U.S. patent application number 11/854272 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-26 for workspace dividing system.
Invention is credited to Mark A. Baloga, John Hamilton, James Ludwig, Karl-Heinz Mueller.
Application Number | 20080148658 11/854272 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39540896 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080148658 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baloga; Mark A. ; et
al. |
June 26, 2008 |
WORKSPACE DIVIDING SYSTEM
Abstract
A system for dividing a workspace includes first and second
vertically extending walls having a respective upper and lower edge
and respective side edges. The first and second walls are arranged
in parallel to partially enclose an area. A ceiling is included
that extends between the first and second walls to join the upper
edges of the first and second walls and at least partially cover
the partially enclosed area. The resulting arch-shaped divider
system may include any of a plurality of features. For example, the
systems may include integrated work surfaces, informational areas,
or may include viewing passages and may be arranged in a variety of
configurations designed to facilitate collaborative work.
Inventors: |
Baloga; Mark A.; (Grand
Rapids, MI) ; Mueller; Karl-Heinz; (Rosenheim,
DE) ; Hamilton; John; (Grand Rapids, MI) ;
Ludwig; James; (East Grand Rapids, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUARLES & BRADY LLP
411 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE, SUITE 2040
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-4497
US
|
Family ID: |
39540896 |
Appl. No.: |
11/854272 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60825292 |
Sep 12, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/234 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 83/001 20130101;
E04B 2/7416 20130101; E04B 2002/7483 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/234 |
International
Class: |
E04H 1/06 20060101
E04H001/06 |
Claims
1. A workspace divider system comprising: a first workstation and a
second workstation, each workstation comprising: first and second
substantially vertically extending walls having a respective upper
and lower edge and respective side edges and, wherein the first and
second walls are arranged substantially in parallel and separated
to form an area therebetween; a ceiling member extending between
the first and second walls to join the upper edges of the first and
second walls and at least partially covering the area between the
walls; wherein the first workstation and the second workstation are
arranged to have one side edge of the first wall and one side edge
of the second wall of the first workstation adjacent one side edge
of the first wall and one side edge of the second wall of the
second workstation.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the side edges of the first and
second walls include right-hand side edges and left-hand side edges
and wherein the first workstation and the second workstation are
arranged to have the right-hand side edges of the first and second
walls of the first workstation adjacent the left-hand side edges of
the first and second walls of the second workstation, and further
comprising a spatial corridor forming an alley extending between
the right-hand side edges of the first and second walls of the
first workstation and the left-hand side edges of the first and
second walls of the second workstation and further comprising a
worksurface extending along the alley between the first workstation
and the second workstation having a width of greater than eight
inches and less than thirty inches.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the area between the first and
second walls of the first workstation and the second workstation is
configured to house a desk and a chair and wherein the chair, when
seated at the desk of the first workstation, faces in a direction
opposite of the chair when seated at the desk of the second
workstation.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the ceiling member of the first
workstation at least partially abuts the ceiling member of the
second workstation and wherein the first and second wall of the
first workstation are offset from the first and second wall of the
second workstation, and further comprising a third workstation
aligned with the first workstation and separated from the first
workstation by the second workstation, and further comprising a
semi-private area formed along one of the first and second wall of
the second workstation and offset from one of the first and second
wall of the first workstation on a side opposite the area between
the walls and a public area formed on the other of the first and
second wall of the second workstation on a side opposite the area
between the walls.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a third workstation and
a fourth workstation and wherein the first, second, third, and
fourth workstations are arranged in one of an alley configuration,
an alternating alley configuration, and an alternating desk
configuration.
6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a desk is supported by
the one of the first and second walls and a display supported by
one of the first and second walls of each of the first workstation
and the second workstation and wherein the display of the first
workstation is visible from the second workstation when viewing the
display of the second workstation.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second walls have a
vertical rise of less than seven feet and the ceiling extends
between the first and second walls at a termination of the vertical
rise.
8. A workspace divider system comprising: a first arch-shaped
workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of
sidewalls and a worksurface abutting one of the sidewalls to face a
first direction; a second arch-shaped workstation having an
elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a
worksurface abutting one of the sidewalls to face a second
direction; wherein the elongated ceiling of the first arch-shaped
workstation and the elongated ceiling of the second arch-shaped
workstation are arranged to extend along an elongated direction in
parallel; and wherein the first direction and the second direction
are substantially opposite.
9. The system of claim 8 further comprising an alley extending
between the first arch-shaped workstation and the second
arch-shaped workstation along the elongated direction to separate
the first arch-shaped workstation and the second arch-shaped
workstation and further comprising a worksurface extending along
the alley to join the first arch-shaped workstation and the second
arch-shaped workstation.
10. The system of claim 8 wherein the pair of sidewalls of the
first arch-shaped workstation are offset from the pair of sidewalls
of second arch-shaped workstation to create at least one
semi-private work area and one public work area arranged along an
area exterior to the first arch-shaped workstation and the second
arch-shaped workstation.
11. The system of clam 8 further comprising a third arch-shaped
workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of
sidewalls and a worksurface abutting one of the sidewalls to face
the first direction, and wherein the third arch-shaped workstation
is separated from the first arch-shaped workstation by the second
arch-shaped workstation, and wherein the sidewalls of the first
arch-shaped workstation and the sidewalls of the second arch-shaped
workstation are aligned and wherein the sidewalls of the second
arch-shaped workstation are offset from the sidewalls of the first
arch-shaped workstation and the sidewalls of the second arch-shaped
workstation.
12. A workspace divider system comprising: a first plurality of
arch-shaped workstations arranged in a first line of workstations;
a second plurality of arch-shaped workstations arranged in a second
line of workstations; an alley formed between the first line of
workstations and the second line of workstations; and a worksurface
extending along the alley to join the first plurality of
arch-shaped workstations and the second plurality of arch-shaped
workstations.
13. The system of claim 12 further comprising a desk arranged
within each of the first plurality of arch-shaped workstations and
second plurality of arch-shaped workstations and wherein
individuals seated at a desk in the first plurality of arch-shaped
workstations are provided with a line of sight extending through
the alley to the second plurality of arch-shaped workstations and
wherein individuals seated at a desk in the second plurality of
arch-shaped workstations are provided with a line of sight
extending through the alley to the second plurality of arch-shaped
workstations.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein individuals seated at a desk in
the first plurality of arch-shaped workstations face a direction
substantially opposite to individuals seated at a desk in the
second plurality of arch-shaped workstations.
15. The system of claim 12 further a worksurface arranged within
each of the first plurality of arch-shaped workstations and the
second plurality of arch-shaped workstations and a display device
arranged above each worksurface.
16. The system of claim 12 further comprising a third workstation
and a fourth workstation and wherein the first, second, third, and
fourth workstations are arranged in one of an alley configuration
and an alternating alley configuration.
17. A workspace divider system comprising: a first arch-shaped
workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of
sidewalls and a worksurface extending from a first end aligned
along one of the sidewalls to a second end located under the
elongated ceiling to orientate individuals seated in the first
arch-shaped workstation in a first direction; a second arch-shaped
workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of
sidewalls and a worksurface extending from a first end aligned
along one of the sidewalls to a second end located under the
elongated ceiling to orientate individuals seated in the second
arch-shaped workstation in a second direction; and wherein the
second end of the worksurface of the first arch-shaped workstation
and the second end of the worksurface of the second arch-shaped
workstation are aligned to extend substantially linearly.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the first direction and the
second direction are substantially opposite.
19. The system of claim 17 further comprising a display device
arranged above the worksurface at the first end of the
worksurface.
20. The system of claim 17 wherein an individual seated at the
worksurface of the first arch-shaped workstation is able to readily
view another individual seated at the worksurface of the second
arch-shaped workstation but cannot readily view a display device
arranged above the worksurface in the second arch-shaped
workstation.
21. The system of claim 17 wherein the sidewalls of the first
arch-shaped workstation are offset from the sidewalls of the second
arch-shaped workstation to create at least one semi-private work
area and one public work area arranged along an area exterior to
the first arch-shaped workstation and the second arch-shaped
workstation.
22. The system of claim 21 wherein at least one semi-private work
area is viewable from an area under the elongated ceiling of the
first arch-shaped workstation and at least one semi-private work
area is viewable from an area under the elongated ceiling of the
second arch-shaped workstation.
23. The system of claim 17 further comprising a third workstation
having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls
and a worksurface extending from a first end aligned along one of
the sidewalls to a second end located under the elongated ceiling
to orientate individuals seated in the first arch-shaped
workstation in the first direction and wherein the second end of
the worksurface of the third arch-shaped workstation is aligned to
extend substantially linearly with the second ends of the
worksurfaces of the first arch-shaped workstation and the second
arch-shaped workstation.
24. The system of claim 17 wherein at least a portion of the
ceiling of the first arch-shaped workstation and a portion of the
ceiling of the second arch-shaped workstation abut to form a common
ceiling portion extending between the ceiling of the first
arch-shaped workstation and the ceiling of the second arch-shaped
workstation.
25. A workspace divider system comprising: a desk having a length
and a width; an arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling
extending along the length of the desk between a pair of sidewalls
to partially enclose a workspace area under the elongated ceiling;
and wherein individuals seated at the desk are arranged toward one
another to share the partially enclosed workspace area.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/825,292, filed Sep. 12, 2006, and entitled
"Workspace Dividing System" and claims the benefit thereof.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is related to workspace dividing
systems and, more particularly, to a modular workspace dividing
system. The workspace dividing system is constructed from a
plurality of modular units that can be arranged in a variety of
configurations to yield a variety of features.
[0004] In modern work environments, it is often desirable to create
"non-traditional" offices, conference rooms, and the like. That is,
it is often economically advantageous and aesthetically appealing
to remodel buildings not originally designed to house traditional
office space. For example, it is increasingly common to remodel
large industrial buildings such as factories or warehouses to
accept "open-concept" office designs. In these cases, open-concept
office designs are often employed in order to make non-traditional
office spaces more amenable to workflows and business
procedures.
[0005] One primary component of open-concept office designs is the
use of divider or partition systems. To this end, while it is
desirable and economically efficient to have numerous workstations
collocated within a large, open room, it is still necessary to
provide barriers between workspaces and to provide individuals with
a sense of personal space. In this regard, open-concept office
designs must constantly balance the dichotomy created by the
advantages to having large, open work environments shared by many
individuals, and the desire for and advantages provided by creating
personal space within a work environment.
[0006] Additionally, many such designs must be capable of
accommodating traditional office components, such as chairs, desks
and the like. Accordingly, various divider systems have been
designed that are then accompanied by traditional desk and chair
sets. However, traditional desks and chairs often include design
elements that are in stark contrast to the design elements of many
open-concept office systems. For example, many open-concept office
systems are highly modular, whereas traditional desk and chair
designs are autonomous units. Therefore, while these components can
be coupled to form suitable work environments, they may reduce the
modularity of the overall system and detract from the aesthetic
design.
[0007] Additionally, traditional divider systems often create
significant impediments to collaborative work and encourage work
habits that can be undesirable. For example, where a traditional
partition wall system is employed, when seeking a coworker's input
or opinion, individuals typically stand within their own workspace
and speak over a shared partition wall to nearby coworkers. Such
interactions are not only less than ideal for collaboration but can
also be quite disruptive to the general atmosphere of the work
environment.
[0008] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system and method
for creating structures within an open-concept office that create
personal space within a work environment while still providing the
feel, look, and various advantages provided by large, open work
environments that can be shared by many individuals. Furthermore,
it would be desirable to have a system and method encouraging
collaboration among coworkers while discouraging work habits that
may be disruptive to others in the work environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks
by providing a divider or wall system that is flexible and modular.
Each system includes numerous features that are readily adaptable
to non-traditional offices and aid in creating structures, such as
personal workspaces as well as collaborative workspaces.
[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a workspace
divider system is disclosed that includes a first workstation and a
second workstation. Each workstation includes first and second
substantially vertically extending walls having a respective upper
and lower edge and respective side edges. The first and second
walls are arranged substantially in parallel and separated to form
an area therebetween. The workstations also include a ceiling
member extending between the first and second walls to join the
upper edges of the first and second walls and at least partially
covering the area between the walls. The first workstation and the
second workstation are arranged to have one side edge of the first
wall and one side edge of the second wall of the first workstation
adjacent one side edge of the first wall and one side edge of the
second wall of the second workstation.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
workspace divider system is disclosed that includes a first
arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending
between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface abutting one of the
sidewalls to face a first direction. The workspace divider system
also includes a second arch-shaped workstation having an elongated
ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface
abutting one of the sidewalls to face a second direction. Within
this arrangement, the elongated ceiling of the first arch-shaped
workstation and the elongated ceiling of the second arch-shaped
workstation are arranged to extend along an elongated direction in
parallel and the first direction and the second direction are
substantially opposite.
[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a
workspace divider system is disclosed that includes a first
plurality of arch-shaped workstations arranged in a first line of
workstations and a second plurality of arch-shaped workstations
arranged in a second line of workstations. An alley is formed
between the first line of workstations and the second line of
workstations. A worksurface extends along the alley to join the
first plurality of arch-shaped workstations and the second
plurality of arch-shaped workstations.
[0013] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a
workspace divider system is disclosed that includes a first
arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending
between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface extending from a
first end aligned along one of the sidewalls to a second end
located under the elongated ceiling to orientate individuals seated
in the first arch-shaped workstation in a first direction. The
workspace divider system also includes a second arch-shaped
workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of
sidewalls and a worksurface extending from a first end aligned
along one of the sidewalls to a second end located under the
elongated ceiling to orientate individuals seated in the second
arch-shaped workstation in a second direction. The second end of
the worksurface of the first arch-shaped workstation and the second
end of the worksurface of the second arch-shaped workstation are
aligned to extend substantially linearly.
[0014] Various other features of the present invention will be made
apparent from the following detailed description and the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of divider
systems in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a single divider system of
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a plurality of divider systems
arranged in a first configuration designed to facilitate
collaborative work;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a plurality of divider systems
arranged in a second configuration designed to facilitate
collaborative work;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a plurality of divider systems
arranged in a third configuration designed to facilitate
collaborative work; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a plurality of divider systems
arranged similarly to that shown in FIG. 5 to facilitate
collaborative work.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of divider systems is
arranged to collectively form a work environment 10. The work
environment 10 includes a plurality of desks 12. Coupled with the
desks 12 are a variety of arched workspace divider systems 14. Each
workspace divider system 14 includes a first vertically extending
wall 16 and a second vertically extending wall 18 that are arranged
in opposition to one another such that the walls 16, 18 are aligned
in parallel. Each wall 16, 18 extends from a lower end 20 to an
upper end 22 between a right-hand edge 21 and a left-hand edge 23.
Arranged at the lower end 20 is a support structure designed to
support the walls 16, 18 above either a floor 24 or a desk 12. A
ceiling 26 extends between the first and second walls 16, 18 to
join the upper end 22 of each. Accordingly, the workspace divider
system 14 forms an arch shape that partially encloses a workspace
area 28 therein.
[0022] The ceiling 26 is designed to extend at a level below the
height of an average person. For instance, the height of the
ceiling 26 may be five feet or less. In this case, a person is
required to bend down in order to move into the workspace area 28.
In at least some embodiments, the widths of the walls 16, 18 and/or
ceiling is between two and four feet. Since the ceiling 26 limited
has a limited height, a person of average height standing nearby
can easily see over the divider systems 14. Therefore, the overall
work environment 10 has a larger feel to it than if taller wall
structures were employed. In accordance with some embodiments, the
ceiling 26 may include a flexible membrane ceiling, for example, an
accordion folded or roller shade like system. Alternatively, a
portion of the ceiling 26 may be pivotal with respect to the walls
16, 18. Accordingly, the position of the ceiling 26 may be adjusted
to accommodate entry or exit from the workspace area 28.
[0023] As will be described in detail below, the arch-shaped design
of the divider system 14 can be readily adapted in a variety of
arrangements. For example, by varying the lengths of the vertically
extending walls 16, 18, a particular workspace divider may be
designed to enclose a variety of workspace areas 28. The size of
the vertically extending walls 16, 18 may be varied such that the
first vertically extending wall 16 is designed to be supported
above the floor 24, whereas a second vertically extending wall 18
is designed to be supported on the desk 12. In this regard, the
first vertically extending wall 16 may include legs 30 that form
the support structure extending from the lower end 20 of the
vertically extending wall 16 to engage the floor 24. As will be
described, when an individual is positioned at the desk 12, the
workspace divider system 14 encloses the workspace area 28 along
the front, top, and rear orientations with respect to the
individual positioned therein. In this configuration, the sides are
left open for free access and mobility. Furthermore, this
directional openness can be utilized to allow streaming daylight to
traverse an open plan office, unobstructed, by positioning opposing
walls in a perpendicular fashion to the building window wall.
Accordingly, an individual positioned within the partially enclosed
workspace area 28 is provided a feeling of having personal space
while any feelings of being enclosed within a confined area are
alleviated due to the openness on the individual's sides.
[0024] Alternatively, the workspace divider 14 may include
vertically extending walls 16, 18 that are of similar length and
design to stand above the desk 12. Accordingly, the partially
enclosed workspace area 28 surrounds the sides of the individual
positioned to work at the desk 12. In this regard, the individual
is provided with privacy from side-to-side, so as not to feel
intruded upon by individuals working in close proximity. In
addition, the individual is provided with a wide degree of easily
accessible openness by merely backing away from the desk 12.
[0025] In accordance with one embodiment, the desk 12 may be sized
to match the workspace divider 14. For example, while FIG. 1 shows
two workspace dividers 14 standing above the desk 12 in an offset
arrangement on opposing sides of the desk 12, it is contemplated
that the desk may be sized to support only one workspace divider 14
across its width or that two workspace dividers 14 may be aligned
across the width of the desk 12. In this configuration, individuals
working on opposing sides of the desk 12 share a common partially
enclosed workspace area 28 and can leave the partially enclosed
workspace area 28 by simply backing away from the desk 12.
[0026] Within some arrangements, the ceiling 26 of the workspace
divider system 14 may be designed to extend the partially enclosed
workspace area 28 across multiple desks 12. Within this
arrangement, individuals are provided with a degree of privacy from
others positioned across the desk 12; however, collaboration
between individuals located at separate desks 12 is encouraged due
to the fact that the workspace divider system 14 spans multiple
desks that would otherwise seem to be isolated from one another.
Similarly, as will be described in greater detail below, a
workspace divider system may be designed to extend over a single
set of adjacent desks 12. As such, the level of privacy provided to
an individual is reduced in favor of collaboration between
individuals seated at a common desk area.
[0027] Regardless of the size, shape, or specific orientation of
the workspace divider system 14 with respect to associated desks 12
or floor space 24, a plurality of features is shared by the
workspace dividers 14 that serve to tie the design of the workspace
divider systems 14 together and provide a level of functionality
not otherwise achieved by traditional workspace divider systems. As
previously stated, the workspace divider systems 14 share an arch
shape formed by the common arrangement of the two vertically
extending sidewalls 16, 18 and the ceiling 26 joining those two
walls 16, 18. Furthermore, the workspace divider system 14 may
include an elongated slice 32 that extends through at least one of
the two walls 16, 18 and/or continues through the ceiling 26. In
this regard, a continuous viewing passage 32 to and from the
partially enclosed workspace area 28 is formed. This continuous and
elongated viewing passage 32 provides a variety of functionality
not otherwise achieved by viewing passages that are not
sufficiently elongated or continuously extending through a sidewall
as well as a ceiling of a workspace divider system 14.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 2, a workspace divider system 14 may
be designed to be a stand-alone unit. In this case, the desk 12 may
be integrated into the divider system 14, for example, by extending
from one wall 18 of the divider system 14. Likewise, a display or
other such device 34 may be integrated into the wall 18.
Accordingly, when a person is located in the partially enclosed
workspace area 28, the person is afforded a degree of privacy from
others in the area. For instance, the desk 12 and display 18 are
partially enclosed so that passersby do not have a direct view of
the surface of the display 18 or the desk 12. Furthermore, the
ceiling 26 and walls 16, 18 serve to focus the attention of an
individual within the partially enclosed workspace area 28 toward
the display 18.
[0029] For example, it is contemplated that the walls 16, 18 may
have a vertical rise of less than seven feet. Thus, the ceiling 26,
which extends between the walls 16, 18 at a termination of the
vertical rise, resides at a height of less than seven feet. In
particular, it is contemplated that the vertical rise is sufficient
to allow a user to be seated at a chair arranged within the area
between the walls 16, 18 and under the ceiling 26, for example, in
a space that has a height of less than five feet. To facilitate
adequate room to be seated under the ceiling 26 and between the
walls 16, 18, it is contemplated that the ceiling 26 is elongated
along a direction 36 between the walls 16, 18.
[0030] Additionally, it is contemplated that the desk 12 may extend
the length between the walls 16, 18. In this arrangement, as
described above with respect to FIG. 1, a common worksurface is
created so that individuals seated on opposing sides of the desk 12
or oriented toward one another.
[0031] With respect to the particular configurations of the divider
systems 14, several configurations are contemplated that provide
unique advantages not attainable by traditional workspace divider
systems. Referring now to FIG. 3, one configuration, referred to
hereafter as the alley configuration 40, is designed to encourage
and facilitate collaborative work among multiple users. As
illustrated, the alley configuration 40 includes eight separate
workstations 42a through 42h. However, it is contemplated that the
alley configuration 40 could include any number of individual
workstations. It is contemplated that each workstation 42a-42h may
have a common configuration and, thus, only the configuration of
one workstation 42f will be described here in detail. As described
with respect to FIG. 2, the workstation 42f includes an arch that
includes two vertical walls 16, 18 and a ceiling 26. In addition,
the workstation 42f includes a worksurface 12 (shown in phantom) as
well as a display 34 (also shown in phantom). Accordingly, when
seated within the workstation 42f, the head 44 of an individual is
typically oriented toward the worksurface 12 and display 34.
[0032] As its name suggests, the alley configuration forms an open
corridor inside the arrangement of workspaces and could include a
table or similar worksurface 46, such as a worksurface formed by
low storage units, that extends along a spatial corridor or "alley"
48 created between adjacent workstations paired along the table 46
to create two parallel lines of workstations. That is the alley 48
is formed between two separate groups of workstations that extend
in parallel along the direction of elongation 36 of the ceilings
26. In accordance with one embodiment, a typical width of the alley
48 may be eight to thirty inches, although other dimensions are
contemplated. As such, the table 46 may have a width matched to
that of the alley 48 and may even be configured to join the
workstations 42a-42h on either side of the alley 38. However, it is
also contemplated that the table 46 may have a width greater than
that of the alley 48 and, though not illustrated, may extend into a
portion of the workstations 42a-42h located on either side of the
alley 48. This inner corridor between workspaces can also be
utilized as a power/voice/data distribution alley that services the
adjoining workspaces at common points to any opposing walls of said
workspaces.
[0033] Each of the workstations 42a-42h is oriented so that all of
the users are oriented to face the same general direction when
using the worksurface 12 and display 34. When so oriented, as
illustrated, the user 44 in a given workstation 42f can easily view
the display 34 located in the adjacent workstation 42b along a line
of sight 50 extending across the alley 48. In addition, the user 44
of workstation 42f can view other users 52a, 52b 52c located in
workstations 42a, 42b, and 42c along respective lines of sight 54a,
54b, 54c extending across the alley 48. As such, collaboration
between users 44, 52a, 52b, 52c is encouraged. However, at the same
time, the collaboration is facilitated in a manner so as not to be
disruptive to others working within the vicinity.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, a configuration similar to the
alley configuration 40 of FIG. 2 is shown. In particular, the
configuration shown in FIG. 4 is referred to hereafter as an
alternating alley configuration 56. As suggested by the name, the
alternating alley configuration 56 orientates workstations 42a
through 42d on one side of the alley 48 in a first direction and
workstations 42e through 42h on the other side of the alley 48 in a
second direction opposite to the first direction. Accordingly,
while users in workstations 42b and 42f can turn their heads to
make eye contact, each user must turn around to view a user's
display 34 located on the opposite side of the alley 48. As such,
the alternating alley configuration 56 encourages and facilitates
communication and collaboration among coworkers, while providing an
increased feeling of informational privacy provided by restricting
users from having a ready viewing path to a coworker's display
34.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, another configuration, referred to
hereafter as an alternating desk or "shoelace" configuration 58, is
shown. In the alternating desk configuration 58, the workstations
42a-42f are arranged so that alternating users in the configuration
face in opposite directions when facing the worksurface 12. The
workstations 42a-42f are abutted to one another to form a common
ceiling portion 59 extending in a direction perpendicular 60 to the
elongated direction 36 of the ceiling 26. As illustrated, it is
contemplated that the workstations 42a-42f may be aligned so that,
although the worksurfaces 12 are aligned in alternating directions,
an edge 61 of each worksurface 12 is aligned to be substantially
linear. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the edges 61 of the
worksurfaces 12 may be offset so that portions of the worksurfaces
12 overlap to form a collaborative work area.
[0036] In accordance with some embodiments and configurations, this
arrangement corresponds to an offsetting of adjacent workstations
42a-42f. This configuration yields a variety of advantageous
features. For example, referring to workstation 42f, the user 44 is
positioned to make eye contact with the users in the adjacent
workstations 42e and 42g as well as other workstations 42d and 42h.
However, the user 44 cannot easily view other users' displays 34.
Hence, in a manner similar to the alternating alley configuration
described with respect to FIG. 4, the alternating desk
configuration 58 encourages and facilitates communication and
collaboration among coworkers, while providing an increased feeling
of privacy provided by restricting users from having a ready
viewing path to a coworker's display 34.
[0037] Also, within the alternating desk configuration 58,
additional spaces are formed about the exterior of the workspaces
42a-42f. In particular, semi-private spaces 62 are created between
adjacent similarly facing workstations. It is contemplated that
additional displays 64 may be arranged within these semi-private
spaces 62 to further facilitate collaboration between users in
workstations that are separated by an intervening workstation. As
such, collaboration between users separated by an intervening
workstation is encouraged; however, the collaboration is
facilitated in a manner so as not to be disruptive to others
working in the intervening workstation. The alternating desk
configuration 58 also provides public spaces 66 where other
displays 68 can be mounted for public use.
[0038] Additionally, referring now to FIG. 6, it is contemplated
that the configuration of workstations 42a-42f described above with
respect to FIG. 5 may be augmented in a number of ways. For
example, the workstations 42a-42f may be spaced apart from each
other so as to not form a contiguous, common ceiling portion 59,
while remaining in the general "shoelace" configuration 58. A space
70 of approximately 18 to 24 inches may separate adjacent
workstations 42a-42f. Hence, in accordance with one embodiment,
assuming a workstation wall 16, 18 of approximately 36 to 42
inches, the occupancy space of each workstation 42a-42f is extended
to approximately 54 to 60 inches (i.e., the midpoint 72 of the
space formed between the workstations 42a-42f). Furthermore, it is
contemplated that the workstations 42a-42f may be arranged such
that, even though the workstations 42a-42f are arranged so that
alternating users in the configuration face in opposite directions
when facing the worksurface 12, the worksurfaces 12 are aligned
along a common axis 74. In this regard, the individual worksurfaces
12 described above may be replaced with a common worksurface 76
that extends through each workstation 42a-42f.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 1, other configurations beyond the
configurations illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are
contemplated. However, as described above, the configurations share
common elements, such as alleys and direct lines of sight between
the workstation users, that are designed to facilitate group work
and collaboration, while still providing privacy and personal
space. In general, the orientation of the workspace dividing
structures allows a user to know when someone else is attempting to
view the user's display and could respond accordingly. The alley
and/or worksurfaces divide the workspaces and persons, yet the
lines of sight are maintained. In addition, in many configurations,
at least some users other than the one in a particular workstation
can view the display located in the particular workstation from
within adjacent workstations. Accordingly, sharing of display
information is facilitated and collaboration is encouraged.
[0040] Therefore, the above-described invention provides a dividing
system that is capable of creating personal space within a work
environment while still providing the feel, look, and various
advantages provided by large, open work environments that can be
shared by many individuals. In particular, the above-described
invention provides a divider or wall system that is flexible and
modular. The system includes numerous features that are readily
adaptable to non-traditional offices and aid in creating
structures, such as personal workspaces and combinational
workspaces that facilitate collaborative work. The systems may
include integrated work surfaces, seating surfaces, and/or
informational areas.
[0041] It is specifically intended that the present invention not
be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein,
but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions
of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different
embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.
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