Demystifying work environments

As shown in our AMAzine 003*, work environments have greatly evolved throughout the years. Choosing a certain type of work environment can influence space capacity, & in consequence your budget.

Here are 3 types of work environments that we still find today. You’ll find below an explanation of each type, accompanied of advantages & disadvantages, as well as a layout comparison of a typical layout plan for each.

*AMAzine 003 will be online shortly. For now, you can consult our instagram page for the french version.

By Hierarchy – Traditional

Work environment based on a hierarchal structure within a company. Assigned workstations, which means access to natural light, inspiring views, larger offices & privacy levels increase with your status within the company.

The +

- Confidentiality
- Acoustics

The –

- Natural light doesn’t travel to the employees at the core of the space
- Least interesting space dedicated to the employees that are most often at their desk
- Less collaboration
- Sedentarity impacts ergonomics negatively
- Construction costs are higher due to the number of closed spaces
- Spaces are underused (40% to 60%)
- Less space reorganization flexibility

Boralex, Atelier Monarque Architecture, 2018

By Hierarchy – Open

Similar to the By Hierarchy – Traditional type. Also has assigned workstations, but with a higher variety in the open space hierarchy. Only a few managing roles have access to closed offices.

The +

- - Natural light & accessible views for all
  - Confidentiality
  - Acoustics

The –

- - Confidentiality & acoustics are reduced in the open space
  - Less collaboration
  - Sedentarity impacts ergonomics negatively
  - Construction costs are higher due to the number of closed spaces
  - Spaces are underused (40% to 60%)
  - Less space reorganization flexibility

Groupe Jean Coutu, Atelier Monarque Architecture & GKC Architectes, 2015

Activity Based Working/Agile

Based on day-to-day tasks & moods; All workstations and spaces are unassigned. We choose our workstation, room or area following the day’s needs; focus, collaboration, socialization. We move from the Me Space to the We Space.

The +

- - Natural light & accessible views for all
  - Confidentiality is respected with zoning & function adapted spaces
  - Acoustics
  - Flexibility (supports quick & frequent space or team reorganization)
  - Mobility
  - Augmented collaboration
  - Space optimization
  - Ergonomics are improved (by changing day-to-day workspace choice)

The –

- - Technologically dependant (WIFI, access points, data, must be accessible everywhere & must be stable)
  - Change management can be challenging depending on the previous work environment type