Open offices use lighter boundaries

01 · OPEN, WITH BOUNDARIES

Openness still needs boundaries.

An open area without boundaries may look spacious yet allow activities to interfere. Everyone can see everyone else, circulation crosses workstations, impromptu conversations take place beside other people, storage lacks defined levels and equipment maintenance has no planned route.

Boundaries also involve more than taller screens. Overly high screens fragment the space, misplaced cabinets block circulation, and lounge areas too close to workstations affect concentration. The questions are where boundaries belong, what creates them and how much separation they provide.

02 · FOUR STATES

Open areas accommodate focus, conversation, movement and brief stops.

Focused work needs fewer visual and circulation interruptions. Conversation needs places for short stops. Passing traffic needs clear routes. People lingering need places clear of work areas.

Official materials for Knoll Dividends Skyline and Kettal Workplace provide context through system components and varied working activities. Light boundaries move from fixed walls to cabinets, screens, seating orientation, storage and technology routes.

03 · FOUR BOUNDARY QUESTIONS

Light boundaries answer four practical questions.

Light boundaries concern a set of use requirements as well as form. Assess sightlines, passing traffic, items and technology routes separately, rather than using one screen height to address every conflict.

1. Key point 01
   What needs screening?

   Reduce direct visual interruptions without enclosing the space completely.

2. Key point 02
   Where do people pass?

   Main circulation and access to shared items should not repeatedly cross personal work areas.

3. Key point 03
   Where do items belong?

   Separate personal, team and shared items, equipment and long-term documents into appropriate storage levels.

4. Key point 04
   How does technology enter?

   Power, network cables, height adjustment, monitor arms and maintenance covers affect circulation, under-desk space and cabinet positions.

04 · VERIFY A TYPICAL UNIT

Start by assessing a representative unit.

Open offices usually consist of repeated units. A representative unit might include several workstations, shared cabinets, necessary screens, cable routing and a discussion point. Resolving this unit before repeating it across a floor reduces risk.

Assess six actions in the representative unit: sitting, passing, retrieving items, connecting power, cleaning and maintenance. An empty setting alone does not show whether its boundaries support these activities.

05 · WHEN SIMPLE OPEN WORKS

Low-density, stable areas can use simpler schemes.

Temporary teams, low-density offices and areas with fixed users and little discussion may be better served by simple workstations and basic storage.

Light boundaries are useful where density, discussion, shared items and technology requirements are high, or where future reconfiguration is likely. Otherwise, excessive screens and modules increase installation and maintenance costs.

06 · REPEATABLE RULES

Modules can vary; connection and installation rules stay consistent.

Workstations, screens, cabinets and metal supports may come from different production lines, but need shared rules for hole positions, connections, colours and installation sequence. An unclear connection is amplified across repeated units.

Manufacturing preparation covers representative combinations, numbering, packaging, on-site orientation and replacement methods, alongside individual products. Larger quantities leave less room for improvised installation decisions.