The widespread production and use of toughened and laminated glass for architectural purposes has opened up a whole new world of creativity in internal office environments. Shaping, colour, films and decorative treatments, lighting, and the combination of the glass with different frames are just some of the ways that the workplace itself has become inspirational and enjoyable. Much of the creativity focuses on glass office partitions and how they are presented. Here are some of the sources of creativity that I have observed in office environments.

Differences in Line, Contour and Shape of Glass Partitions

Curved glass can now be used to create stunning and unusual effects that divide up the office space in a highly creative way. The curve can be echoed in curved door furniture, and lighting can be used to highlight the whole effect.

Flush fitted frameless glass partitions from floor to ceiling can give a sleek, clean, open and tall feel to a space. Provided the area inside this space e.g. a conference room or internal office is kept tidy and furniture is used tastefully and sparingly, the whole space can feel more clam and organised.

Changing the Space on Demand

Demountable glass partitions highlight one special way in which glass is used to practically create more actual space as and when it is needed.

Lighting and Glass

Colours or tints in the glass can be exaggerated, highlighted, enhanced or projected by the clever use of lighting. LCD lighting or spot lighting can help to boost the visual impact.

Film or Treatments

Manifestation film can incorporate almost any images, colours and effects that are required to fit in with a particular design theme. Couple this again with decorative lighting and the whole effect can be literally stunning.

Etching or sandblasting can also be used to provide tidy decorative frosted touches.

Privacy Effects

There are types of glass or films available which react and change with an electric current. Imagine all of the panels which make up the boundary of a partition conference room changing from complete transparency to an opaque white effect at the flick of a switch. Not only does this mean that you can achieve even cleaner and tidier lines by not using blinds, but the lighting levels inside the room space are not negatively affected by the switch to opaque.

Blinds however can normally be integrated into the overall design of internal glass spaces in a very positive and creative way when their main purpose is in fact more of a functional one.

Entrances and Exits

Glass manually operated or automatic doors can be used to maintain the integrity of an overall look created by partitions. Equally a pleasant contrast can be created by using doors with wood veneer or decorative laminate.

It seems to me therefore that the materials and options available are fast catching up with creative ideas of commercial office designers, particularly where glass is concerned.

Although today’s offices can incorporate design features and themes which have a huge spectrum of influences, there is still a basic functionality and work focus that is needed in an office. There are standard sizes to many components doors, windows, suspended ceiling tiles, and other aspects of office interiors, and similarities between many office layouts and sizes. Having said this installing office partitions is inevitably going to require what is essentially bespoke work for a number of reasons. Here are just some of areas which can govern or contribute to such customisation.

The Existing Office Structure

This obviously varies from building to building in terms of size, shape and layout. Partitions however are likely to be needed to accomplish the same things in any space such as to divide and compartmentalise larger areas in way that enhances the running of the business.

Solid, Glass, Folding or Sliding

There are now many different materials that are used in the construction of office partitions. Whether solid or glass the main panels will need to be cut exactly to size to fit the size of the space available within the proposed design. For example offices, reception areas and corridors can all be created to fit the individual space. Solid and glass partitions can be floor to ceiling. Solid versions can also be from the floor to the top of the door with a variety of options for the area above this.

Sliding and folding versions are also available, and by their nature they are intended to be flexible, and of course sizes and applications vary. This again adds a bespoke dimension.

The Panels for Solid Office Partitions

Apart form the bespoke cutting of the toughened glass to fit the space a truly bespoke aspect of a glass partition is what design, logo, lettering or image is featured on the manifestation film. The use of film on glass can not only be used to strengthen the branding, reflect corporate identity, or simply to enhance the visual aspect of the space, but also to prevent people from walking into what would be a large, clear expanse of glass.

The panels for solid partitions can also be given a variety of different colours, patterns and finishes such as coloured or patterned laminate or vinyl. Although a there’s likely to be fixed range offered by an installer, the combination of different glazing options and panels finishes adds a bespoke dimension to this.

The Frames and Joints

Solid partitions essentially fit into aluminium or steel frames at the top and bottom. Although there are standard sizes and types of frames the aluminium ones for example can have colour added to them. Rather than just standard colours any BS or RAL colour required by the customer can be added. This again adds a very obvious bespoke dimension.

Far from being standard sized, bland or practical looking, modern office partitions are largely bespoke constructions which can incorporate all manner of customer design preferences.