone Task Chair Studio TK F 500 Lounge Chair Studio TK Bevy Round Coffee Table District Storage Navigate Height Adjustable Tables
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Furniture with an architectural scale, and materials driving the function of the space.
Journal Credenzas StudioTK Beso Lounge StudioTK Clique Sofa
Contessa Task Chair District Panel Zones Tea Table
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upStage and Byward come together, to create a cool and sophisticated presence. An inviting lounge area, elevate storage, smoked glass and a muted palette puts a residential spin on a workstation.
District Byward Essa Task Chair Routes Sofa and Tables Navigate Height Adjustable Table
Zones screens and Essa task chair take upStage in another direction, welcoming, open, and casual .
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Support for an active, highly collaborative team, with freeform mobility and an accessible and casual aesthetic.
PowerSpine and hiSpace put the user first with a high performance workstation. Freestanding tables can reconfigure along the spine and rail- hung screens provide adaptive privacy.
PowerSpine HiSpace Tone Chair Softened Systems Accessories
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Supporting working alone together, a worktable combined with space division creates an active and collaborative area.
Interpret Work Table Kiosk Studio TK Beso Chair
Loria Chair Studio TK Bevy Round Coffee Table
Worktables accommodate workers on a hybrid schedule who come to the office to re-connect with colleagues or join a scheduled team meeting.
Interpret Work Table Kiosk Studio TK Beso Chair Around Conference Chair
Zones screens and hiSpace table provides a perfect work cocoon - the spot to touch down for a short stay and partial privacy.
Zones Screen Essa Task Chair hiSpace Parallelogram Table
Leverage and Journal work together to create a modern take on a traditional cubicle. Private yet accessible, the look is elevated through material and craft. Elements of performance remain, yet beauty leads.
Leverage Journal Casegoods Around Task Chair Around Conference Table Audience Table
Leverage, shown in a traditional layout with ample storage to support long term, permanent residents.
Leverage Contessa Task Chair Routes Sofa, Chairs and Tables Byward Storage
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Environmental Certifications
Material Transparency & Product Lifecycle
Rating System Compliance
Social Initiatives
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Brochure Design: Vanderbyl Design Printed in Canada. BR -100-0113 EN
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