Open plan v cellular buildings

[edit] Introduction

Open plan and cellular are terms used to describe opposing approaches to the internal layout of buildings. Open plan is a relatively modern phenomenon while the cellular is typically associated with traditional construction.

[edit] Open plan

Open plan describes an arrangement that is characterised by an almost complete lack of internal partitions within the structural confines of a building, or part of a building. This means there may be no significant physical or visual boundaries to delineate the various functional areas such as kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, offices and so on. In the case of bedrooms, they may be part of the general open space or hidden by a screen or even partitioned off completely. Bathrooms and toilets are generally partitioned but are usually situated at one end of the plan or in a corner so as not to interrupt the flow of space. A flat or house where living room, dining room and kitchen form one space (irrespective of whether bedrooms are separate rooms) may be described as open plan.

Keeping the use of partitions to an absolute minimum, the visual effect of open plan is of a space that can appear larger and brighter than if walls had enclosed the various functional areas. The effect was particularly popular with Modern architects such as Le Corbusier, Mies van de Rohe, Aalto and Kahn, and is still popular with contemporary architects such as Foster, Rogers and Hadid. These architects have exploited the spatial effects that open plan layouts can create, particularly the feeling of lightness and airiness. As a result, open plan layouts have become popular with self-builders and those extending their homes.

Contemporary offices also tend to be open plan. Employees work in large open areas with separating walls used only to enclose toilets, kitchens, lift shafts, stairs and fire-protected areas. Such communal workspaces may help to foster better team spirit but they lack privacy, can be distracting and allow management to more easily monitor their employees activities. For more information see: Open plan office.

[edit] Cellular

Cellular plan layouts are generally a more traditional form of spatial arrangement. They are characterised by the use of walls and partitions to enclose the various spaces and so result in cell-like arrangements. In homes, this results in the creation of different rooms such as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens etc which can sometimes be small depending on the space available. But they can also provide better privacy, and allow the separation of incompatible functions - such as washing machines and people watching television, or keeping cooking smells within a kitchen.

In a commercial environment, a cellular layout is one in which staff have their own office, or share and office with a small number of people. This can provide better privacy and security, fire separation, separation of functions, and can allow concentration free from distractions. Privacy may be important if sensitive issues are being discussed, if meetings are being held and so on.

Historically, cellular arrangements were necessitated by the limitations of construction materials and techniques. When achievable floor spans were smaller than those of today, numerous internal walls were necessary to provide support to the floor above.

However, the introduction of steel and concrete have allowed longer, uninterrupted spans that can eliminate the use of internal walls and columns. This has brought opportunities to create open-plan interiors and has seen the decline of cellular layouts in office buildings. The process has been helped by fashion, democratisation of the workplace (‘flatter’ organisational structures) and some theories of employee wellbeing.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Building activities definition.
• Building spaces definition.
• Multiple occupancy offices.
• Office.
• Open plan office.
• Premises.
• Property.
• Types of building.
• Types of room.
• Use class.
• Wellbeing and creativity in workplace design - case studies.
• Workplaces of the future.