Adaptable user systems in the office landscape

Abstract

Offices exist in a changing world. They need to be able to adapt to these changes. Present office equipment (furniture, electrical power and communication distribution systems, and lighting) maintain the office in a state of permanence. The goal of this thesis was to redesign present equipment and to design new equipment that will be flexible and that is understandable and simple to operate by the average office worker. Technological solutions were found for technological problems.

Secondary supporting data concerning behavioral inhibitions to change as well as response to change were examined. Also, present techniques for space planning were looked at to ascertain their usefulness and validity in a changing environment.

Finally, comparative cost factors were examined to place in perspective the cost of the new systems presented in this thesis.