The dimensions of the core elements of office workplaces – desk and chair – together with the necessary circulation areas determine the design of office buildings. Starting with the module of the individual workplace, larger space configurations result from adding these workplaces in a variety of arrangements, resulting in different office layout typologies. In addition to the space required for desk and chair, it is necessary to provide the required distances as well as floor area for cupboards, movement, and circulation routes within the office rooms. Basics Office Design explains the parameters of this common design task in a clear and easy-to-understand way, placing as much emphasis on ergonomics, comfort, and orientation as on the space requirements, functional relationships, and the different types of offices.

The dimensions of the core elements of office workplaces – desk and chair – together with the necessary circulation areas determine the design of office buildings. Starting with the module of the individual workplace, larger space configurations result from adding these workplaces in a variety of arrangements, resulting in different office layout typologies. In addition to the space required for desk and chair, it is necessary to provide the required distances as well as floor area for cupboards, movement, and circulation routes within the office rooms. Basics Office Design explains the parameters of this common design task in a clear and easy-to-understand way, placing as much emphasis on ergonomics, comfort, and orientation as on the space requirements, functional relationships, and the different types of offices.

From the acclaimed New York Firm of Kohn Pedersen Fox, this volume in the Building Type Basics series gives you the essential information you need to initiate designs for every type of office building, from dramatic skyscrapers to utilitarian low-rise complexes. Combines in-depth coverage of all of the structural, mechanical, acoustic, traffic, and security issues unique to today's office buildings with the nuts-and-bolts guidance you need to launch your design project and see it through. Addresses a broad scope of timely issues related to modern office design: standard and alternate workplaces, the "smart" office building, security, healthy interiors, elevators, image and identity, and more. Order your copy today!

This text presents a comprehensive analysis of emerging office design practice to support and enhance the performance of knowledge workers. It explains how the office is being reinvented to respond to the imperatives of knowledge work, as well as the changing social imperatives and technology of the new millennium.

Once the design has been completed, the architects prepare the tender documents for the contractors, and provide support during the tender procedure. For the purpose of commissioning various building works it is necessary to set up building contracts which contain standard content as well as very individual provisions. The building contract and its extensive drawings and specifications are the basis for the building work; they must be understood by the supervising architect and implemented to create the building. The complexity and diversity of building contracts is increased by the fact that there is hardly a building contract that does not have to be modified after it has been signed. Basics Building Contract offers the typical structures and explanations, as well as the tools for creating project-specific contracts and understanding the inherent complexity.

Timber is one of the most elementary and oldest building materials used by mankind, and has still not lost any of its attractiveness and topicality. In many cultural spheres and climate zones, the primary construction methods of domestic architecture include both masonry construction and timber construction. However, this living, lightweight, and easy-to-work material has specific characteristics that impact on the way it is used in construction in different ways compared to other building materials. In order to develop high-quality designs that suit the material, architects need to be familiar with the specific characteristics of this building material and with the rules governing timber construction. The new edition of the successful Basics Timber Construction volume lists the most common solid timber construction systems, including that using solid timber wall elements, as well as the rules, applications, and the relevant details.

Fire safety is an important part of building design. It consists of measures to prevent fires from starting, to facilitate the rescue of individuals in a burning building, and to help firefighters contain a blaze. The book explains the general concepts and fundamental issues of fire safety in building design beyond the particulars of local building regulations.