Spec Finish

INNOVATION www.thefis.org 11 Go back to the basics, urges strategist Environmental psychologist and workplace strategist Nigel Oseland, who founded the Workplace Change Organisation and Workplace Unlimited, believes the innovations needed to make changes in light of the pandemic have been around for some time but have been under-appreciated. In a recent blog, he states: “I firmly believe that we already have the answers, and have had them for some time, but have repeatedly chosen to ignore them. I recommend we start by recollecting and (re)introducing tried and tested best practice in the workplace before we push a design revolution.” Nigel believes there are plenty of relatively easy-to-implement, low-cost short-term solutions that can be made more immediately, such as reducing desk densities by removing seats, marking up desks and staggering staff density at any one time by alternating with home working. Although he advocates the use of partitioning and agile working practices, Nigel said when creating new office designs we also need to learn from some of the ineffective things introduced in recent years, with a key example being desk size. “To meet the higher densities, desk sizes have reduced. I recall my 2 x 1m desk at my first architectural practice, providing me with a clear 2m between those sitting adjacent to or opposite me. The current UK industry norm is 1400mm wide desks, and I have worked with efficiency-zealous clients insisting that 1m wide desks provide sufficient space!” he said. “These smaller desks result in more noise distraction, infringement of personal space and higher likelihood of cross-infection.” We should stop manufacturing and installing smaller desks altogether, said Nigel, while low desk screens and minimalist partitions are also pointless inclusions within office fit-out. Rather, a ‘landscaped’ office could provide a more practically, but aesthetically pleasing solution, he believes. The landscaped office is predominantly open plan but with zoned and semi-partitioned spaces broken up by storage, bookshelves, planting, acoustic screens and alternative work-settings. AbsorbaWall – new screens for desking AbsorbaWall Ltd has been manufacturing a complete range of ‘SafeScreen’ protective screens to help clients get staff back to work safely. The AbsorbaWall ‘SafeScreen’ range includes desk standing, clamp on and floor standing screens available in both acrylic and toughened safety glass. The company has also provided bespoke screen solutions for reception areas, office and meeting room situations. www.absorbawall.com Customised for workplaces Komfort has introduced its Komfort Protekt Social Distancing customised range The full-height partitioning systems and screens reduce social contact and the transmission of harmful bacteria or viruses between employees and can be used to maintain social distancing across a wide range of applications including offices and reception areas, schools and universities, restaurants, bars and coffee shops, airports and hairdressers. All can be customised to meet workplace needs. www.komfort.com