Lack of sufficient space is a growing complaint in today,s office. Decreasing the
amount of allotted cubical square footage allows for more employees within each
area, but at what price? To meet the demand of smaller more cramped spaces, systems
manufacturers have devised some pretty ingenious component solutions to deal with
the problem.
When specifying systems furniture worksurfaces follow these rules of thumb:
 Tip: A cubical should not have more than two worksufaces
if it is less than 7, wide.
Tip: The main worksurface should not be less than 25"
deep. 30" is ideal.
Tip: Specify 20" surfaces only if absolutely necessary.
Their primary function is to help keep main surfaces free from clutter.
Tip: For ergonomic and practical reasons, standard
worksurface height is 29". Taller individuals may prefer up to 31", but
a higher height may increase back, neck, and shoulder stress and should be avoided.
Returns can be lowered to 27" (secretarial height for typing purposes).
Tip: Corner worksurfaces increase surface area, and
allow for more usage of cubical space. Corners are the best surface to place computer
monitors. Corner surfaces often have the added feature of a built-in articulating
keyboard tray.
Tip: Except where there is freestanding furniture,
panel widths directly affect worksurface widths.
Tip: When two or more individuals will be interacting
with one another through out the course of a day consider combining cubicles and
using shared worksurfaces.
Tip: Visitor tops, (worksurfaces which have no storage
underneath or panels surrounding them, which when placed in front of a "U"
configuration allow visitors to interact with the employee) are best suited for
private offices or cubicles. "P" tops are terrific because their end mimics
a small round table - removing the imaginary barrier created by a straight visitor
top.
Tip: Adjustable worksurfaces allow employees who would
normally sit all day to stand and work within their cubicles. This relieves the
pressure points triggered by long bouts of sitting.
Tip: Transaction worksurfaces are narrow surfaces placed
on top of a low panel that allow for interaction between persons while one is sitting
and the other standing. They can also hold small accessories that would normally
clutter the main surfaces.
Tip: Laminate surfaces are the most practical surfaces
available.
Tip: Choose surfaces with muted color and a low glare
finish to prevent eyestrain.
Tip: Wood surfaces are attractive, but they damage
easily and are expensive so they are best suited for where client contact is most
likely to occur. Laminate surfaces are sometimes available with wood edges or in
wood grained finishes, creating the feel of genuine wood without the pitfalls.
Tip: Specify grommets (openings in surfaces that allow
for wiring to pass through to power) where they will be most inconspicuous. Interior
corners are best. Be certain that their access isn,t blocked by support or storage
components.
Tip: Worksurfaces unless freestanding, require panel
to worksurface bracketry or some other under-surface support (end panels, center
legs, cantilevers, etc.) or some combination thereof. Consider using storage components,
(i.e. pedestal files), to provide the best support and allow for maximum utilization
of cubicles' space while creating maximum storage space.
Tip: Support cubicles' worksurfaces with storage components
wherever possible.
Tip: When specifying storage components that will support
worksurfaces, be sure to allow for sufficient kneespace.
Tip: Longer worksurfaces (wider than approximately
7,) and surfaces on which heavy equipment will be placed require additional support.
Continue: Storage
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