Walls…

The emergence of hybrid working has brought the question of where people work to the forefront of discussions. Buildings, their structures, and amenities have taken center stage as hypotheses emerge regarding whether and how workers should have the freedom to choose the environment in which they carry out their activities. The physical space where work occurs has become a contested terrain, with workers increasingly aware of the significance of their workplace in shaping their practices.

The pictures in this section explore the campus and invite us to think about the role of the campus in academic work. We can also consider other work environments and reflect on the different dimensions of working together.

Surprises on campus

The first picture in this section represents a moment of socializing, inspired by the beauty of the campus beyond the walls of academic departments. It reminds us how important it is to have casual chats and enjoy the outdoors while working. It highlights the importance of unplanned gatherings, the flowing conversations inspired by the presence of the sun and the blue sky. Hybrid working often means planning online meetings and defining days for office work. Stepping just outside of these boundaries gives a welcome moment of togetherness - where we experience the ‘ecological huddle’ (Goffman) that has long structured human collaboration?

Perspectives on Hybrid Exhibition

Discover the changing landscape of what, why, when, where, and how we work

“We became aware during COVID-19 of how important the walls and the buildings are and how vital the organization as a building is because it was the building that contained the sociability. So we were just unaware of it”.

The architecture of emptiness?

The second picture in the section calls our attention to two main points: the architecture and the emptiness. The architecture is relevant because it features several doors for isolated rooms. It represents a solid opposition to the trend of open-plan offices and glass walls in the past decades. It is quite interesting to think about the contradictions emerging from these different wall forms. On the one hand, we tend to assume, and several argue, that closed offices oppose cultural transparency and evoke isolation. On the other hand, open areas and glass walls are often defined by the lack of intimacy and exaggerated exposure. Considering what we learned with our research, the walls and corridors they create are essential for employee bonding and connection.

However, emptiness is also relevant for hybrid working because we exist both in a context of scarcity and aim for a culture of collaboration. What role do walls play in bringing us together? And how do digital walls overlay old and new physical spaces to create new kinds of boundaries?

Note that we intentionally don’t show people in this image.

“We hardly see people from our research group if they are in a different corridor because we are mainly in our own corridor. Being physically in different places, even if in the same building, determines a lot about who you meet and to whom you feel connected.”

Walls…

Surprises on campus

Beyond the walls

Beyond the walls

The architecture of emptiness?

Within the Walls

Within the Walls

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