The Paradox of Collaboration: A Built Environment Perspective

Abstract

Large and flexible spaces, an absence of interior walls, and a variety of workstations that accommodate different types of work and sizes of groups characterize open-plan offices. The original motivations (i.e. cost effectiveness and collaboration) that drove the introduction of open-plan workspaces continue to drive new and retrofitted open-plan construction, yet, paradoxes abound. Open-plan workspaces are imbued with psychological, cognitive, and relational tradeoffs and their success continues to be hotly contested with little resolution or tangible evidence to inform future practices. In a space where everyone can be seen, it becomes very difficult to find any one person. Encouraged conversations that promote knowledge transfer and innovation often become distracting noise for others. Visibility is perceived by others to signal availability. While an open-plan workspace is intended to foster community, employees invent isolating mechanisms. Therefore, the purpose of this panel symposium is to engage a...