![Microsoft Office](http://wellapptdesk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-15-at-4-51-31-pm.jpg?resize=584%2C351)
Are employees more creative problem solvers when they are not tethered to a specific desk or cubicle? Is the new modern office an open modular space with cubbies or offices for when you need privacy and then open, airy spaces for idea-generation and collaboration? The interior design firm O+A has designed the workspaces for many of the best known west coast tech firms. I love the casual, homey vibe of a lot of these spaces.
![AOL Office 2](http://wellapptdesk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-15-at-4-53-18-pm.jpg?resize=584%2C351)
Why go to a coffee shop to work if your office has coffee-shop-style nooks AND you can draw on the walls with white board markers or chalk?
![AOL Office](http://wellapptdesk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-15-at-4-52-48-pm.jpg?resize=584%2C352)
Industrial elements like particle board benches and exposed HVAC give a quirky loft-style look to AOL and Dreamhost’s spaces.
![Dreamhost LA Office 2](http://wellapptdesk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-15-at-4-52-21-pm.jpg?resize=584%2C349)
![Dreamhost LA Office](http://wellapptdesk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-15-at-4-50-06-pm.jpg?resize=584%2C350)
With more and more mobile tools, its easier than ever to work on-the-go from a laptop, ipad or tablet or even from a mobile phone. Is the age of the cubicle over?
![Square Office](http://wellapptdesk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-15-at-4-49-55-pm.jpg?resize=584%2C349)
Would you feel more productive in spaces like this or more apt to goof off?
(all images from O+A)
Absolutely. I’m a high school teacher, and I think my kids would LOVE it. Now as far as classroom control goes…. But maybe the space would change the whole dynamics of the classroom and its procedures. I liked this post. Thanks!