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Concentrated individual work and communication
'As a rule, combined offices consist of a mix of cellular and open-plan offices. The work cells are generally occupied by one employee and arranged around a common area that includes discussion corners, service areas, kitchenettes etc. The cells are connected to the common area by glass walls and doors.' (Definition by ASR A1.2)
The workplaces are usually arranged along the window wall. The multi-function zone is in the centre of the room. Communication and the archiving of work materials mainly take place in central locations. Not much storage space is available in the individual workrooms, so the work area of each individual workplace can be smaller than is usual in individual offices.
Advantages:
Generally:
- combination of individual work and teamwork possible
Single rooms:
- relatively uninterrupted creative work is possible
- high degree of confidentiality, little acoustic disruption
- individual adjustment of temperature and lighting is possible
- the workplace can be adjusted to meet individual needs
Multifunctional zone:
- sufficient space for spontaneous communication as well as team and project work
- flexible organization of work
- flexibility for needs-based changes of the shared communication and archive areas
Disadvantages:
- limited storage space at individual workplaces
- visual distraction by activities in the shared zone is possible
- lack of daylight in the multifunctional zone
According to ASR A1.2 only those rooms may be used 'whose floor space comprises at least 8 m2 for the first workplace in a room and at least 6 m2 for each additional workplace'. In addition, every employee must be provided with at least 12 m3 of air space. (Note: These requirements do not apply to conference and training rooms.)
Example:
How well combi-offices function depends to a large extent on the equipment of the multifunctional zone. Traditionally, this is used for short meetings in small groups and spontaneous communication. But there are alternatives. How about a coworking zone? You can find inspiration for this in the co-areas of the IBA Forum showrooms.