Designing the modern working environment: office planning and contract furnishing.
Entrepreneurial success begins with a professionally designed working environment. We create values for work and life – concentrated individual work, effective collaboration, networking and creative communication… We plan and realize tailor-made solutions for you – welcome to Bruno Wickart AG!
Dynamic spaces that do justice to today’s understanding of work and its importance in our lives and culture. We create an essential basis for a productive and pleasant working environment. As a full-service partner, we support our customers from planning and consultation through to implementation, working together to find new solutions, unusual ideas and innovative products. We would be delighted to meet you at your premises or in our showroom – we look forward to seeing you!
This information is an important aid when planning and designing offices. It provides suggestions and assistance on how to plan, design and use spatial resources in companies as effectively as possible. It offers you:
Help on how to design the spatial environment in such a way that work tasks and work processes are supported as effectively as possible
Guidance on how to design spaces so that employees feel comfortable and motivated to work in them
Various design examples to inspire you when planning and furnishing your rooms
An important factor influencing productivity and job satisfaction in the office is workplace and room design. People who feel comfortable in the office, who can work and communicate undisturbed and with concentration, work productively and happily. The planning and design of office spaces are important factors that determine success and motivation in the office environment.
Office space planning and office design
Systematic planning
Systematic planning is essential in order to design offices optimally. The rooms, the arrangement of the workstations, the atmosphere, the room layout and all other components with their reciprocal influences promote or inhibit work processes. They are factors that influence, for example, productivity, efficiency and effectiveness, creativity and innovation.
Planning occasions
Typical reasons to deal with office space planning are
Adaptation of existing premises
Relocation to new rooms or buildings
New construction or extension of a building
The reasons for this can be very different, for example
Improvement of the work situation – for example due to the results of the risk assessment, complaints from employees, barrier-free workplace design
Change in the organization of work
Change in the size of the company, for example the number of employees
Use of new work equipment
Change of use of the rooms or buildings
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to planning and designing office space. It depends on the specific conditions in the company. Ideally, planning should be carried out from the inside out, starting from the workstation to the office space through to the entire building.
– Planning basis
First, the initial situation for office space planning and design is described and all important information for planning is summarized
Workplace concept
The workplace concept describes the design of the individual workstations in terms of functionality and ergonomics
– Room concept
In the room concept, different functional areas in the office are allocated spatially and the workplace layout and work environment design are defined
– Office concept
The office concept defines the office space forms and organizational forms that support the effective and productive implementation of the work task from the company’s perspective
The workplace concept, the room concept and the office concept must be defined based on the planning basis. Planning and design should be viewed as a constant feedback process so that considerations or decisions already made can be reconsidered. Employees should be involved in the planning and design of office space. This applies in particular to workplace design. As a rule, employees know the problems of specific work processes best. However, they should also be consulted in order to identify with the new planning and design and to be able to contribute their personal ideas and expectations.
Workplace concept
The workplace concept describes the design of the individual workstations in terms of functionality and ergonomics. The correct design of the workplace helps to ensure that employees can work safely and ergonomically, i.e. without impairing their health or reducing their performance.
Functionality
Estimate the workspace requirements based on the work tasks, the required work equipment and the form of communication (paper or paperless office)
Determine the storage space at the workplace (office containers, sideboards, cabinets, shelves, etc.)
Determine the need for meeting/communication facilities directly at the workplace, in the office space or building (meeting/conference rooms) and consider qualitative and quantitative requirements
Record all work equipment (software, computers, monitors, printers, copiers, …) and furniture (office chair, desk, cupboards, shelving, …) required for the functionality of the workplace – compare with existing equipment if necessary
Standardize workstations and define function-related additions (typification of workstations – for example, processing, consulting, reception) in order to create ergonomically designed planning units
Ergonomics
Kitos M from USM: With its mechanical height adjustability, the USM Kitos M table allows users to work sitting or standing and adapts to their needs. With all its features, the USM Kitos M table is ideal for desk-sharing and hot-desking.
Determine the required size and shape of the work surface. Ensure that there is sufficient viewing distance to the screen, sufficient space for the input devices and their operation and that all other work equipment and documents are also arranged in a favorable position. Ensure that work equipment does not protrude beyond the work table into freely accessible areas.
Take into account that employees are encouraged to change their posture and not only sit, but also work or walk while standing. Therefore, for example, plan height-adjustable desks, standing desks and printer locations that are not directly at the workstation.
Plan suitable workstations for employees with disabilities. For example, appropriate dimensions for access and freedom of movement, movement areas at the workplace, accessibility of safety equipment as well as suitable furniture, reading devices, keyboards and telephone systems must be taken into account.
Room concept
The room concept defines the allocation of functional areas to rooms or room areas in the office. It should meet the needs of employees for freedom from disturbance, freedom of movement as well as communication and concentration requirements. The clear/structured design of the offices makes it easier for employees to find their way around the office and to the outside world. The room concept also defines the arrangement of workstations in relation to each other and within the room. The spatial concept includes
Allocation of functional areas
Positioning of workstations in the room
Design of the working environment
Allocation of functional areas
The following functional areas may be necessary for well-functioning office work and must then be arranged in the office building:
Areas for office work
Communication areas – for example, areas for conference and meeting rooms, meeting points, break areas,
Reception/waiting areas
Technical and storage areas – e.g. archive, filing, IT
Social rooms – for example sanitary rooms, rest rooms, first aid rooms, break rooms
First aid rooms, break rooms
Arrangement of workstations
The arrangement of workstations in a room influences the opportunities for concentration, communication and collaboration. The design options in a room depend heavily on the requirements of the room in question. In general, the following aspects should be taken into account when planning the arrangement of individual workstations:
Arrange the workstations in the room in accordance with the work tasks and work processes
Workstations should have a line of sight to the outside and sufficient daylight
If possible, arrange workstations along the window front, less in the depth of the room
Arrange workstations with a line of sight parallel to the window front. This minimizes glare and reflections on the screen caused by daylight
Arrange workstations for communication with each other in a block arrangement, not facing the wall
Set up workstations in such a way that it is possible to speak or make phone calls without disturbance – if necessary, use partitions with sound-absorbing properties, for example
When arranging workstations, also ensure that employees can maintain adequate privacy. Workstations with „doors in the back“ and on frequently frequented traffic routes should be avoided
Consider barrier-free work design – for example, plan more space at the workstation for wheelchair users, arrange cabinets accordingly, plan work tables and, if necessary, other furniture so that they can be driven under, consider reach space at height for operating elements on furniture, sun protection and windows. Pay attention to high-contrast visual design for visually impaired people
Aesthetic criteria must also be taken into account when arranging workstations
Design of the working environment
Acoustics
Vitra silent wall: In open-plan offices, room division and optimization of acoustics are essential issues for creating a pleasant and productive working atmosphere. This is often achieved with fixed installations, which are relatively expensive and not very variable in use. The Silent Wall modular wall system offers a flexible alternative.
When selecting rooms or planning new buildings, choose locations with low noise pollution wherever possible. If this is not possible, provide sound-absorbing/attenuating components such as soundproof windows.
When planning, provide sound-absorbing surfaces in the room, for example ceiling elements, partition walls and carpets
In terms of barrier-free design, also take into account the requirements of people with hearing impairments
For multi-person rooms where acoustic interference can occur, use furniture or additional room partitioning elements with sound-absorbing properties at an appropriate height as acoustic shielding
Use equipment (computers, printers, photocopiers, fax machines) with the lowest possible noise level
If possible, place equipment used by several employees in a central location in a separate room.
Lighting
Tobias Grau: XT-A FLOOR PLUS T LED OSA. The XT-A line is an LED office lighting range that is characterized by lighting technology specially developed for LED technology (OSA*).
Provide sufficiently large window areas for natural lighting and for an adequate line of sight to the outside.
When planning artificial lighting, consider the following aspects such as
Plan sufficient illuminance levels according to the visual tasks at the workstations
Provide luminaires with appropriate glare limitation
use anti-glare screens
Consider the type and arrangement of workstations and work areas in the room
Take into account the necessary flexibility for the arrangement of workstations
Lighting
Provide sufficiently large window areas for natural lighting and for an adequate line of sight to the outside.
When planning artificial lighting, consider the following aspects such as Plan sufficient illuminance levels according to the visual tasks at the workstations
Provide luminaires with appropriate glare limitation
use anti-glare screens
Consider the type and arrangement of workstations and work areas in the room
Observe the necessary flexibility for the workstation layout
Color
Design the room according to the psychological and aesthetic effect Select the brightness of the colors for ceilings, walls, floors and the large furniture surfaces (of work tables and cabinets) according to the recommended reflectance levels
Keep large surfaces in more restrained colors (pastel). Smaller surfaces can be designed with bold colors to create a contrast to the colors on the large surfaces and to set accents in the room
Pay attention to the interplay of colors, color combinations, lighting and the spatial effect
Coordinate the color design with other requirements – for example, the company’s corporate identity
In terms of barrier-free design, e.g. for people with visual impairments, pay attention to a visually high-contrast design
Aesthetics in the room
The workplace concept and room concept define the aesthetics of the room. The color scheme of the room, the surfaces of the desks and cabinets as well as their shapes give the room a typical characteristic. They should be included in the design of the working environment. The appearance of the room is rounded off by the appropriate design of the working environment. Our workplace experts are at your disposal for this.
Office concept
The office concept determines the working method for employees and defines whether they work individually, in pairs or in teams in the room, for example, or whether several employees share a workstation and the employees also work in an office at home. For the effective completion of work tasks and the implementation of work organization as well as for the
To ensure that work tasks are carried out effectively and to promote the corporate culture, a suitable office concept must be defined in which the office space forms and organizational forms are determined. Office concepts include, for example
Single office
Multi-person office (two to six people)
Team office or group office
Combined office
Open-plan office
Open space office, open office landscape
Desk sharing, non-territorial office
Call center
Home office/teleworking
The individual concepts and areas of application are briefly described below. The advantages and disadvantages are compared in order to provide criteria for the selection of concepts. These are ideal-typical concepts. In practice, mixed forms are more likely to be found.
Each employee works in their own office. Individual offices are usually arranged along the window façade of the building and are accessible via a shared corridor.
Advantages:
Concentrated and undisturbed work is possible
Individual workplace design is possible, e.g. plants, pictures
Confidential discussions can be held
Important customer meetings can be held undisturbed
Individual regulation of lighting, sun protection and room climate is possible
Disadvantages:
Space-consuming (room and corridors)
Lack of flexibility for new room requirements (fixed walls cannot be quickly adapted to new organizational requirements)
Quick, spontaneous and personal coordination is more difficult for teamwork
As a rule, two to six employees work in multi-person offices. Multi-person offices are usually arranged along the window façade of the building and are accessible via a shared corridor.
Advantages:
Good exchange of information, good communication and easy coordination for employees
The combi office combines the advantages of individual and group offices. Combined offices usually consist of individual office cells („cubicles“) arranged along the window front and an interior communal zone. The individual office cells usually have a small footprint and are fully or partially glazed towards the communal zone, and in the upper area also towards the neighboring office cells. The individual office cells are used for concentrated work, while communication between employees mainly takes place in the communal zone. The communal zone also offers space for photocopiers, printers and archives.
Advantages:
Frequent switching between team/project work and concentrated individual work is possible
Individual work is easily possible
Individual office cell
Concentrated work is possible
Individual regulation of lighting, sun protection and room climate
Room climate possible
Individual workplace design possible – for example
Plants, pictures
Low acoustic disturbance
Communal zone
Team/project work can be done well
Informal communication is encouraged
Flexibility when rearranging – for example, regrouping
of work areas
Disadvantages:
Single office cell
Limited space for shelves or cabinets
Visual disturbances and distractions due to glazing to the communal area
Shared zone
Usually poor supply of daylight
Open-plan office
Open-plan offices are offices with an area of 400 m2 or more. The workstations and work groups can be shielded from each other, e.g. by partitions, cabinets or wall systems. This also structures the open-plan office.
Advantages:
Suitable for work requiring a high level of coordination and intensive collaboration
Can be used for large teams or entire organizational units
Good coordination and communication within and between teams is possible
High flexibility and quick response to organizational changes – for example, regrouping work areas
Disadvantages:
Concentrated and undisturbed work not always possible
Disruptive effects due to noise level (constant background noise level)
Higher demands on the acoustic design
Poor supply of daylight in the lower room zones and no clear line of sight to the outside
High costs for air conditioning
Air conditioning, sun protection and lighting cannot be individually controlled
Increased fire protection requirements, the respective state building regulations must be observed
Open space office, open office landscape (smartworking)
Open office landscapes are characterized by the fact that different functional areas are arranged in relation to each other in a partially open office space. The workstations are often used non-territorially.
Open office landscapes can consist of
open areas with several workstations
Office or meeting cells, e.g. for managers
so-called think tanks, small office cells for concentrated work or telephone calls
open meeting areas
closed meeting rooms
open break areas (lounges)
closed technical areas
Not all of these areas offer spaces that can be used as workstations, as they do not meet the requirements.
Advantages:
Differently designed functional areas are available for different activities
Flexible adaptation to organizational changes and more varied design possible
Better communication options, especially spontaneous exchanges between employees are encouraged
Disadvantages:
Concentrated and undisturbed work is not always possible
Disruptive effects due to noise levels
Higher demands on the acoustic design
Poor supply of daylight in the lower room zones and no clear line of sight to the outside
Air conditioning, sun protection and lighting cannot be individually controlled
Air conditioning of closed rooms without window ventilation necessary
Tends to require more space than other types of office space
Increased fire protection requirements for room areas > 400 m2. The respective state building regulations must be observed
Desk sharing is a form of organization. It can be implemented in all of the types of office space described. Instead of each employee having their „own“ workstation, several employees – for example from one organizational unit – „share“ a desk, so to speak (desk sharing).
Desk sharing can be useful if many employees frequently work outside the office – for example, sales, customer service, consulting, office at home/teleworking. Personal documents are stored in a mobile container („caddy“), for example. When work is finished, the workplace is completely cleared.
Desk sharing is often associated with non-territorial workplace concepts in which employees do not use a permanently assigned workplace.
Desk sharing also includes the use of the same workstation in shifts.
Workstations that are used for desk sharing should be able to be adapted to the respective needs of the employees with as little effort as possible (e.g. height-adjustable desks with memory function if necessary).
Advantages:
Office space, workstations and work equipment are more fully utilized
Flexible workgroup formation possible
Disadvantages:
No individual workplace design, e.g. with plants, pictures
This may result in a lack of identification with the working environment
Increased effort to adapt workstations to different body sizes and activities of employees
Increased effort for the organization
May require more frequent cleaning or close coordination to keep workstations clean
Call centers
As a rule, call centers are set up in group offices, open-plan offices and occasionally also open office landscapes (open space office). However, call centers can also be designed as cellular offices (single or multi-person offices). Call centers are not a separate type of office, so the respective advantages and disadvantages apply.
Due to the low work equipment requirements (little paperwork, no changing activities), work tables with a reduced width of 1200 mm are often used in call centers. However, a desk width of 1600 mm or more is also recommended here.
One of the main tasks in a call center is talking to customers on the phone. High demands must be placed on the room acoustics to ensure sufficient discretion and the ability of employees to concentrate.
Home office/teleworking is a form of organization in which employees carry out all or part of their work outside the company. Teleworking can be suitable for work tasks with a high focus on results and deadlines, for independent project work – i.e. for work tasks that can be separated from other activities in the company. This requires appropriate information and communication technology. The home office must also meet all safety and ergonomic requirements.
The following main forms of teleworking are used:
Exclusive teleworking (isolated teleworking) – employees work exclusively at home on a PC and communicate via e-mail, telephone, fax or video conference
Partial teleworking (alternating teleworking) – employees work both at home and in the company office. If possible, work at home should not exceed three days per week
Mobile teleworking – employees work at the customer’s premises, on the move on the train or in the car, at home or in a hotel. Employees should be able to access the company’s internal communication network and internal data records from outside the office
Advantages:
Time flexibility in the organization of work
Undisturbed and concentrated work possible
Increased motivation due to self-determined work schedule and high level of independence
Good compatibility of family and career (work-life balance), improved quality of life; does not necessarily apply to mobile teleworking
Elimination of trips to the workplace within the company
Helpful for people with disabilities, in special situations such as illnesses in the family
Disadvantages:
Social isolation; there is little social contact with colleagues and managers
Loss of communication quality due to increase in technical communication
Disconnection from joint learning processes within the company due to lack of continuous contact
Work problems intrude into private life
Possible interference from family members or family obligations
Special measures are required to ensure adequate data protection
Workplace conditions are often unfavorable for mobile teleworking
Risk of „self-exploitation“ of employees
Our partners Bruno Wickart relies on for office concepts and office planning:
USM
With the USM Haller modular furniture system, there are no creative limits to your office planning, whether in the office or at home. Everyone has their own unique style, personal needs and requirements, and with USM’s diverse furnishing solutions, these countless wishes can be individually and appropriately designed, regardless of whether you want to create a healthy working environment for your employees or a home for your growing family in an urban living space. The flexibility of our modular furniture system ensures that the furnishings can be seamlessly adapted to the different phases of your life and work as well as changing economic requirements at any time.
Vitra
Vitra has been involved with the office and office planning for over 50 years. In the 1960s, the company introduced the revolutionary concept of the Action Office in Europe. in 1976, the Vitramat, the first office chair developed in-house, was launched on the market. This was followed by many pioneering models based on designs by designers such as Mario Bellini, Antonio Citterio and Alberto Meda. Since the 1980s, Vitra has launched a whole series of pioneering office systems.
Orangebox
Orangebox focuses on providing innovative solutions for smartworking, collaborative working and motivational meeting zones, among other things.
WILKHAHN
More than almost any other furniture manufacturer, Wilkhahn stands for „Design made in Germany“ worldwide: with high-quality office and conference furniture that is a benchmark for the entire industry. Even 60 years ago, the company was committed to the goal of combining better quality of use, durable design and longevity. Milestones such as the classic „FS-Line“ office chair (1980), the Confair folding table (1994), the Modus office chair (1994), the Aline skid-base chair (2004) and the Graph conference range (2013) have left their mark on office development. The most recent examples of pioneering innovations are the Occo universal chair or the three-dimensionally movable ON and IN, which are currently considered by leading experts to be the best office chairs in the world. Wilkhahn also sets standards with its socio-ecological focus: the German environmental award winner has built with Frei Otto and Thomas Herzog and has been actively practising environmental responsibility for over 25 years. In addition to numerous international awards, the ON office chair has also received the German eco design award.
Sitag
Office furniture from SITAG AG, headquartered in Switzerland, stands for innovative design, ergonomics at the workplace and premium quality. The combination of value and lifestyle in office furnishings is our priority. Would you like to furnish your office?
With decades of experience in office planning, SITAG can provide you with expert advice and furnish the perfect office for you. SITAG’s office solutions and designer office furniture have proven their worth for open-plan offices and contract furnishing. Our office design creates a pleasant working atmosphere that represents your company. Individual solutions and modular office furniture systems make it possible to implement your office space requirements. As a designer office furniture manufacturer, we also focus on the quality and durability of the materials used. The SITAG brand with the claim „swiss style at work“ stands for lifestyle and perfect craftsmanship with Swiss precision.
Thanks to craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology, SITAG as an office furniture manufacturer succeeds in producing design-oriented office furniture at the highest level and planning your office from an ergonomic perspective. Because the workplace is worth creating a good working environment with beautiful modern design, an ambience in which you feel comfortable and which does not feel like work. As an experienced specialist office furniture manufacturer, SITAG AG develops your tailor-made room concept. Office furniture to suit your style: SITAG will furnish your office, conference room or private study. The result is a room atmosphere that motivates and creates a productive working environment.
BENE
The international office expert specializes in the design and furnishing of modern Furnishing modern office and working environments. Bene defines the office as a living space and implements this convincingly with its concepts, products and Products and services. The globally active Bene Group has Headquarters and production in Waidhofen an der Ybbs/Austria. Development, design and production as well as consulting and sales are thus under one Austrian roof. As a major Market player in Europe, Bene stands for innovative concepts, inspiring offices and high design quality and develops and produces and produces customized solutions for companies of all sizes – from From one-person companies to SMEs and global corporations Corporations.
Planmöbel
planmöbel programs go into series production because they „work“ well. Even in large and very large quantities. But if they don’t meet our customers‘ requirements, we are happy to take on the challenge. Our production organization has been specially expanded to focus on the topic of „individual made-to-measure production“, for rapid product changes even for small quantities. In this way, we combine the flexibility of a joinery with the efficiency of industrial series production. Because that is precisely our strength.
Neudörfler
The Neudörfler office program for management and top management. Breaking new ground, setting innovative impulses, reacting flexibly to changes – with the MARK pro+ management program, Neudoerfler offers an innovative office concept that already meets the diverse requirements of tomorrow. The purist form of the furniture is accentuated by the colors. Desks, meeting and conference tables as well as cabinets and pedestals work both as stand-alones in the room and in combination.
KÖNIG + NEURATH: We shape work cultures
Experienced. Imaginative. Made in Germany.
The world of work is changing – and with it and with it the demands on work cultures; spatially, technically, organizationally. We offer answers: As one of the leading brands for office Office furniture and room solutions, König + Neurath works together with customers along the entire process of their office furnishing – from analysis Office furnishing process – from analysis, planning and production to sustainable service.
Experienced, imaginative and partner-oriented together with our customers, we discover the potential and challenges Challenges of their individual work culture – and develop tailor-made solutions to bring this to life. With differentiating style worlds, cross-product series and digital offerings König + Neurath makes an important contribution to employer Employer attractiveness, ensures efficient, agile processes in companies Processes in companies and helps to use the changing world of work as an opportunity as an opportunity.
Today, König + Neurath is one of the most successful providers of office furniture and space solutions. Founded in 1925 founded in 1925, manufactures exclusively at its headquarters in Karben Headquarters in Karben, has five showrooms in Germany and is represented internationally represented in France, England, Switzerland and the Netherlands. König + Neurath thus combines reliable quality made in Germany with an international reach.
High-quality and modern office furniture, office equipment and ergonomic office chairs
Ergonomics and functionality go hand in hand in modern office furniture – Bruno Wickart knows how important the design of office furnishings is for the work performance of employees, for the effectiveness of meetings and customer discussions and thus ultimately for the overall productivity of the company. With high-quality office furniture, ergonomic office swivel chairs and first-class table lamps from Bruno Wickart, your offices will become forward-looking working environments and acoustically shielded retreat zones that combine a resource-saving workflow with efficient communication technology to create a functional office concept. Our experienced interior designers will be happy to advise you on your options and help you implement your office concept – so that your head remains free for more important things!
Bruno Wickart plans and organizes your office from the initial consultation to the planning and furnishing. At Bruno Wickart, planning goes beyond conventional office planning: from reception, cafeteria, lounge area, meeting room, archive – in other words, perfect office organization for all areas.
Bruno Wickart: your complete interior designer from office planning to office furniture
Bruno Wickart provides you with a perfect environment for maximum work performance. Our more than 50 years of experience in office planning is the basis for your new furnishing concept. We not only furnish offices, but also living and working spaces in which people can work in a concentrated, ergonomic and economical manner.
Bruno Wickart – designer furniture & home accessories – at a glance
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