[comp.software-eng] Office/cubicle revisited

bks@alfa.berkeley.edu (Brad Sherman) (08/11/89)

As the office/cubicle discussions just won't die, let me get in one
lash at the dead horse:

Reprinted without permission from the _San_Francisco_Chronicle_ 8/10/89 p.C3

    NEXT MOVE

    Can Steve Jobs revolutionize the high-tech workspace? He seems to
    be trying at the Redwood City headquarters that Next Inc. will
    move into late next week.

    Instead of sterile "open office" partitions, the computer company
    has come up with a way to five employees greater privacy, along
    with light and a view of the harbor.  Workers will get offices
    with a noise cutting wooden door and glass walls --opaque for the
    bottom 48 inches and clear above that, according to Next Vice
    President Dan'l [sic] Lewin.

    A counter point to the privacy-enhancing workstations is a series
    of open spaces that encourages workers to congregate.  An unusual
    hardwood-floor corrisor connecting two adjoing buildings is the
    focal point for "public" rooms, including restrooms, conference
    rooms and eating space.  A cafe with an expresso bar helps
    complete the piazza effect.

    "Forcing people to gather is an important concept for Steve,"
    said Thomas Carlisle, Next's facilities designer.

-----
	Brad Sherman <bks@alfa.berkeley.edu>

	"Under communism, man enslaves his fellow man. Under capitalism
	the situation is reversed." --Someone, somewhere in  _New_Scientist_.