Seven Office Evaluations

Abstract

The designed environment of an office, as experienced and used by people, is part of a dynamic system which influences the user's performance and well being. The case studies reported here-based upon extensive interviews, questionnaires, group interviews, and observations at 14 companies repre senting a variety of physical environments-document some of the ways in which the designed environment affects behavior and the user's perception of his environment. The designed environment affects, both positively and nega tively, morale, communication patterns, perceived privacy, and workers' re lationships with others. Similarly, social processes and task variables influence a user's perception of and reaction to the environment in which he works. These findings are reviewed and implications for design are discussed.