"Enclosed Office Spaces: The Antithesis of Open Plan"

In the realm of office design, the open plan office has long been a dominant force, with its advocates touting increased collaboration and flexibility. However,...

In the realm of office design, the open plan office has long been a dominant force, with its advocates touting increased collaboration and flexibility. However, it's not the only game in town. For those seeking an alternative, let's delve into the world of office layouts that are the opposite of open plan, offering privacy, focus, and a different set of benefits.

an office building with tables and chairs in it

Understanding the Open Plan Office

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Before we explore the alternatives, it's crucial to understand what an open plan office is. Characterized by wide, open spaces with minimal partitions, this layout aims to foster communication and teamwork. However, it can also lead to noise pollution, lack of privacy, and distractions, making it less than ideal for certain tasks or personalities.

Introducing the Opposite: Closed and Cellular Offices

Bright Open Office Rendering with Skylights and Warm Wood Details

At the other end of the spectrum from open plan offices are closed and cellular offices. These layouts feature individual offices or cubicles, providing employees with their own private workspace. Let's break down these layouts further.

Closed Offices

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Closed offices are typically reserved for executives, managers, or those who need to make private calls or concentrate on complex tasks. They offer complete privacy and noise reduction, but can also create a hierarchical feel and limit spontaneous interaction.

Cellular Offices

Cellular offices, on the other hand, are more democratic. They consist of a series of small, private offices or cubicles arranged in a grid, providing each employee with their own workspace. This layout offers more privacy than open plan but can still feel cramped and lack the collaborative energy of open spaces.

an office cubicle with people working on computers and sitting at desks in it

Hybrid Solutions: The Middle Ground

For those who want to strike a balance between open and closed offices, there are several hybrid solutions to consider.

Activity-Based Working (ABW)

the floor plan for an office with furniture

ABW involves creating different zones within the office for different tasks, such as quiet areas for focused work and collaborative spaces for team projects. Employees can choose the workspace that best suits their needs at any given time.

Benching Systems

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an office with tables, chairs and plants hanging from the ceiling in front of windows

two pictures of an office with desks, chairs and lamps in it's center

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an overhead view of office cubicles with tables and chairs in the center, two desks on each side

an aerial view of a kitchen and dining area in a commercial building, with open windows

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an open office with lots of seating and tables in the center, along with large windows

an office with two desks and three monitors on the wall above them is shown

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two people sitting at desks in an office with bookshelves and computer screens

an office with two computer desks and plants

Benching systems combine elements of open and closed offices. They consist of long tables with low dividers, providing some visual and auditory privacy while still encouraging interaction. This layout can be adjusted to accommodate different team sizes and needs.

Which Layout is Right for Your Business?

Choosing the right office layout depends on your business's unique needs, culture, and budget. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Layout	Privacy	Collaboration	Cost
Open Plan	Low	High	Low
Closed Office	High	Low	High
Cellular Office	Medium	Medium	Medium
ABW/Hybrid	Adjustable	Adjustable	Medium

Ultimately, the best office layout is one that supports your business's goals and makes your employees feel comfortable and productive. By understanding the alternatives to open plan offices, you're well on your way to creating a workspace that truly works for you.