Buildings, Offices as LO enabler LO21571

Arnold J. Wytenburg (arnold@originalthinking.com)
Mon, 10 May 1999 16:52:57 -0400

Replying to LO21553 --

HJRobles@aol.com wrote:

> I'm kind of curious to know how each of you envisions YOUR ideal
> workplace. What kind of environment would support YOUR creativity,
> productivity -- all those "ivities?" What's important to you? Walls that
> go up to the ceiling -- or not? Windows that actually open -- or not?
> Being able to run into other folks -- or not? Harriett.

Harriet:

In parallel with my following this thread, I've been revisiting the
concepts behind the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. Consequently, what came
to mind as I read your query is that it's almost impossible to design a
facility that is the definitive learning environment unless it is capable
of addressing the myriad needs of a variety of personality types. For
example, one of my colleagues feels most at home in an environment where
there are precise rows of identical cubicles, while I enjoy large and
irregular spaces that allow me to incorporate a variety of work spaces,
each attuned to a particular mood or activity.

In revisiting my own type profile, I can easily perceive that the nature
of the work environment I prefer is very closely related to many
characteristics of my type indicator. In my consulting experience, I have
found that many organizations can also be said to exhibit a distinct
Personality Type. I'm beginning to wonder if you might discover some
worthwhile insight by pursuing such a line of inquiry. I'm aware of at
least one book that deals with the typing of organizations as a whole a la
Myers Briggs, although I don't have a reference handy just now (most of my
books are temporarily in storage while I undergo physical transition to a
new space).

By the way, I prefer lots of light, fresh air, a combination of private
and public areas, multiple desk/table tops, several acres of white boards,
and room for thousands upon thousands of books, magazines and papers. I
use a lot of horizontal surface area so that I can lay things out and even
leave them lying around for weeks or months at a time--I am one of those
that have lots of little 'piles ' of works in progress. I've found that
many artists tend to arrange their studios in ways that are similar.

-- 
Cheers,  Arnold

arnold@originalthinking.com ________________________

"Greatness cannot be achieved in half an hour; it takes at least forty-five minutes." Lucy, to Charlie Brown. _________________________________________________________

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