Inside their offices, instructors have their own way of organizing information: there are filers, pilers and

arrayers. Filers organize information in orderly folders

organized in file drawers. Pilers are just like they sound: they can practically hide behind towering stacks of materials. Arrayers spread out information across different worksurfaces during the day so nothing is

ever out of sight.

Collaboration. Chance meetings with colleagues for idea sharing are the lifeblood of an academic. The faculty office entry area can host these collaborative discussions without intruding on the officeholder’s private space; think of it as a front porch. Provide a markerboard, a stool or guest chair, a small worksurface, and a monitor arm for the flat screen so instructors can easily share digital content and engage quickly. This area is ideal An instructor’s continual process of teaching, researching and learning is now as much a team sport as an individual effort. Consider the design of a group of faculty offices, or neighborhood, around three core activities: concentration, contemplation and collaboration. These are not separate areas of the office, but fluid zones designed to support a range of activities.

Concentration. This area centers on a worksurface with nearby files and shelves geared for the way the instructor stores information. An ergonomic chair is a necessity for long hours of concentrated work. There may also be a guest chair for a longer discussion with a colleague or student, as well as a flat screen to display digital content.

Contemplation. A highback adjustable chair with a footstool and a space divider such as a mobile screen create a place for reading and quiet reflection. This is a protected work area just a few steps away from the front porch and concentration areas, so the instructor’s work in process, often involving confidential information, is protected from visitors. It’s a valuable refuge from an increasingly complex and fast-paced workday.

for office hours, when instructors deal with a parade of students seeking assistance.

College faculty still consider a private office and its size as reflections of their length of service and position.

Yet institutions can create more versatile, effective and comfortable faculty offices in a smaller footprint by planning offices with these three essential zones.

Tips for faculty office communities.

Plan a faculty office space as a part of a neighborhood that supports three core activities: concentration,

contemplation and collaboration.

CO NCE NTRATIO N

1Freestanding furniture systems adapt to the wide variety of faculty office shapes and sizes, with components to provide worksurface, storage, meeting support, privacy, writing

surfaces, worktools support and definition for different zones in the office.

Ergonomic task chairs support long sessions correcting papers, working on research, writing, etc.

Secondary worksurfaces that are mobile can do yeoman’s work as a collaboration table, a place to array information, additional storage, etc.

Benching worksurfaces or small-footprint workstations provide much-needed space for part-time faculty, and their open design allows for more interaction with other faculty.

CO NTEMPLATIO N

1Faculty members often choose their office furniture, and furniture systems can provide the function, versatility and aesthetics (wood and wood/ steel blends) that meet both faculty desires and institutional

standards.

Small huddle rooms located near open-plan workspaces for contingent faculty provide them

with private places for phone calls, student conferences, etc.

Chairs intended for contemplation should do more than just recline; they should provide good ergonomic

support and have easy-to-use adjustments.

COLLABORATIO N

An office front porch creates a working buffer zone: a standing-height table hosts

impromptu meetings, while confidential materials reside inside the concentration and

contemplation zones.

A faculty resource area provides a place where faculty can prepare for class and meet with students and peers without traveling far from their private offices. Coffee, copy machines and conversation help draw people to the space.

A work setting allows colleagues to share digital content from laptops, tablet computers, etc., greatly facilitating the collaborative process.

A teacher needs a writing surface; portable whiteboards are ideal and at times necessary tools for faculty office neighborhoods/communities.