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Office development in the last 70 years

Sometimes we say that we would like to repeat the 60s, but would we also want to work in the offices of the past? Find out if you are also attracted to this idea.

19. 9. 2017

The office design, layout, personality, culture, technology and personnel has evolved over the years.  We will take a look back at the last 70 years of the office workspace to get a snapshot of the times.

 

1950s

Large heavy filing cabinets filled with paperwork could be seen as large pieces of furniture taking up space in small workspaces. It was common to find two people sharing a desk with an interior that consisted of chunky desks, carpet flooring, the odd picture on the wall and cream coloured décor.

 

1960s

The rise of G-Plan furniture in the home and office allowed workspaces to become more colourful, playful and contemporary. Offices moved from carpets to wooden floors with slightly more comfortable chairs.

Cubicle office concept has apperared for the first time. Desks were designed to allow easier cleaning in and around the workspaces. Large filing cabinets were still popular but the rise of personal desk storage and filing meant workers had more freedom and trust.

 

1970s

Major office developments in the 70s included wall colours and personal workstations.  Workers had more space to themselves and were often at their desk most of the day using the typewriter. As you can see in this office they have opted to go back to carpets but the desk designs still allowed cleaning to happen easier.

Office plants and telephones are the other two new additions to offices in this era. Offices were still full of paperwork and storage cabinets.

 

1980s

The introduction of personal computers at each table, improved chair ergonomics conclude this era. Personal space was important, and the workers did not forget to pin the holiday photos to screens reminding the dog fence. Orange chairs, pastel tones and geometric patterns were very trendy during this time!

 

1990s

The computers were still big and heavy and they occupied a lot of space on the table. Within the furniture, the boom was almost the warmest of all tones of wood - cherry as well as beech or maple. The furniture for the execution was massive and the veneer and the chromium prevailed.

Offices have started to be more modern and slowly were coming to the appearance which we know today.

 

 2000s

Computers are becoming thinner and easier and take up less space on the table. Mobile phones were smaller and emails were the main form of communication, which meant less paperwork for the first time.

The chairs were real forerunners of today's "super ergonomic" chairs. At that time came also chairs that have become classics. They went through years of development and can be found in offices today.

Offices have become much more modern and have quickly changed their appearance over the years. The cherry finish was retreating and the oak, beech or maple was more popular.

 

2010s

Creative, casual, fun, engaging, colourful, interactive, inspiring, comfortable office environments can we found in every city across the country. Employees can work and chill at work. Breakout spaces where employees can work or play are expected with laptops allowing people to work wirelessly from anywhere with access to food and drink on tap.

Wifi, sockets in the seat, wireless charging in the table give great freedom without fixing in place.

 

Having a fixed formal desk is not prefred alternative. If you’re working in a coworking space then it is likely you will be working next to someone from a completely different company with clients in a completely different time zone.

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