Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a panel which is applicable to formation of knowledge-intensive
organizations and the like particularly advantageously.
Background Art
[0002] Recently, there has been made a proposal of a system capable of converting the use
of a workspace of an office into a different use and customizing such a workspace
to meet the need.
[0003] Such an office system has been proposed as a system capable of constructing a totalized
workspace based on "unification of modules" and "optionality" as mainstays with respect
mainly to furniture so that functions of the workspace can be selected freely and
that conversion of use of the workspace can be made as desired, on the assumption
that there are diversified working styles in a center office.
[0004] That is, the office system is constructed aiming principally at such functionality
as to form an independent group work dedicated space, a personal work dedicated space
or the like appropriately through the changing of the arrangement of furniture and
the attaching or detaching of optional members with changing work style.
[0005] From now on, however, it seems that: work styles will change with increasing amounts
of non-routine works for individuals or groups; workplaces will change from center
offices into flexible and diversified office forms such as remote offices, mobile
offices and home offices; and center offices will have an increased number of communication
areas and service areas. With respect to specialist teams or knowledge work teams,
the form of a team will continuously change with progress of a work in the procedure
of one development through, for example, repetitive and frequent meeting and parting
of staff members about group works and changes in the number and actions of such members.
[0006] It is indispensable for a working environment suited for such a work style to be
capable of not only easy conversion of use of a workspace and easy customization of
such a workspace but also appropriate selection of spaces suitable for diversified
works of individuals or groups and for the number of working people as well as to
ensure a chain of actions and continuity of moves as selection of such works and places
changes. To this end, it is desirable to create an environment wherein: areas of different
uses or different functions be loosely connected to each other; and each member of
a team somehow grasp the flow of the task of the whole team and the locations of other
members and documents.
Disclosure of Invention
[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing problem. One object
of the present invention is to raise the efficiency of a knowledge-intensive organization
markedly through a system configuration that realizes the provisions of diversified
space functions on a use-by-use basis, semi-transparently screened spaces and seamless
space layout, which serve as the mainstays in constructing an office system.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a panel which is particularly
useful in forming such a residence space.
[0009] That is, the present invention provides a panel comprising a panel body capable of
accommodating wiring therein, characterized in that the panel body is configured to
allow the wiring to be led out from a position in a homogeneous portion of the panel
body in a direction normal to the panel body.
[0010] The panel of this construction is capable of ensuring the freedom of leading out
the wiring and reducing the amount of wiring to be led out while exercising the function
of concealing the wiring.
[0011] Specific embodiments of the panel include an embodiment wherein at least one face
of the panel body is constructed of a latticework structure defining squares which
allows the wiring to be led out therethrough.
[0012] For further enhancement of the above-described effect, it is desirable that the panel
body comprise a pair of latticework structures arranged to face each other with a
predetermined spacing therebetween and is configured to allow the wiring to be led
out from either or both of obverse and reverse sides of the panel body through the
squares defined by the latticework.
[0013] In this case, it is effective particularly where the wiring is wiring for interior
equipment fitted to the panel by means of crossed pieces of latticework.
[0014] With an embodiment wherein the panel body has a function as a partition, the wiring
can be routed through the inside of the panel advantageously when the panel is coupled
to another.
[0015] It is also effective that such a panel is configured to enclose a residence space
as partially overlapping a structural wall surface of a building.
[0016] As described above, the panel according to the present invention comprises a panel
body capable of accommodating wiring therein, the panel body being configured to allow
the wiring to be led out from a position in a homogeneous portion of the panel body
in a direction normal to the panel body.
[0017] The panel of this construction is capable of ensuring the freedom of leading out
the wiring and reducing the amount of wiring to be led out while exercising the function
of concealing the wiring. Thus, the panel allows the IT infrastructure to be effectively
upgraded to provide working environments adjusted to different kinds of operations,
thereby meeting the personal needs of individual workers.
[0018] Particularly, with the arrangement wherein at least one face of the panel body is
constructed of a latticework structure defining squares which allow the wiring to
be led out therethrough, the above-described effect can be exhibited by means of a
simple structure.
[0019] In this case, if the panel body comprises a pair of latticework structures arranged
to face each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween and is configured to
allow the wiring to be led out from either or both of obverse and reverse sides of
the panel body through the squares defined by the latticework, the freedom of leading
out the wiring is doubled and, hence, the panel is of a high utility value particularly
where wiring is installed in adjacent residence spaces separated by the panel.
[0020] In the case where the panel body comprises a latticework structure having a lattice
portion in which fitting place and wiring place for interior equipment are established,
the utility value of the present invention can be raised more effectively.
[0021] With the arrangement wherein the panel body has a function as a partition, the wiring
can be routed through the inside of the panel when the panel is coupled to another,
whereby the convenience in installing the wiring can be improved effectively.
[0022] If the panel is configured to enclose a residence space as partially overlapping
a structural wall surface of a building, the wiring function can be effectively given
to the wall surface side also. This holds true for the case where the panel of the
present invention is disposed as merely overlapping a wall surface without enclosing
a residence space.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0023] Fig. 1 is a conceptual illustration showing a concept based on which one embodiment
of the present invention is to be constructed. Fig. 2 is an illustration showing a
conventional construction corresponding to Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of a construction
embodying the concept shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a construction
developed as a more concrete design from the construction shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5
is a plan view corresponding to Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a panel used
in the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a residence
space according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance
of a residence space according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating
a function of the panel used in the embodiment. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing
interior equipment secured to the panel used in the embodiment by engagement.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0024] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference
to the drawings.
[0025] Residence space forming equipment according to this embodiment is constructed to
support a specialist team or knowledge work team, for example, a research and development
team of a suggestion type, a designing team or the like.
[0026] To improve the team performance of such a knowledge work team, a personal creative
process support is needed for autonomous knowledge workers, while on the other hand
a group creative process support needed for non-routine and communication processes.
[0027] Taking into consideration the points: a work style of this type is for a flexible
knowledge-intensive organization; and importance should be attached to team performance,
and like points, and in view of the influence brought by the combination of a personal
space and a shared space, the residence space is formed as follows.
[0028] First, work areas and shared areas are considered as areas to be formed. Then, as
shown in the conceptual illustration at Fig. 1, work areas a1 to a6 are divided into
two groups, which in turn are arranged adjacent to shared areas b1 to b3, whereby
the shared areas b1 to b3 can be utilized as a passageway for traffic between work
areas a1 to a3 and work areas a4 to a6. For example, areas a2 and a5 are provided
as group work areas GW for working on a group basis, while areas a1, a3, a4 and a6
provided as personal work areas PW for working on an individual basis. Shared areas
b1 and b3 are interaction areas INT and shared area b2 is a service area SV. These
areas a1 to a6 and b1 to b3 allow direct traffic between adjacent shared areas, between
adjacent work areas and between a shared area and a work area, which are situated
adjacent to each other.
[0029] Fig. 2 shows a conventional system for comparison with the system shown in Fig. 1,
wherein there is a dedicated passageway c4 between work area c1 and shared areas c2
and c3 (i.e., service area c2 and communication area c3).
[0030] While Fig. 1 is a conceptual illustration in which circles are shown as overlapping
each other to mean that areas are vaguely continuous with each other, Fig. 3 is an
illustration in which parting lines PL between areas are clearly shown to embody the
concept of Fig. 1 to some extent. In Fig. 3 corresponding to Fig. 1, shared areas
b1 and b3 are interaction areas INT and shared area b2 is a service area SV. Work
areas a2 and a5 are group work areas GW, while work areas a1, a3, a4 and a6 are personal
work areas PW. That is, this design includes six work areas a1 to a6 and three shared
areas b1 to b3, the shared areas b1 to b3 being arranged serially, the work areas
a1 to a3 and the work areas a4 to a6 being arranged serially on opposite sides of
the shared areas b1 to b3. Fig. 3 clearly shows a conception of opening a parting
line PL at a location where areas meet together and providing a gateway 3 at that
location in order to allow traffic between adjacent shared areas, between adjacent
work areas and between a shared area and a work area adjacent thereto as well as to
realize an embodiment having areas vaguely continuous with each other.
[0031] Figs. 4 and 5 show a more specific design developed from Fig. 3. Areas a1 to a6 and
b1 to b3 are separated from each other by joining partition panels 1 and 1x (movable
partition walls) with each other, the partition panels being erected planar members.
There is no dedicated passageway on the inner sides of partition panels 1x delineating
the outer extremity of these areas a1 to a6 and b1 to b3, but dedicated passageways
2 are provided on the outer sides of all the partition panels 1x.
[0032] The shared areas b1 to b3 are utilized as passageways because the shared areas b1
to b3 are centered as a traffic line for traffic between the work areas a1 to a3 and
the work areas a4 to a6 or between the work areas and the outside to form a residence
space of an excursion type which offers an increased number of chances of encounter
and finding or of an arrangement which permits residence of workers, thereby inducing
smooth communication between workers.
[0033] There is no dedicated passageway on the inner sides of the partition panels 1x delineating
the outer extremity of the areas because the function of the shared areas b1 to b3
as passageways is to be made effective and because the whole area is to be used as
a continuous area which is useful with no waste, highly efficient and systematic.
Further, all the peripheral areas are used as dedicated passageways 2 because the
space inside the dedicated passageways 2 is definitely delimited as a region for one
team or the like, so that differentiation from and communication with other teams
can be made effectively.
[0034] While areas a1 to a6 and b1 to b3 are delimited from each other and from the passageways
2 with the partition panels 1 arranged to form a letter of "T" or "+", the partition
panels 1 are not closed at a corner of each area. That is, this open corner defines
gateway 3 which allows direct traffic between one area and another area located adjacent
or diagonal thereto. This embodiment allows direct traffic with three areas at the
maximum. Such a gateway 3 is applicable to a maximum of four of the corners of an
area demarcated rectangular. It is needless to say that there is no need to provide
a gateway at a corner at which the provision of a gateway is unnecessary.
[0035] Each area is provided with gateway 3 at a corner for allowing direct traffic with
other areas therethrough as described above because selectable areas are effectively
arranged within a proper walking distance thereby making the traffic between areas
smooth and rapid. This arrangement facilitates meeting and parting of workers thereby
realizing a layout of the "the right job in the right place" type for supporting selective
moves depending on jobs and ensuring a chain of actions and the continuity of moves
through a seamless environment between areas. That is, a chain of actions and the
continuity of moves in a team work are ensured for workers; for example, it is possible
that a worker performs his or her own operation intensively in the personal work area
PW, then moves to the group work area GW for a meeting, presentation or the like,
optionally enters the interaction area INT if necessary, and returns to the personal
work area PW for intensive operation. Also, accidental meeting of the worker with
another worker in a shared area during his or her move can facilitate communication
therebetween. The effect of supporting workers in this way is enhanced as the number
of other areas connected to one area through gateway 3 increases.
[0036] In this embodiment, which is an arrangement where different areas are arranged lengthwise
and crosswise in a matrix fashion with the partition panels 1 separating one area
from another, rows and columns of areas form functional lines on each of which a set
of functions are gathered.
[0037] Referring to Fig. 5, right-hand lengthwise line LVR and left-hand lengthwise line
LVL, which consist of areas arranged lengthwise and crosswise into a matrix pattern,
form dedicated lines PL on each of which dedicated areas are grouped, while middle
lengthwise line LVM forms a shared line GL on which shared areas are grouped. At the
same time, upper crosswise line LHO and lower crosswise line LHU form work lines WL,
while middle crosswise line LHM forms non-work line NWL (including the right-hand
and left-hand areas functioning as interaction areas and the middle area functioning
as a service area). That is, these lines provide the office space with personal work
areas (PW) a1, a3, a4 and a6, group work areas (GW) a2 and a5, interaction areas (INT)
b1 and b3, and service area (SV) b2. Though the interaction areas (INT) b1 and b3
in this embodiment are shared areas rather than dedicated areas, the present invention
does not exclude an area layout including such an exceptional area as long as other
areas are arranged in accordance with the aforementioned lengthwise or crosswise functional
lines.
[0038] While such a systematic functional layout for an office space functions effectively
even when it is a minimum unit consisting of four areas gathered, the function of
the layout becomes striking when six or more areas are gathered.
[0039] Such a matrix layout is employed because the function of each area can be grasped
easily and because efficient arrangement of elements can be made on a function-by-function
basis when the infrastructure including equipment for electricity, gas, water system
and the like is to be constructed. Further, such an arrangement permits the provision
of a multiplicity of selectable areas within a proper walking region thereby realizing
a layout of the "the right job in the right place" type for supporting selective move
depending on jobs.
[0040] Here, an example of the construction of each area is illustrated. Each dedicated
work area PW (area a1, a3, a4 or a6 in Figs. 4 and 5, or area d1 in Fig. 6) is constructed
to have a total area of about 6 to 4 m
2 per seat, to accommodate about 5 to 8 persons therein, and to provide a place for
intensive knowledge work. Alternatively, the dedicated work area PW ensures a visitor
space or the like when a non-repetitive work is to be done in this area only. Of course,
this team-dedicated area can be made to function as a group work area. In this area
are placed work surfaces such as defined by desks and whiteboards and clearboards
of personal sizes. These elements are preferably elements of an independent type having
low interdependence. The work surfaces include work surfaces of different heights
to accommodate to a plurality of parallel operations, so that the space can be utilized
as efficiently as possible and that an environment allowing a plurality of operations
to proceed at a time can be provided.
[0041] The shared work areas GW (areas a2 and a5 in Figs. 4 and 5), on the other hand, are
each constructed to accommodate 5 to 8 persons at the maximum therein and to provide
a place for discussion or meeting. In each of these areas are provided work surfaces
such as of tables adapted for group work and whiteboards and clearboards of group
sizes. The work surfaces include work surfaces of different heights to the effect
same as described above.
[0042] The interaction areas (areas b1 and b3 in Figs. 4 and 5) each provide a place for
chatting or relaxation as a break or a coffee bar for example at a location adjacent
work areas. These interaction areas b1, b3 and gl each may be provided with work surfaces
by installing tables or the like as the need arises.
[0043] The service area (area b2 in Figs. 4 and 5) is provided with furniture and equipment
required for different services as a copy corner, mail corner, library and retrieval
equipment.
[0044] According to the conventional area distribution, the main importance is attached
to personal work areas, while the supplemental importance attached to group work areas.
In one preferred form of this embodiment, however, a larger weight is put on group
work areas so that the proportion of the total area of group work areas GW and interaction
areas INT becomes substantially equal to the proportion of the total area of personal
work areas PW.
[0045] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, this embodiment is further provided with a guide member
4 at a location above each gateway 3 of a residence space enclosed with the partition
panels 1 each comprising an erected planar member, the guide member 4 having at least
one portion extending horizontally to interconnect panels 1 on opposite sides of the
gateway 3.
[0046] Such a guide member 4 is provided because the guide member 4 serves as a guidepost
for persons present in the area or walking in the dedicated passageways to know the
location of the gateway 3 of the residence space as shown in Figs. 7 and 8 thereby
ensuring highly efficient and smooth operability for a work team or the like through
a chain of actions and continuity of moves. Particularly where the erected planar
surfaces continue with each other to form a long wall as shown in Fig. 8, such a long
wall gives a monotonous impression and a sensation of pressure to people. The guide
member 4, however, brings about a change in design thereby overcoming such an inconvenience.
The guide member 4 is configured not only to serve as a guidepost but also to play
the role of a connection member for connecting one panel 1 to another. Thus, such
connection is capable of effectively prevent each panel 1 from being supported on
one side only and aids in properly fixing the guide member 4 to panel 1. Further,
the guide member 4 can be utilized as a wiring path between panels 1.
[0047] Specific forms of guide member 4 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 include guide member 4 of
a 1/4 arc or loop shape used for gateway 3 defined between a pair of panels 1 positioned
perpendicularly to each other, guide member 4 of a 1/2 arc or loop shape used for
gateway 3 defined between a pair of panels 1 forming wall surfaces which are continuous
and flush with each other, guide member 4 of a 1/2 arc or loop shape used for gateway
3 defined between three panels 1 assembled to form a "T"-shape, and guide member 4
of a loop shape used for gateway 3 defined between four panels 1 assembled to form
a "+"-shape.
[0048] Such a guide member 4 of a loop shape or a partial loop shape is used because the
shape thereof is novel and hence enhances the functions as a guidepost and as an accent
effectively.
[0049] In this embodiment, the guide member 4 of a loop or a partial loop shape has a function
of fitting a portion thereof to even a panel 1 positioned in a vertical plane that
does not extend through the center of an arc formed by the guide member 4. This function
is shown as the relation between panel 1y and guide member 4y in Figs. 4 and 5. Where
the guide member 4 protrudes largely from a panel 1 or in a like case, the guide member
4 may be supported with a pillar.
[0050] The guide member 4 imparted with such a function is capable of connecting panels
positioned as somewhat deviated from their respective desired positions to appropriate
portions of the loop, thereby providing a construction which has a higher degree of
freedom as to the arrangement of panels and basically does not need a given module
according to which the panels are arranged.
[0051] The partition panels 1 employed to partition the area in this embodiment are lattice
panels as shown in Fig. 6.
[0052] Specifically, these panels 1 each comprise a pair of latticework structures 11 that
are positioned opposite to each other across a frame member 12 with a predetermined
spacing S therebetween so that their respective crossed pieces 1a are aligned with
each other with an equal pitch and in a same phase, the latticework structures 11
in this position being coupled to each other via the frame member 12. That is, the
latticework structures 11 are fitted to the frame member so as to sandwich it therebetween.
In this embodiment each of the structures 11 is vertically divided into three portions,
which, as a whole, form a single structure when fitted to the frame member 12. The
material employed for forming the latticework structures 11 is a carbon fiber reinforced
plastic for example.
[0053] The panel 1, which is constructed in compliance with a building module for a building
having a pillar pitch of 3600 mm for example, has an overall dimensions including
width W = 900 mm and height H = 2100 mm (a portion extending in height is omitted
in Fig. 6). The latticework of the panel 1 is symmetric with respect to both a vertical
line and a transverse line. The squares defined by the crossed pieces of the latticework
of the panel are arranged with a widthwise pitch p1 of about 100 mm and with a vertical
pitch p2 of about 25 mm for example. Each crossed piece is in the form of a flat plate
having a width T of about 4 mm and a depth D of about 20 mm. Of course, these dimensions
may be established appropriately to meet the purpose or use.
[0054] The panel 1 is thus constructed for the purposes of: lightening the panel 1 for the
ease of assembly and disassembly of the panel 1 without impairing the basic function
of the panel 1 as a delimiting wall; improving the operating efficiency associated
with assembly and disassembly of the panel 1 by allowing the operator to grip a portion
of the latticework of the panel 1 in assembling or disassembling the panel 1; and
allowing the panel 1 to be assembled properly without error. The panel 1 is vertically
divided into three portions for convenience of handling and for the intermediate portion
to be removed to allow the panel 1 to be used in a different way.
[0055] The use of panel 1 mainly constructed of such latticework structures 11 makes spaces
separated by the panel 1 into such a mutual relation that the visibility of an object
in one of the spaces through the panel 1 varies with varying view angle with respect
to the erected surface of the panel 1. That is, since the panel 1 has a nature that
at a certain view angle, the squares defined in one of the latticework structures
11 are closed with the crossed pieces of the other latticework structure 11 or with
the crossed pieces of the same latticework structure 11 like a blind, the visibility
assumes the maximum when the panel 1 is viewed in a direction normal to the erected
surface thereof, while when the panel 1 is viewed in a direction in the plane of the
erected surface thereof, the visibility assumes the minimum. Thus, the visibility
varies between the maximum and the minimum with varying view angle (angle of inclination
with respect to a line normal to the erected surface of the panel 1). Further, since
the panel 1 is thus constructed, opposite residence spaces separated from each other
with the panel 1 are continuous with each other through the squares defined in the
latticework of the panel 1 and the internal space and, hence, sound and air are permitted
to pass through such a space connecting portion.
[0056] Thus, a condition is created which allows a person in a residence space adjacent
a certain residence space or a person walking in the passageway beside the certain
residence space to see the silhouetted internal condition of the space as shown in
Fig. 7 or 8, to know fragmentary contents of a talk, and to vaguely understand a context
including the location of a group member and the kind of work being done with lapse
of time. The silhouetting function of the panel 1 is exercised because the pitches
p1 and p2 of the latticework of the panel 1 are relatively small as described above.
Of course, it is possible to know the location of a person and the contents of a work
being done more clearly if attention is given to the periphery of the silhouette.
[0057] The subject embodiment, in particular, is configured such that each area is enclosed
with panels 1 on the four sides thereof to define a closed residence space, the internal
condition of which can be necessarily grasped from the four sides by a person in an
adjacent residence space, an adjacent passageway or the like, so that the image of
the inside condition of the residence space is diffused toward the periphery at the
highest efficiency. Further, the subject embodiment allows a person in a residence
space to vaguely see the internal condition of a residence space situated adjacent
to and beyond the residence space next to the residence space where the person is
present though the silhouette is thinner, so that workers are able to catch the situation
of the whole office extensively and hence to share the context, while their privacy
is guaranteed to such an extent as to be needed for their personal works.
[0058] Each panel 1 has a space S inside its panel body and the space S can be utilized
to accommodate wiring Ca therein as shown in Fig. 9. Since the structures 11 forming
each panel 1 used in this embodiment are of latticework, the wiring can be led out
in the direction normal to the panel body from any position in the homogeneous portion
of the panel body through a square defined in the latticework. The "panel body", as
used herein, is referred to as a part comprising at least a combination of the structures
11 and the frame member 12. Accordingly, panel 1 can exercise a function as a service
wall that can accommodate to the needs of workers easily and properly even when the
position from which the wiring is led out varies differently to meet different uses.
Since panel 1 used in the subject embodiment, in particular, comprises the pair of
opposite structures 11 facing each other, the wiring can be led out from either or
both of the obverse and reverse sides of panel 1. Thus, panel 1 of this configuration
is effective particularly where residence spaces are formed on opposite sides of the
panel 1.
[0059] Since the pitches of crossed pieces of the latticework of the panel 1 are relatively
small as described above, the crossed pieces of the latticework are expect to provide
a blinding effect which conceals the inside wiring by silhouetting, thereby preventing
the wiring from being seen unconcealedly.
[0060] For the wiring function of panel 1 to be fulfilled effectively, it is effective that
an appropriate wiring path hole or a like hole is defined in a portion of the frame
member or the like so that the respective wiring accommodating spaces of adjacent
panels 1,1 becomes continuous with each other.
[0061] Further, since panel 1 thus constructed according to the subject embodiment defines
a space behind the crossed pieces of each latticework structure, it is possible that
interior equipment B is engaged with panel 1 at a position in a homogeneous portion
of structure 11 through the crossed pieces by means of an appropriate fixture or the
like. Panel 1 of such a construction enhances the freedom of selection of engagement
positions by far and hence is capable of exercising a function as a service wall which
satisfies heterogeneous and on-demand requests of workers properly. Since the structures
11 making a pair face each other, the interior equipment B can engage a crossed piece
1a on either or both of the obverse and reverse sides of panel 1 and mutual interference
between fixtures and the like hooked on the obverse and reverse sides can effectively
be avoided. It is possible to employ appropriate forms of engagement including an
engaging structure utilizing a hook-shaped fixture, and a fitting structure utilizing
a clip-shaped or clamp-shaped fixture to fit the interior equipment to the crosspieces
of latticework. Examples of interior equipment B include interior equipment having
a work surface such as a whiteboard, interior equipment having a display function
such as a tagboard, bulletin board, display panel and sign, interior equipment having
a storage function such as a cabinet, shelf, sorter and storage shelf, a receptacle
box, and a switch. Where an auxiliary panel is disposed relative to panel 1 to form
a T-shaped arrangement, the panel 1 itself serves as interior equipment B.
[0062] Since panel 1 allows interior equipment B to be engaged with or secured to the panel
1 at an appropriate position, the number of chances of presenting ideas or thinking
processes at an informal stage as well as of displaying or presenting formally can
be increased, which is helpful in stimulating and activating creative works. Particularly
where the interior equipment calls for electric power, the effect provided by the
latticework structure is enhanced synergistically since wiring Ca can be led out through
a square defined in the latticework.
[0063] Further, it is effective that furniture to be disposed in butting relation to the
facing part of panel 1, e.g., storage furniture 10 shown in Fig. 10, such as a panel
shelf or a cabinet, is provided with a latticework 10a assuming the same phase as
and having an equal pitch to latticework 1a for engagement to be concealed by the
furniture 10 when it is disposed in butting relation to the panel 1. This is because
the latticework 10a of the furniture 10 exercises the engagement function instead
of the latticework 1a even when the latticework 1a of the panel 1 is covered. Of course,
such a compensating function may be any other function than the engagement function
as long as the functional sections of the furniture are equivalent to those of the
panel' 1. Such an arrangement is effective particularly where the functional sections
are dispersed over the entire face of panel 1.
[0064] Meanwhile, the equipment according to the subject embodiment allows use of a variety
of furniture articles regardless of building modules. Representatives of such building
modules are 3600 mm and 3200 mm on a basis of pillar grid. Partition panel 1 usually
employs a standardized width of 900 mm, which is a divisor of the former if the panel
1 is compliant therewith, or a standardized width of 800 mm, which is a divisor of
the latter if the panel 1 is compliant therewith. There are various standardized widths,
such as 400 mm, 800 mm, 900 mm, 1000 mm, 1200 mm, 1400 mm, 1600 mm and 1800 mm, which
are compliant with modules for the top surface of a desk or table forming a work surface,
a cabinet, a human body and paper products. Since contemporary offices accommodate
a number of intermingled furniture articles compliant with different modules, it is
undeniable that when, for example, a furniture article of 800 mm width or 1600 mm
width is disposed in butting relation to a panel face formed of joined panels 1 of
900 mm width, slight irregularity and unnatural gaps are formed therebetween.
[0065] In contrast, the subject embodiment permits use of a combination of panel 1 compliant
with a building module of a multiple of 900 mm and furniture articles compliant with
different modules for human body and paper products.
[0066] Even when a gap is defined between an end of panel 1 and an end of a furniture article
or between a joint between panels 1 and an end of a furniture article as in the case
where an existing light-shielding panel is used, the visibility of the gap is low
and, hence, the gap is not so tangible, since the presence of panel 1, which is semi-transparent,
is not felt so much. That is, panel 1 used in the subject embodiment allows indefinite
alignment with a building module thereby making it possible to enhance the sharing
and interchangeability of furniture articles. This is represented by the relation
between interior equipment B and panel 1 shown in Fig. 9 or the relation between locker
R and panel 1r shown in Fig. 4. When a gap is formed, the gap can be positively utilized
as a space for installation of a switch, a fire extinguisher or the like.
[0067] The width of each square defined in the latticework of panel 1 used in the subject
embodiment is set to 100 mm as already described because this size accommodates to
modules sized to multiples of 100 mm for many conventional partition panels and furniture
articles. For this reason, even when a difference of a multiple of 100 mm in widthwise
dimension is formed between joined panels and joined furniture articles, the other
end of the joined furniture articles can always be positioned as conforming to a crossed
piece of the latticework of panel 1, with the result that incongruity resulting from
a module difference is cancelled effectively.
[0068] While one embodiment of the present invention has been described, specific features
of the present invention are not limited to those of the foregoing embodiment.
[0069] For example, it is possible to employ an area layout such that work areas are arranged
so as to surround a shared area and that traffic between each work area and the shared
area is possible.
[0070] Guide member 4 of a loop or partial loop shape may have a function of being fitted
to a panel 1 positioned in any vertical plane radially extending through the center
of an arc formed by the guide member 4 within the effective fitting range of the guide
member 4 by any appropriate means. Such a configuration enables free selection of
any desired fitting direction of panel 1.
[0071] As other means for avoiding formation of a gap between a panel and furniture due
to a difference between modules with which the panel and the furniture, respectively,
are compliant, such means is effective that one of the panel and the furniture is
provided with a size adjustment function capable of compensating for the gap.
[0072] It is also effective that the visibility through the panel is rendered variable.
In this respect, an arrangement is effective which is capable of driving crossed pieces
of the latticework like a louver or which is capable of indirectly adjusting the visibility
through the panel by varying the luminous intensity inside or outside a residence
space.
[0073] If the furniture is semi-transparent, disclosure of local documents is facilitated
so that the context of the whole office can be known more effectively.
[0074] Further, it is effective that the guide member is provided with a lighting instrument
on the upper or lower side thereof. In this case the ceiling or the floor is illuminated
as reflecting the guide member and, hence, the guide member becomes more effective
as a guidepost.
[0075] Other features may also be modified variously without departing from the spirit of
the present invention.
Industrial Applicability
[0076] The present invention, which is of the arrangement applicable to offices or the like
as described above, is capable of effectively realizing the provisions of diversified
space functions on a use-by-use basis, semi-transparently screened spaces and a seamless
space layout, thereby markedly raising the efficiency of a knowledge-intensive organization.