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.
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online