subject: How Office Partitions Can Bring Work Spaces To Life [print this page] The idea of using office partitions in refurbishment plans traditionally seemed unlikely in bringing work spaces to life. After all, our traditional impression of the simple partition is of a bland, solid surface in dull shades. But this is actually far from the truth with considering the range on offer in terms of dimension and aesthetic potential.
For example, where once partition walls were indeed quite dull and straightforward, used simply for practical reasons, now branding is a common feature of these walls. In fact, companies often cannot resist making good use of the available surface to display their company logo, some product related imagery, or simply a combination of colours that relates to the company itself.
Indeed, psychology plays a part in deciding between solid or glass partitions, with colours chosen to enhance positivity, productivity and creativity. The benefits of these walls and partitioning systems are numerous, but we have highlighted just a few ways in which these benefits are manifested.
Easily Recognised Segregation of Departments
One of the negative aspects of the traditional open plan layout of an office is the clutter that can be visible. Not only that, but the individual department in a large office can be very difficult to identify, with office furniture pretty much the same in every corner of the office. Together, an open plan can be something of a confusing eye sore, for visitors, for clients, and the people who work in the office.
Using partitioning systems means that the departments on the office floor can be kept separate from each other, but with the use of glass panelling, even in demountable partitioning, these segregated areas do not have to be completely closed off. This way the sense of openness is not actually taken away.
A popular compromise is single or double panel dividing screens, which allow for an easy flow of traffic on either side, but succeeds in marking the start of a new area of the office floor. Often, these are used to segregate a small cafe or break area, but can also be used effectively to divide accounting from design, and marketing from sales, for example.
Bringing Style into the Office
There can be no doubt that the installation of dividing walls and partitions can completely change the appearance of an office. For personnel, this can help to create a fresh work place, lifting them out of the mundane scenery they have looked at for years. But, the great advantage is not simply the change of scenery, but the difference that a new style of work place can impact the working experience.
Studies have shown that office personnel who like the design of their place of work, whether contemporary, urban or even homely, are much happier and productive when there.
Through partitioning, the office space can take on a new lease of life, with seamless glass walls adding a contemporary, sophisticated appearance or the use of coloured solid partitions adding to interior decor.
Of course, the ability to add textured and coloured film to glass means distinctive colour combinations and unique designs can be splashed across the glass office dividing walls too.
Creating Private Spaces
An obvious problem with an open plan office is the lack of private space, either for individual staff or for the purpose of meetings, presentations and reviews. While the traditional plan might have some rooms squared off, there can often be a shortage, thereby causing a backlog.
However, through the use of office partitions, the possible number of private or secluded areas can be cleverly worked into the new design. An S shape design can result in two segregated spaces where informal meetings can take place, without distraction from the office around.
Even with the rooms that already exist, if they are large enough then partition walls can be installed to halve them and create two rooms. And with glass partitions, the fear of creating a labyrinthine design in the work place, and closing off sections of the office, is effectively dealt with. By using these partitioning systems, an office can come to life, breathe fresh air into the work place and generate a positive energy that raises productivity, as well as the feel good factor that workers love to have.
