Pattern 148
Small Work Groups
Context Self-Governing Workshops and Offices80 · Flexible Office Space146
Problem
On a large, undifferentiated office floor, people either get lost in the crowd or sit in complete isolation — focused work and easy contact with colleagues end up almost mutually exclusive. Neither total openness nor total separation supports real collaboration.
Solution
Group people who work together into small clusters of just a few, and give them half-enclosed areas where they can concentrate on their work while still staying in easy touch with one another.
Usage Office Connections82 · Flexible Office Space146 · Common Areas at the Heart129 · Master and Apprentices83 · Open Stairs158 · Half-Private Office152 · Workspace Enclosure183