From cubicles to creative hubs: the evolution of our workplace
Offices are not static boxes. They are in constant motion — just like the people who work in them. Anyone redesigning an office or creating a new workplace today would do well to take a quick look back. Every office generation brought something valuable—while also missing some opportunities. From closed cubicles to open-plan offices, from fixed desks to flexible workstations, the road to a futureproof workplace is paved with plenty of lessons learned.
1960s–1980s: the classic office
Structure was sacred. Everyone had a fixed desk, usually in a separate room or neatly arranged in rows across large office landscapes. Departments were grouped by function, and hierarchy was built into the layout. Everything was predictable and orderly.
This had its benefits: steady routines, quiet work environments, and clarity. But the system was also expensive and inflexible. Providing a separate space for every employee or team required a lot of square footage. And interdepartmental collaboration? That happened at best in the coffee corner. The work floor often stayed quiet — and not just because of the carpet tiles.
1980s–1990s: the rise of the cubicle
As organizations began to grow and real estate prices climbed, the cubicle emerged as a compromise. Not everyone could have a private office anymore, but full openness wasn’t an option either. So companies built rows of semi-enclosed workstations separated by panels: the cubicle. This allowed more people to work in the same space while retaining some degree of privacy. The idea was to combine the quiet of private offices with the efficiency of open space. In theory, a win-win. In practice… not always.
Advantages:
- More employees in less space
- Visual and acoustic separation
- Affordable and easier to reconfigure
Disadvantages:
- Monotonous, often claustrophobic environment
- Limited natural light
- Little spontaneous interaction
2000s–2010s: the open-plan office
Working in a cubicle felt like living in a filing cabinet. Time for a change. The walls came down, and open-plan offices made their entrance. The goal: openness, spontaneity, collaboration.
At first, it felt refreshing. But the balance quickly tipped: people worked on top of each other, background noise increased, and concentration — and productivity — walked right out the door. Without the right acoustics and layout, the open office soon became a source of frustration. Balancing focus and collaboration turned out to be trickier than expected.
2010–2020: flexible workstations and “The New Way of Working”
Technology enabled mobility. Laptops replaced desktops, Wi-Fi became standard, and the fixed desk slowly faded away. Employees started hunting for any available spot. Flexible working became the new normal.
Advantages:
- More autonomy
- More efficient use of space
Disadvantages:
- Lack of ownership or connection
- No guarantee of having the right workspace for the task at hand
Flexible workstations are valuable, but a completely structure-free office is not ideal — especially without clear rules or designated zones. Flexibility only works when it’s intentional.
Today: activity-based working
The current generation of offices follows a clear principle: different tasks require different environments. Activity-Based Working (ABW) fits this perfectly. It’s a system that combines structure with freedom.
- No fixed desks, but clearly defined zones
- No rigid desk allocation, but thoughtful design and guidance
ABW brings calm to the chaos and direction to flexibility. It’s a model you’ll find in many large organizations today, but also in smaller companies that take their employees seriously and use their space wisely.
Need good examples? Check out our Larcier-Intersentia and ABB case studies.
A workplace that keeps working
Every office concept had its glory days — and its limitations. The closed office layout offered peace but little interaction. The cubicle provided focus but shut people off. The open-plan office opened everything up — including endless distractions. And the flexible desk gave freedom but lacked stability.
Activity-Based Working combines the best of all worlds: structure where it’s needed, freedom where it’s possible. Most importantly, it creates a workplace that evolves with your people, your culture, and your ambitions.
Want to know how to transform your office into an ABW workspace?
