Together, yet apart

Keeping a safe distance (1,5-2 m) is one of the simplest ways of safe co-using of a single space. Of use can be various screens.

Screens can separate employees and also serve a symbolic function: they remind about keeping a distance and give the user a feeling of separation – to this category we can also add easy chairs or sofas with a heightened backrest.

Screens come in various options: stand-alone or fixed to a desk. Integrated with a desk, seat or work station or hanged.

See-through screens (from glass or plexi) allow for maintaining eye contact with other employees.

Upholetered screens not only introduce a colourful accent but also often have soundproofing features. This is especially appreciated by those who work in open space offices. In other words: most of us.

Highly popular are acoustic booths (single person models are often called phone booths). Booths not only provide physical and acoustic privacy but also work well in open spaces as an additional “room” for work, meetings or video calls.

Recently an interesting product has been introduced by BuzziSpace, renown for acoustic qualities. Large screens on plant pots have a soundproofing function. They are a vivid accent in a space and when properly placed can function as a natural screen.

Using greenery for maintaining distance is allowed by office flower pots, such as modular ParaVert (Brunner).

“Natural”, “intuitive” – these are the key words thanks to which the introduced changes will be a success. It’s important that we – as architects, designers or office space managers – choose the solutions which for the end-user will be… obvious. In other words: solutions which will fit into real behaviours, reactions and interactions rather than working in spite of human nature. A well-designed space leads our body by itself – we don’t have to think about the next movement, it all flows naturally.

All texts from the “Return to the office” cycle can be found in the RESEARCH category. If you need help in adjusting the office to the new environement, contact us – we will help you find the optimal solutions.