Workplace Design Revolution: Inside-Out Urbanism

Abstract

This chapter articulates how the way of working changed the interiority of office buildings and how it is shaping the space between office buildings. The modern office building was originated from bringing workers together in one location, which resulted in gigantic corporate architecture. However, the gigantism did not produce urban rhythm or urbanism due to the Taylorist management. With the human relation movement that emphasised natural groups and social relations to ameliorate hierarchical tensions and to sustain high productivity, workplace was designed to encourage spontaneous, serendipitous social encounter via blurring boundaries of circulation, working and services. The intensive social activities within an office building, representing urban rhythm, significantly changed the building's interiority. The advancement of communication technologies brought forth portable worksphere and nomadic working-style, which engendered a new relationship between office workers and public realm in cities.