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Research laboratory architecture and the structuring of communications
Author(s) -
Allen T. J.,
Fustfeld A. R.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
randd management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.253
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1467-9310
pISSN - 0033-6807
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9310.1975.tb01230.x
Subject(s) - structuring , architecture , computer science , function (biology) , point (geometry) , horizontal and vertical , architectural engineering , telecommunications , business , engineering , history , mathematics , geometry , archaeology , finance , evolutionary biology , biology
This paper brings together results of a number of studies of communication in R & D organizations. These studies show very clearly the way in which communication is influenced by the physical, architectural arrangement of the laboratory. Communication between individuals is very sensitive to both the horizontal and vertical distances separating them. The point at which it becomes desirable to add floors to a building was derived as a function of required floor area. Finally, a partially successful experiment is reported in which an attempt was made to improve communication in an organization through architectural change. The results presented here should form the basis for further experimentation in this same manner. The possibilities are almost limitless. It only remains for some good imagination to be applied to the problem.