Yes, the acres of cubicles we have experienced in the past are, indeed, history in most working environments. The past mentality of “one-size-fits-all” just doesn’t apply in today’s workplace. The cubicle has become just one of the alternative spaces in which empoyees (as individuals and in teams) chose to work. The various types of work modes, required by any individual on any given day, require a choice of different work settings that are easily available and at the will of the individual. The cubicle or a small arrangement of cubicles that are provided and shared by all may be the perfect work environment for a specific task. We all know that different work modes require different work arrangements in order to be effective for the worker. Thus, the cubicle may be in the mid-range of a work setting choice ranging from totally open settings that are highly interactive to private enclaves in which totally concentrative privacy can be obtained. The spatial arrangement of this workplace “Community Environment” must be carefully thought out regarding the cultural aspects of your specific organizational makeup. I say again, these decisions cannot be based on the assumptions of how work has been accomplished in the past!
Take care in the determination of your organizational space SPECIFIC to the needs of your, most unique, work culture.