An office complex can be a group of one-story buildings connected by architectural elements or a single building that houses multiple companies. It can be one story or multiple floors and is often leased. The physical environment of an office has a significant impact on productivity and job satisfaction, with major issues surrounding noise abatement and privacy. Some companies adopt architecturally open office configurations for collaborative purposes, while others prefer completely private layouts.
An office complex generally refers to a grouping of architectural features that facilitate the production of office activities, the processing of data or the provision of business services. There are no defined parameters, in general, to describe this type of complex rigorously from an architectural point of view. Some argue that an office complex is a grouping of one-story buildings connected by architectural elements such as covered walkways, atriums, or other similar structures. Others say it may consist of a single building that houses the offices of several companies, government agencies or organizations.
Office complexes can be one story or multiple floors. Most local zoning codes specify where these complexes may be located. Other terms describing a similar architectural use and layout include office plaza, corporate campus, or office park. While a business may own its complex, leasing is very common, as it allows a business to expand rapidly by adding additional office space within the complex or on another campus.
In terms of Energy Star recognition, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses architectural characteristics to determine whether an office complex is considered one building or more than one building. A group of continuously connected offices, with an atrium or atrium that does not divide the buildings from one another, is considered a building for purposes of an Energy Star rated application. The term “office complex” is used by the EPA for either separate buildings on a campus or a building that houses multiple businesses or businesses.
In common parlance, an office complex is simply a place where people collectively perform clerical work in a location that exceeds the scope of a small office. There has been a lot of discussion and research on creating the most effective office environment for both workers and visitors, from an architectural point of view. Virtually everyone agrees that the physical environment of an office has a significant impact on productivity and job satisfaction, with major issues surrounding noise abatement and privacy issues. Because medical service providers may be located in office buildings, health-related privacy laws affect architectural decisions. It will likely limit the use of cubicles with openings that can allow others to overhear private conversations.
Some companies adopt architecturally open office configurations for collaborative purposes. High-tech businesses pursuing rapid innovation may look to build relationships to encourage a relaxed office environment where colleagues engage in frequent and spontaneous discussions. At the other end of the spectrum is a completely private office layout separated by floor to ceiling walls. A cell office is a hybrid of the two, allowing for some privacy while still maintaining an open reception area where spontaneous collaboration can occur.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
