Movement to open design offices requires more control of light and sound

Open design in offices is a resourceful way of allocating space in a workplace. It often saves money for a business by fitting more people into less space and saves energy by allowing natural light to stream throughout the work areas.

More than 60 precent of the companies throughout North American have installed workstations to replace traditional office furniture, according to Knoll Workplace Research.

As a result, NYOffices.com estimates that businesses can save as much as 20 percent on office furnishings as companies move increasingly to office layouts that remove barriers between work areas and limit the number of private offices for managers.

Controlling light and sound are major considerations when designing open design offices. Choosing carpeting, workstation dividers and ceiling materials that absorb sound that would otherwise interfere with an employee's productivity, the website states.

One way to manage the light source, which changes in intensity throughout the work day, is to install vertical blinds that are particularly effective for large windows and glass doors. They can be adjusted to let in full or partial light, and are available in a variety of colors and materials to complement office décor.