Chapter 14 Commercial Interior Design Applications 511 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Traditional Offi ce Design Issues While the text earlier addresses several issues related to corporate offi ce design, it is also necessary to discuss many traditional interior design issues. These have not disappeared as new workplace designs evolve. Issues designers need to address include ■ creating effi cient traffi c patterns ■ enhancing workfl ow between departments and key individuals ■ integrating fl exible technology ■ developing effective signage and wayfi nding to assist those fi nding their way through the building ■ understanding territoriality and integrating confi dentiality ■ improving ergonomics, anthropometrics, and comfort ■ considering privacy versus spatial effi ciencies ■ integrating democratic use of space ■ creating a healthy work environment that reduces absenteeism Of all the hundreds of things that impact productivity in the offi ce on a daily basis—interruptions, last-minute meetings, and the Internet—rarely does the desk chair come under consideration. This is an unfortunate mistake. According to research, proper offi ce ergonom- ics can result in a 400 percent increase in productivity and an average of $150,000 in company savings year over year. (For instance, people who are comfortable in their seats sit longer, increasing productivity. Those who are uncomfortable get up and move around more often to relieve discomfort.) Common ergonomic issues employees face include wrong table heights, banging their knees on the keyboard tray, cramped space, no back support, no elbow support, and having to cradle the phone between shoulder and ear while using the computer. These are all issues the interior designer can, and should, address. Common Office Spaces There are common offi ce spaces in the workplace. They are designed to support an organization that wishes to conduct business, assess quality of work, engage with clients and customers, develop marketing strategies and sales, and increase productivity. Reception Area The design of the reception area creates the fi rst impres- sion of the organization to visitors. Therefore, the design is very individualized in communicating the personal- ity of the fi rm. The reception area is where branding is important and where visitors receive an initial greeting, Figure 14-24. The lobby itself often meets two basic needs, including ■ assistance for the visitor during arrival and departure ■ access to a waiting area. Areas next to the reception area include the entrance, public conference room, workroom, break room, and storage space for guest outerwear. The receptionist’s work area is located in the lobby and requires access to a workroom for photocopying and resource materials. It should have a two-level transaction counter or desk to meet needs of all visitors. The waiting area design generally has a grouping of furniture or multiple group- ings of guest or lounge seating. Small tables are set between guest chairs. Artwork, plants, and sculptures are common accessories. Keeping in mind proxemics (public) distances, waiting room furniture often includes single chairs with adjoining tables, Figure 14-25. Conference Room The conference room should be accessible from private offi ces and the reception area. It should be welcom- ing and communicate the organization’s brand. It can range from a small meeting room that seats four to six people to a large, elaborate boardroom that seats 30 to 50 people. If the organization is large, there will be one main conference room and multiple smaller conference rooms, Figure 14-26. Conference rooms are spaces that businesses use to conduct in-person, group meetings. At times, this may be where a business holds a teleconference. Therefore, this space needs to be a smart space—one equipped with a screen, speakerphone, projection device, sound, large computer screen, and controls to operate technol- ogy. If possible, it should have a view to the outside with operable window shades for room darkening capabili- ties. Some storage space is also a requirement. Four types of furniture are common in conference rooms: a medium-to-large table, armchairs, credenza— a sideboard for books and materials, and another side