U.S. patent application number 10/276858 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-17 for living space forming equipment.
Invention is credited to Kishimoto, Akihiro.
Application Number | 20030131545 10/276858 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18955828 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030131545 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kishimoto, Akihiro |
July 17, 2003 |
Living space forming equipment
Abstract
A residence space forming equipment is provided including a
plurality of partition panels to be interconnected for forming a
residence space, wherein: some of the partition panels define a
gateway therebetween for entry into and exit from the residence
space; and the partition panels defining the gateway are
interconnected through a guide member having at least one portion
protruding horizontally from the partition panels to indicate the
presence of the gateway. This construction makes it possible to
enhance the efficiency of an organization of a knowledge-intensive
type markedly.
Inventors: |
Kishimoto, Akihiro; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF
1001 G STREET N W
SUITE 1100
WASHINGTON
DC
20001
US
|
Family ID: |
18955828 |
Appl. No.: |
10/276858 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2002 |
PCT Filed: |
March 29, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP02/03240 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/174 ;
52/169.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2002/7483 20130101;
E04B 2/7422 20130101; E04B 2/7453 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/174 ;
52/169.2 |
International
Class: |
E02D 001/00; E04H
006/42; E01F 009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 30, 2001 |
JP |
2001-102663 |
Claims
1. A residence space forming equipment comprising a plurality of
erected planar members to be interconnected for forming a residence
space, characterized in that: some of the erected planar members
define a gateway therebetween for entry into and exit from the
residence space; and the erected planar members defining the
gateway are interconnected through a guide member having at least
one portion protruding horizontally from an erected planar surface
to indicate the presence of the gateway.
2. The residence space forming equipment according to claim 1,
wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair of erected planar
members positioned perpendicularly to each other; and the guide
member is of a substantially 1/4 arc shape interconnecting the pair
of erected planar members.
3. The residence space forming equipment according to claim 1,
wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair of erected planar
members positioned perpendicularly to each other; and the guide
member is of a loop shape interconnecting the pair of erected
planar members.
4. The residence space forming equipment according to claim 1,
wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair of erected planar
members forming wall surfaces which are continuous and flush with
each other; and the guide member is of a substantially 1/2 arc
shape interconnecting the pair of erected planar members.
5. The residence space forming equipment according to claim 1,
wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair of erected planar
members forming wall surfaces which are continuous and flush with
each other; and the guide member is of a loop shape interconnecting
the pair of erected planar members.
6. The residence space forming equipment according to claim 1,
wherein: the gateway is defined between three erected planar
members assembled to form a substantially "T"-shape; and the guide
member is of a substantially 1/2 arc shape interconnecting the
three erected planar members.
7. The residence space forming equipment according to claim 1,
wherein: the gateway is defined between three erected planar
members assembled to form a substantially "T"-shape; and the guide
member is of a loop shape interconnecting the three erected planar
members.
8. The residence space forming equipment according to claim 1,
wherein: the gateway is defined between four erected planar members
assembled to form a cross shape; and the guide member is of a loop
shape interconnecting the four erected planar members.
9. The residence space forming equipment according to any one of
claims 1 to 8, wherein the guide member is capable of fitting a
portion thereof to an erected planar member positioned in a
vertical plane that does not extend through the center of an arc
formed by the guide member.
10. The residence space forming equipment according to any one of
claims 1 to 9, wherein the guide member is capable of being fitted
to an erected planar member positioned in a vertical plane
extending in any direction through the center of an arc formed by
the guide member within an effective fitting range.
11. The residence space forming equipment according to any one of
claims 1 to 10, wherein the guide member has a wiring installing
function.
12. The residence space forming equipment according to any one of
claims 1 to 11, wherein the guide member is provided with a
lighting instrument on an upper or lower side thereof.
13. The residence space forming equipment according to claim 1,
wherein the guide member has a characteristic configuration
matching the function of the gateway.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to residence space forming
equipment which is applicable to knowledge-intensive organizations
and the like particularly advantageously.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Recently, there has been made a proposal of a system capable
of converting the use of a workspace of an office into a different
use and customizing such a workspace to meet the need.
[0003] Such an office system has been proposed as a system capable
of constructing a totalized workspace based on "unification of
modules" and "optionality" as mainstays with respect mainly to
furniture so that functions of the workspace can be selected freely
and that conversion of use of the workspace can be made as desired,
on the assumption that there are diversified working styles in a
center office.
[0004] That is, the office system is constructed aiming principally
at such functionality as to form an independent group work
dedicated space, a personal work dedicated space or the like
appropriately through the changing of the arrangement of furniture
and the attaching or detaching of optional members with changing
work style.
[0005] From now on, however, it seems that: work styles will change
with increasing amounts of non-routine works for individuals or
groups; workplaces will change from center offices into flexible
and diversified office forms such as remote offices, mobile offices
and home offices; and center offices will have an increased number
of communication areas and service areas. With respect to
specialist teams or knowledge work teams, the form of a team will
continuously change with progress of a work in the procedure of one
development through, for example, repetitive and frequent meeting
and parting of staff members about group works and changes in the
number and actions of such members.
[0006] It is indispensable for a working environment suited for
such a work style to be capable of not only easy conversion of use
of a workspace and easy customization of such a workspace but also
appropriate selection of spaces suitable for diversified works of
individuals or groups and for the number of working people as well
as to ensure a chain of actions and continuity of moves as
selection of such works and places changes. To this end, it is
desirable to create an environment wherein: areas of different uses
or different functions be loosely connected to each other; and each
member of a team somehow grasp the flow of the task of the whole
team and the locations of other members and documents.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing
problem. One object of the present invention is to raise the
efficiency of a knowledge-intensive organization markedly through a
system configuration that realizes the provisions of diversified
space functions on a use-by-use basis, semi-transparently screened
spaces and seamless space layout, which serve as the mainstays in
constructing an office system.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide
residence space forming equipment useful in attaining the
above-described object.
[0009] That is, the present invention provides residence space
forming equipment comprising a plurality of erected planar members
to be interconnected for forming a residence space, characterized
in that: some of the erected planar members define a gateway
therebetween for entry into and exit from the residence space; and
the erected planar members defining the gateway are interconnected
through a guide member having at least one portion protruding
horizontally from an erected planar surface to indicate the
presence of the gateway.
[0010] With the residence space forming equipment thus constructed,
the guide member serves as a guidepost indicating the location of
the gateway of the residence space thereby ensuring highly
efficient and smooth operability for a work team or the like
through a chain of actions and continuity of moves. Particularly
where erected planar surfaces are continuous with each other to
form a long wall, such a long wall gives a monotonous impression
and a sensation of pressure to people. The guide member, however,
brings about a change in design thereby overcoming such an
inconvenience. The guide member is configured not only to serve as
a guidepost but also to play the role of a connection member for
interconnecting erected planar members. Thus, such connection is
capable of effectively preventing each erected planar member from
being supported on one side only and is effective in properly
fixing the guide member to erected planar members.
[0011] Such functions and effects can be fulfilled through the
following specific embodiments:
[0012] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair
of erected planar members positioned perpendicularly to each other;
and the guide member is of a substantially 1/4 arc shape
interconnecting the pair of erected planar members.
[0013] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair
of erected planar members positioned perpendicularly to each other;
and the guide member is of a loop shape interconnecting the pair of
erected planar members.
[0014] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair
of erected planar members forming wall surfaces which are
continuous and flush with each other; and the guide member is of a
substantially 1/2 arc shape interconnecting the pair of erected
planar members.
[0015] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair
of erected planar members forming wall surfaces which are
continuous and flush with each other; and the guide member is of a
loop shape interconnecting the pair of erected planar members.
[0016] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between three
erected planar members assembled to form a substantially "T"-shape;
and the guide member is of a substantially 1/2 arc shape
interconnecting the three erected planar members.
[0017] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between three
erected planar members assembled to form a substantially "T"-shape;
and the guide member is of a loop shape interconnecting the three
erected planar members.
[0018] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between four
erected planar members assembled to form a cross shape; and the
guide member is of a loop shape interconnecting the four erected
planar members.
[0019] To enhance the function of such a guide member effectively,
it is desirable that the guide member be capable of fitting a
portion thereof to an erected planar member positioned in a
vertical plane that does not extend through the center of an arc
formed by the guide member.
[0020] It is also desirable that the guide member have a function
of being fitted to an erected planar member positioned in a
vertical plane extending in any direction through the center of an
arc formed by the guide member within an effective fitting
range.
[0021] In order for wiring or the like to pass through the gateway,
it is desirable that the guide member have a wiring installing
function.
[0022] In order for the guiding function to be enhanced more
effectively, it is preferred that the guide member be provided with
a lighting instrument on an upper or lower side thereof, or that
the guide member have a characteristic configuration matching the
function of the gateway.
[0023] As described above, the residence space forming equipment of
the present invention comprises a plurality of erected planar
members to be interconnected for forming a residence space,
wherein: some of the erected planar members define a gateway
therebetween for entry into and exit from the residence space; and
the erected planar members defining the gateway are interconnected
through a guide member having at least one portion protruding
horizontally from an erected planar surface to indicate the
presence of the gateway.
[0024] With the residence space forming equipment thus constructed,
the guide member serves as a guidepost indicating the location of
the gateway of the residence space thereby ensuring highly
efficient and smooth operability for a work team or the like
through a chain of actions and continuity of moves. Particularly
where erected planar surfaces are continuous with each other to
form a long wall, such a long wall gives a monotonous impression
and a sensation of pressure to people. The guide member, however,
brings about a change in design thereby overcoming such an
inconvenience. The guide member is configured not only to serve as
a guidepost but also to play the role of a connection member for
interconnecting erected planar members. Thus, such connection is
capable of effectively preventing each erected planar member from
being supported on one side only and is effective in properly
fixing the guide member to erected planar members.
[0025] The guide member can have a novel shape which enhances the
functions of the guide member as a guidepost and as an accent, if
the guide member has a loop shape or partial loop shape matching
the form of the gateway in the following specific embodiments:
[0026] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair
of erected planar members positioned perpendicularly to each other;
and the guide member is of a substantially 1/4 arc shape
interconnecting the pair of erected planar members.
[0027] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair
of erected planar members positioned perpendicularly to each other;
and the guide member is of a loop shape interconnecting the pair of
erected planar members.
[0028] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair
of erected planar members forming wall surfaces which are
continuous and flush with each other; and the guide member is of a
substantially 1/2 arc shape interconnecting the pair of erected
planar members.
[0029] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair
of erected planar members forming wall surfaces which are
continuous and flush with each other; and the guide member is of a
loop shape interconnecting the pair of erected planar members.
[0030] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between three
erected planar members assembled to form a substantially "T"-shape;
and the guide member is of a substantially 1/2 arc shape
interconnecting the three erected planar members.
[0031] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between three
erected planar members assembled to form a substantially "T"-shape;
and the guide member is of a loop shape interconnecting the three
erected planar members.
[0032] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between four
erected planar members assembled to form a cross shape; and the
guide member is of a loop shape interconnecting the four erected
planar members.
[0033] If the guide member is capable of fitting a portion thereof
to an erected planar member positioned in a vertical plane that
does not extend through the center of an arc formed by the guide
member, it is possible to arrange such an erected planar member
independent of a building module effectively.
[0034] If the guide member is capable of being fitted to an erected
planar member positioned in a vertical plane extending in any
direction through the center of an arc formed by the guide member
within an effective fitting range, wall surfaces assembled at an
angle other than perpendicularly or linearly can be interconnected
effectively, which is effective in diversifying the form of the
residence space.
[0035] In the case where wiring or the like needs to be routed to a
position crossing the gateway is needed, the guide member, if
imparted with a wiring installing function, can effectively avoid
the occurrence of such an inconvenience as to cause frequent
occurrences of disconnection because of the wiring becoming an
obstacle against entry and exit or as to impair the outward
appearance or the function of an office.
[0036] With the guide member provided with a lighting instrument on
an upper or lower side thereof, a ceiling surface or a floor
surface can be illuminated as reflecting the shape of the guide
member and, hence, the visual effect of the guide member as a
guidepost of the gateway can be enhanced more effectively.
[0037] With the guide member having a characteristic configuration
matching the function of the gateway, the gateway can be recognized
even from a distant place with a traffic line made clear, whereby a
chain of actions and continuity of moves can be enhanced
effectively.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a conceptual illustration showing a concept based
on which one embodiment of the present invention is to be
constructed.
[0039] FIG. 2 is an illustration showing a conventional
construction corresponding to FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a construction embodying the
concept shown in FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a construction developed as
a more concrete design from the construction shown in FIG. 3.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 4.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a panel used in the
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a
residence space according to the embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a
residence space according to the embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a function of the
panel used in the embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing interior equipment
secured to the panel used in the embodiment by engagement.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0048] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to the drawings.
[0049] Residence space forming equipment according to this
embodiment is constructed to support a specialist team or knowledge
work team, for example, a research and development team of a
suggestion type, a designing team or the like.
[0050] To improve the team performance of such a knowledge work
team, a personal creative process support is needed for autonomous
knowledge workers, while on the other hand a group creative process
support needed for non-routine and communication processes.
[0051] Taking into consideration the points: a work style of this
type is for a flexible knowledge-intensive organization; and
importance should be attached to team performance, and like points,
and in view of the influence brought by the combination of a
personal space and a shared space, the residence space is formed as
follows.
[0052] First, work areas and shared areas are considered as areas
to be formed. Then, as shown in the conceptual illustration at FIG.
1, work areas a1 to a6 are divided into two groups, which in turn
are arranged adjacent to shared areas b1 to b3, whereby the shared
areas b1 to b3 can be utilized as a passageway for traffic between
work areas a1 to a3 and work areas a4 to a6. For example, areas a2
and a5 are provided as group work areas GW for working on a group
basis, while areas a1, a3, a4 and a6 provided as personal work
areas PW for working on an individual basis. Shared areas b1 and b3
are interaction areas INT and shared area b2 is a service area SV.
These areas a1 to a6 and b1 to b3 allow direct traffic between
adjacent shared areas, between adjacent work areas and between a
shared area and a work area, which are situated adjacent to each
other.
[0053] FIG. 2 shows a conventional system for comparison with the
system shown in FIG. 1, wherein there is a dedicated passageway c4
between work area c1 and shared areas c2 and c3 (i.e., service area
c2 and communication area c3).
[0054] While FIG. 1 is a conceptual illustration in which circles
are shown as overlapping each other to mean that areas are vaguely
continuous with each other, FIG. 3 is an illustration in which
parting lines PL between areas are clearly shown to embody the
concept of FIG. 1 to some extent. In FIG. 3 corresponding to FIG.
1, shared areas b1 and b3 are interaction areas INT and shared area
b2 is a service area SV. Work areas a2 and a5 are group work areas
GW, while work areas a1, a3, a4 and a6 are personal work areas PW.
That is, this design includes six work areas a1 to a6 and three
shared areas b1 to b3, the shared areas b1 to b3 being arranged
serially, the work areas a1 to a3 and the work areas a4 to a6 being
arranged serially on opposite sides of the shared areas b1 to b3.
FIG. 3 clearly shows a conception of opening a parting line PL at a
location where areas meet together and providing a gateway 3 at
that location in order to allow traffic between adjacent shared
areas, between adjacent work areas and between a shared area and a
work area adjacent thereto as well as to realize an embodiment
having areas vaguely continuous with each other.
[0055] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a more specific design developed from
FIG. 3. Areas a1 to a6 and b1 to b3 are separated from each other
by joining partition panels 1 and 1x (movable partition walls) with
each other, the partition panels being erected planar members.
There is no dedicated passageway on the inner sides of partition
panels lx delineating the outer extremity of these areas a1 to a6
and b1 to b3, but dedicated passageways 2 are provided on the outer
sides of all the partition panels 1x.
[0056] The shared areas b1 to b3 are utilized as passageways
because the shared areas b1 to b3 are centered as a traffic line
for traffic between the work areas a1 to a3 and the work areas a4
to a6 or between the work areas and the outside to form a residence
space of an excursion type which offers an increased number of
chances of encounter and finding or of an arrangement which permits
residence of workers, thereby inducing smooth communication between
workers.
[0057] There is no dedicated passageway on the inner sides of the
partition panels 1x delineating the outer extremity of the areas
because the function of the shared areas b1 to b3 as passageways is
to be made effective and because the whole area is to be used as a
continuous area which is useful with no waste, highly efficient and
systematic. Further, all the peripheral areas are used as dedicated
passageways 2 because the space inside the dedicated passageways 2
is definitely delimited as a region for one team or the like, so
that differentiation from and communication with other teams can be
made effectively.
[0058] While areas a1 to a6 and b1 to b3 are delimited from each
other and from the passageways 2 with the partition panels 1
arranged to form a letter of "T" or "+", the partition panels 1 are
not closed at a corner of each area. That is, this open corner
defines gateway 3 which allows direct traffic between one area and
another area located adjacent or diagonal thereto. This embodiment
allows direct traffic with three areas at the maximum. Such a
gateway 3 is applicable to a maximum of four of the corners of an
area demarcated rectangular. It is needless to say that there is no
need to provide a gateway at a corner at which the provision of a
gateway is unnecessary.
[0059] Each area is provided with gateway 3 at a corner for
allowing direct traffic with other areas therethrough as described
above because selectable areas are effectively arranged within a
proper walking distance thereby making the traffic between areas
smooth and rapid. This arrangement facilitates meeting and parting
of workers thereby realizing a layout of the "the right job in the
right place" type for supporting selective moves depending on jobs
and ensuring a chain of actions and the continuity of moves through
a seamless environment between areas. That is, a chain of actions
and the continuity of moves in a team work are ensured for workers;
for example, it is possible that a worker performs his or her own
operation intensively in the personal work area PW, then moves to
the group work area GW for a meeting, presentation or the like,
optionally enters the interaction area INT if necessary, and
returns to the personal work area PW for intensive operation. Also,
accidental meeting of the worker with another worker in a shared
area during his or her move can facilitate communication
therebetween. The effect of supporting workers in this way is
enhanced as the number of other areas connected to one area through
gateway 3 increases.
[0060] In this embodiment, which is an arrangement where different
areas are arranged lengthwise and crosswise in a matrix fashion
with the partition panels 1 separating one area from another, rows
and columns of areas form functional lines on each of which a set
of functions are gathered.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 5, right-hand lengthwise line LVR and
left-hand lengthwise line LVL, which consist of areas arranged
lengthwise and crosswise into a matrix pattern, form dedicated
lines PL on each of which dedicated areas are grouped, while middle
lengthwise line LVM forms a shared line GL on which shared areas
are grouped. At the same time, upper crosswise line LHO and lower
crosswise line LHU form work lines WL, while middle crosswise line
LHM forms non-work line NWL (including the right-hand and left-hand
areas functioning as interaction areas and the middle area
functioning as a service area). That is, these lines provide the
office space with personal work areas (PW) a1, a3, a4 and a6, group
work areas (GW) a2 and a5, interaction areas (INT) b1 and b3, and
service area (SV) b2. Though the interaction areas (INT) b1 and b3
in this embodiment are shared areas rather than dedicated areas,
the present invention does not exclude an area layout including
such an exceptional area as long as other areas are arranged in
accordance with the aforementioned lengthwise or crosswise
functional lines.
[0062] While such a systematic functional layout for an office
space functions effectively even when it is a minimum unit
consisting of four areas gathered, the function of the layout
becomes striking when six or more areas are gathered.
[0063] Such a matrix layout is employed because the function of
each area can be grasped easily and because efficient arrangement
of elements can be made on a function-by-function basis when the
infrastructure including equipment for electricity, gas, water
system and the like is to be constructed. Further, such an
arrangement permits the provision of a multiplicity of selectable
areas within a proper walking region thereby realizing a layout of
the "the right job in the right place" type for supporting
selective move depending on jobs.
[0064] Here, an example of the construction of each area is
illustrated. Each dedicated work area PW (area a1, a3, a4 or a6 in
FIGS. 4 and 5, or area d1 in FIG. 6) is constructed to have a total
area of about 6 to 4 m.sup.2 per seat, to accommodate about 5 to 8
persons therein, and to provide a place for intensive knowledge
work. Alternatively, the dedicated work area PW ensures a visitor
space or the like when a nonrepetitive work is to be done in this
area only. Of course, this team-dedicated area can be made to
function as a group work area. In this area are placed work
surfaces such as defined by desks and whiteboards and clearboards
of personal sizes. These elements are preferably elements of an
independent type having low interdependence. The work surfaces
include work surfaces of different heights to accommodate to a
plurality of parallel operations, so that the space can be utilized
as efficiently as possible and that an environment allowing a
plurality of operations to proceed at a time can be provided.
[0065] The shared work areas GW (areas a2 and a5 in FIGS. 4 and 5),
on the other hand, are each constructed to accommodate 5 to 8
persons at the maximum therein and to provide a place for
discussion or meeting. In each of these areas are provided work
surfaces such as of tables adapted for group work and whiteboards
and clearboards of group sizes. The work surfaces include work
surfaces of different heights to the effect same as described
above.
[0066] The interaction areas (areas b1 and b3 in FIGS. 4 and 5)
each provide a place for chatting or relaxation as a break or a
coffee bar for example at a location adjacent work areas. These
interaction areas b1, b3 and g1 each may be provided with work
surfaces by installing tables or the like as the need arises.
[0067] The service area (area b2 in FIGS. 4 and 5) is provided with
furniture and equipment required for different services as a copy
corner, mail corner, library and retrieval equipment.
[0068] According to the conventional area distribution, the main
importance is attached to personal work areas, while the
supplemental importance attached to group work areas. In one
preferred form of this embodiment, however, a larger weight is put
on group work areas so that the proportion of the total area of
group work areas GW and interaction areas INT becomes substantially
equal to the proportion of the total area of personal work areas
PW.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, this embodiment is further
provided with a guide member 4 at a location above each gateway 3
of a residence space enclosed with the partition panels 1 each
comprising an erected planar member, the guide member 4 having at
least one portion extending horizontally to interconnect panels 1
on opposite sides of the gateway 3.
[0070] Such a guide member 4 is provided because the guide member 4
serves as a guidepost for persons present in the area or walking in
the dedicated passageways to know the location of the gateway 3 of
the residence space as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 thereby ensuring
highly efficient and smooth operability for a work team or the like
through a chain of actions and continuity of moves. Particularly
where the erected planar surfaces continue with each other to form
a long wall as shown in FIG. 8, such a long wall gives a monotonous
impression and a sensation of pressure to people. The guide member
4, however, brings about a change in design thereby overcoming such
an inconvenience. The guide member 4 is configured not only to
serve as a guidepost but also to play the role of a connection
member for connecting one panel 1 to another. Thus, such connection
is capable of effectively prevent each panel 1 from being supported
on one side only and aids in properly fixing the guide member 4 to
panel 1. Further, the guide member 4 can be utilized as a wiring
path between panels 1.
[0071] Specific forms of guide member 4 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5
include guide member 4 of a 1/4 arc or loop shape used for gateway
3 defined between a pair of panels 1 positioned perpendicularly to
each other, guide member 4 of a 1/2 arc or loop shape used for
gateway 3 defined between a pair of panels 1 forming wall surfaces
which are continuous and flush with each other, guide member 4 of a
1/2 arc or loop shape used for gateway 3 defined between three
panels 1 assembled to form a `T`-shape, and guide member 4 of a
loop shape used for gateway 3 defined between four panels 1
assembled to form a "+"-shape.
[0072] Such a guide member 4 of a loop shape or a partial loop
shape is used because the shape thereof is novel and hence enhances
the functions as a guidepost and as an accent effectively.
[0073] In this embodiment, the guide member 4 of a loop or a
partial loop shape has a function of fitting a portion thereof to
even a panel 1 positioned in a vertical plane that does not extend
through the center of an arc formed by the guide member 4. This
function is shown as the relation between panel 1y and guide member
4y in FIGS. 4 and 5. Where the guide member 4 protrudes largely
from a panel 1 or in a like case, the guide member 4 may be
supported with a pillar.
[0074] The guide member 4 imparted with such a function is capable
of connecting panels positioned as somewhat deviated from their
respective desired positions to appropriate portions of the loop,
thereby providing a construction which has a higher degree of
freedom as to the arrangement of panels and basically does not need
a given module according to which the panels are arranged.
[0075] The partition panels 1 employed to partition the area in
this embodiment are lattice panels as shown in FIG. 6.
[0076] Specifically, these panels 1 each comprise a pair of
latticework structures 11 that are positioned opposite to each
other across a frame member 12 with a predetermined spacing S
therebetween so that their respective crossed pieces 1a are aligned
with each other with an equal pitch and in a same phase, the
latticework structures 11 in this position being coupled to each
other via the frame member 12. That is, the latticework structures
11 are fitted to the frame member so as to sandwich it
therebetween. In this embodiment each of the structures 11 is
vertically divided into three portions, which, as a whole, form a
single structure when fitted to the frame member 12. The material
employed for forming the latticework structures 11 is a carbon
fiber reinforced plastic for example.
[0077] The panel 1, which is constructed in compliance with a
building module for a building having a pillar pitch of 3600 mm for
example, has an overall dimensions including width W=900 mm and
height H=2100 mm (a portion extending in height is omitted in FIG.
6). The latticework of the panel 1 is symmetric with respect to
both a vertical line and a transverse line. The squares defined by
the crossed pieces of the latticework of the panel are arranged
with a widthwise pitch p1 of about 100 mm and with a vertical pitch
p2 of about 25 mm for example. Each crossed piece is in the form of
a flat plate having a width T of about 4 mm and a depth D of about
20 mm. Of course, these dimensions may be established appropriately
to meet the purpose or use.
[0078] The panel 1 is thus constructed for the purposes of:
lightening the panel 1 for the ease of assembly and disassembly of
the panel 1 without impairing the basic function of the panel 1 as
a delimiting wall; improving the operating efficiency associated
with assembly and disassembly of the panel 1 by allowing the
operator to grip a portion of the latticework of the panel 1 in
assembling or disassembling the panel 1; and allowing the panel 1
to be assembled properly without error. The panel 1 is vertically
divided into three portions for convenience of handling and for the
intermediate portion to be removed to allow the panel 1 to be used
in a different way.
[0079] The use of panel 1 mainly constructed of such latticework
structures 11 makes spaces separated by the panel 1 into such a
mutual relation that the visibility of an object in one of the
spaces through the panel 1 varies with varying view angle with
respect to the erected surface of the panel 1. That is, since the
panel 1 has a nature that at a certain view angle, the squares
defined in one of the latticework structures 11 are closed with the
crossed pieces of the other latticework structure 11 or with the
crossed pieces of the same latticework structure 11 like a blind,
the visibility assumes the maximum when the panel 1 is viewed in a
direction normal to the erected surface thereof, while when the
panel 1 is viewed in a direction in the plane of the erected
surface thereof, the visibility assumes the minimum. Thus, the
visibility varies between the maximum and the minimum with varying
view angle (angle of inclination with respect to a line normal to
the erected surface of the panel 1). Further, since the panel 1 is
thus constructed, opposite residence spaces separated from each
other with the panel 1 are continuous with each other through the
squares defined in the latticework of the panel 1 and the internal
space and, hence, sound and air are permitted to pass through such
a space connecting portion.
[0080] Thus, a condition is created which allows a person in a
residence space adjacent a certain residence space or a person
walking in the passageway beside the certain residence space to see
the silhouetted internal condition of the space as shown in FIG. 7
or 8, to know fragmentary contents of a talk, and to vaguely
understand a context including the location of a group member and
the kind of work being done with lapse of time. The silhouetting
function of the panel 1 is exercised because the pitches p1 and p2
of the latticework of the panel 1 are relatively small as described
above. Of course, it is possible to know the location of a person
and the contents of a work being done more clearly if attention is
given to the periphery of the silhouette.
[0081] The subject embodiment, in particular, is configured such
that each area is enclosed with panels 1 on the four sides thereof
to define a closed residence space, the internal condition of which
can be necessarily grasped from the four sides by a person in an
adjacent residence space, an adjacent passageway or the like, so
that the image of the inside condition of the residence spade is
diffused toward the periphery at the highest efficiency. Further,
the subject embodiment allows a person in a residence space to
vaguely see the internal condition of a residence space situated
adjacent to and beyond the residence space next to the residence
space where the person is present though the silhouette is thinner,
so that workers are able to catch the situation of the whole office
extensively and hence to share the context, while their privacy is
guaranteed to such an extent as to be needed for their personal
works.
[0082] Each panel 1 has a space S inside its panel body and the
space S can be utilized to accommodate wiring Ca therein as shown
in FIG. 9. Since the structures 11 forming each panel 1 used in
this embodiment are of latticework, the wiring can be led out in
the direction normal to the panel body from any position in the
homogeneous portion of the panel body through a square defined in
the latticework. The "panel body", as used herein, is referred to
as a part comprising at least a combination of the structures 11
and the frame member 12. Accordingly, panel 1 can exercise a
function as a service wall that can accommodate to the needs of
workers easily and properly even when the position from which the
wiring is led out varies differently to meet different uses. Since
panel 1 used in the subject embodiment, in particular, comprises
the pair of opposite structures 11 facing each other, the wiring
can be led out from either or both of the obverse and reverse sides
of panel 1. Thus, panel 1 of this configuration is effective
particularly where residence spaces are formed on opposite sides of
the panel 1.
[0083] Since the pitches of crossed pieces of the latticework of
the panel 1 are relatively small as described above, the crossed
pieces of the latticework are expect to provide a blinding effect
which conceals the inside wiring by silhouetting, thereby
preventing the wiring from being seen unconcealedly.
[0084] For the wiring function of panel 1 to be fulfilled
effectively, it is effective that an appropriate wiring path hole
or a like hole is defined in a portion of the frame member or the
like so that the respective wiring accommodating spaces of adjacent
panels 1, 1 becomes continuous with each other.
[0085] Further, since panel 1 thus constructed according to the
subject embodiment defines a space behind the crossed pieces of
each latticework structure, it is possible that interior equipment
B is engaged with panel 1 at a position in a homogeneous portion of
structure 11 through the crossed pieces by means of an appropriate
fixture or the like. Panel 1 of such a construction enhances the
freedom of selection of engagement positions by far and hence is
capable of exercising a function as a service wall which satisfies
heterogeneous and on-demand requests of workers properly. Since the
structures 11 making a pair face each other, the interior equipment
B can engage a crossed piece 1a on either or both of the obverse
and reverse sides of panel 1 and mutual interference between
fixtures and the like hooked on the obverse and reverse sides can
effectively be avoided. It is possible to employ appropriate forms
of engagement including an engaging structure utilizing a
hook-shaped fixture, and a fitting structure utilizing a
clip-shaped or clamp-shaped fixture to fit the interior equipment
to the crosspieces of latticework. Examples of interior equipment B
include interior equipment having a work surface such as a
whiteboard, interior equipment having a display function such as a
tagboard, bulletin board, display panel and sign, interior
equipment having a storage function such as a cabinet, shelf,
sorter and storage shelf, a receptacle box, and a switch. Where an
auxiliary panel is disposed relative to panel 1 to form a T-shaped
arrangement, the panel 1 itself serves as interior equipment B.
[0086] Since panel 1 allows interior equipment B to be engaged with
or secured to the panel 1 at an appropriate position, the number of
chances of presenting ideas or thinking processes at an informal
stage as well as of displaying or presenting formally can be
increased, which is helpful in stimulating and activating creative
works. Particularly where the interior equipment calls for electric
power, the effect provided by the latticework structure is enhanced
synergistically since wiring Ca can be led out through a square
defined in the latticework.
[0087] Further, it is effective that furniture to be disposed in
butting relation to the facing part of panel 1, e.g., storage
furniture 10 shown in FIG. 10, such as a panel shelf or a cabinet,
is provided with a latticework 10a assuming the same phase as and
having an equal pitch to latticework 1a for engagement to be
concealed by the furniture 10 when it is disposed in butting
relation to the panel 1. This is because the latticework 10a of the
furniture 10 exercises the engagement function instead of the
latticework 1a even when the latticework 1a of the panel 1 is
covered. Of course, such a compensating function may be any other
function than the engagement function as long as the functional
sections of the furniture are equivalent to those of the panel 1.
Such an arrangement is effective particularly where the functional
sections are dispersed over the entire face of panel 1.
[0088] Meanwhile, the equipment according to the subject embodiment
allows use of a variety of furniture articles regardless of
building modules. Representatives of such building modules are 3600
mm and 3200 mm on a basis of pillar grid. Partition panel 1 usually
employs a standardized width of 900 mm, which is a divisor of the
former if the panel 1 is compliant therewith, or a standardized
width of 800 mm, which is a divisor of the latter if the panel 1 is
compliant therewith. There are various standardized widths, such as
400 mm, 800 mm, 900 mm, 1000 mm, 1200 mm, 1400 mm, 1600 mm and 1800
mm, which are compliant with modules for the top surface of a desk
or table forming a work surface, a cabinet, a human body and paper
products. Since contemporary offices accommodate a number of
intermingled furniture articles compliant with different modules,
it is undeniable that when, for example, a furniture article of 800
mm width or 1600 mm width is disposed in butting relation to a
panel face formed of joined panels 1 of 900 mm width, slight
irregularity and unnatural gaps are formed therebetween.
[0089] In contrast, the subject embodiment permits use of a
combination of panel 1 compliant with a building module of a
multiple of 900 nm and furniture articles compliant with different
modules for human body and paper products.
[0090] Even when a gap is defined between an end of panel 1 and an
end of a furniture article or between a joint between panels 1 and
an end of a furniture article as in the case where an existing
light-shielding panel is used, the visibility of the gap is low
and, hence, the gap is not so tangible, since the presence of panel
1, which is semitransparent, is not felt so much. That is, panel 1
used in the subject embodiment allows indefinite alignment with a
building module thereby making it possible to enhance the sharing
and interchangeability of furniture articles. This is represented
by the relation between interior equipment B and panel 1 shown in
FIG. 9 or the relation between locker R and panel 1r shown in FIG.
4. When a gap is formed, the gap can be positively utilized as a
space for installation of a switch, a fire extinguisher or the
like.
[0091] The width of each square defined in the latticework of panel
1 used in the subject embodiment is set to 100 mm as already
described because this size accommodates to modules sized to
multiples of 100 mm for many conventional partition panels and
furniture articles. For this reason, even when a difference of a
multiple of 100 mm in widthwise dimension is formed between joined
panels and joined furniture articles, the other end of the joined
furniture articles can always be positioned as conforming to a
crossed piece of the latticework of panel 1, with the result that
incongruity resulting from a module difference is cancelled
effectively.
[0092] While one embodiment of the present invention has been
described, specific features of the present invention are not
limited to those of the foregoing embodiment.
[0093] For example, it is possible to employ an area layout such
that work areas are arranged so as to surround a shared area and
that traffic between each work area and the shared area is
possible.
[0094] Guide member 4 of a loop or partial loop shape may have a
function of being fitted to a panel 1 positioned in any vertical
plane radially extending through the center of an arc formed by the
guide member 4 within the effective fitting range of the guide
member 4 by any appropriate means. Such a configuration enables
free selection of any desired fitting direction of panel 1.
[0095] As other means for avoiding formation of a gap between a
panel and furniture due to a difference between modules with which
the panel and the furniture, respectively, are compliant, such
means is effective that one of the panel and the furniture is
provided with a size adjustment function capable of compensating
for the gap.
[0096] It is also effective that the visibility through the panel
is rendered variable. In this respect, an arrangement is effective
which is capable of driving crossed pieces of the latticework like
a louver or which is capable of indirectly adjusting the visibility
through the panel by varying the luminous intensity inside or
outside a residence space.
[0097] If the furniture is semi-transparent, disclosure of local
documents is facilitated so that the context of the whole office
can be known more effectively.
[0098] Further, it is effective that the guide member is provided
with a lighting instrument on the upper or lower side thereof. In
this case the ceiling or the floor is illuminated as reflecting the
guide member and, hence, the guide member becomes more effective as
a guidepost.
[0099] Other features may also be modified variously without
departing from the spirit of the present invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0100] The present invention, which is of the arrangement
applicable to offices or the like as described above, is capable of
effectively realizing the provisions of diversified space functions
on a use-by-use basis, semi-transparently screened spaces and a
seamless space layout, thereby markedly raising the efficiency of a
knowledge-intensive organization.
* * * * *