Routledge Beyond the Workplace Zoo: Humanising the Office

This book begins by outlining the common design mistakes with the modern open plan office and the industry focus on cost that has resulted in the ill-fated Workplace Zoo. The requirements of office-based workers according to psychological theory and research are then explained. Dr Oseland references historical studies in psychophysics to describe how to design environmental conditions (acoustics, lighting, temperature, indoor air quality) that enhance performance by supporting basic physiological needs. More contemporary research in environmental psychology investigates how cognition affects our interpretation and response to physical stimuli depending on personality, context, attitude and other personal factors. This in turn informs individual requirements for the environmental conditions as well as group needs. Studies in evolutionary psychology and biophilia are also referenced. The latter part of the book turns to workplace solutions and focuses on how to plan, design and manage offices to accommodate our innate human needs now and in the future. The importance of designing for inclusivity is also recognised, including accommodating cultural, gender and generational differences along with designing spaces for neurodiversity. Dr Oseland’s proposed workplace solution the Landscaped Office is a revived and revised version of Bürolandschaft with a contemporary twist. The impact of workplace trends, such as agile working and hot-desking, is also explored and found to complement the workplace solution, resulting in the Agile Landscaped Office. This book is key reading for professionals, and post-graduate students, in business, interior design, architecture, surveying, facilities management, building services engineering, HR and organisational or environmental psychology. Review "Read this book and you will get a deep understanding of what workplace design is all about. In clear and concise prose, Nigel explains how the physical work environment can affect the well-being, satisfaction, social behaviour and productivity of office workers. The book is an excellent blend of academic insight and practical relevance." - Dr Juriaan van Meel, Co-founder BriefBuilder "Beyond The Workplace Zoo is a timely reminder of the need to revise modern organizational practices. Using a mix of applied research and business experience, Nigel Oseland provides adroit lessons in how to build more meaningful working lives. The result is a readable, knowledgeable and useable book that will add to the armoury of the intelligent manager." - Dr Craig Knight, Founding Director, Identity Realization Ltd "Understanding the impact that buildings have on people is becoming more important as organisations look to invest intelligently in people and place. The Workplace Zoo comprehensively equips all interested parties to navigate the sometimes arduous journey towards an effective environment. If you have any interest in what lies behind creating a great workplace experience, then this is the book for you." - Mark Catchlove, Director, Insight Group – EMEA, Herman Miller "Nigel takes us on a journey Beyond the Workplace Zoo. It already sounds very intriguing but is getting more exciting when you began to turn the pages. He elegantly uses his psychological background and practical experience to explain different theories and how office design can affect our satisfaction and work performance, and what solutions do work and what do not. It is not an academic telling but given by a person with long practice. He tells us how to create an office design that you want to and must return to - socially welcoming, promoting innovation and interaction, and creating spaces for concentrated work, creativity and relaxation, and more. As per the title, Nigel tells you how to create an office Beyond the Workplace Zoo. It is a must-read for the designers, architects, and creators of office space and any manager that wants to ensure that his workf