European office buildings: Design of office buildings and national context

Author: Vermeer
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Office buildings are the symbols of the global knowledge economy today. They dominate contemporary cities and accommodate more than half of the working population. However, we know little about the various influences that shape office buildings. Why have office buildings developed into their current state? This book clearly explains that office building design is not just a transformation of technical and functional needs. It conducts a comparative study of office building designs in five European countries, and the results show that local urban context, market conditions, labor-management relations, cultural, and regulatory norms all have a significant impact on office buildings. The book discusses a series of key issues in office building design, from virtual office buildings to high-rise structures. It selects more than 40 examples from five countries, including the UK, Germany, Sweden, Italy, and the Netherlands. For international architects and owners who want to design successful office buildings, this book is also a guide.