Workspace

Abstract

A work space 10 is provided which incorporates structures 12 in order to flexibly divide the workspace 10 into areas 14. The structures 12 are moveable to adjust the prospective sizes of the areas 14 as required by differing business teams over a commercial project lifespan. The structures 12 incorporate a plurality of facilities normally required by staff such as telephone and power connections etc.

1 . A workspace structure which, in use, defines a boundary which divides the workspace into at least two areas, the workspace structure being movable to allow the boundary between the areas to move, wherein the structure houses a plurality of facilities required by staff in each of the areas and to which access is maintained in the event that the structure is moved to change the relative sizes of the areas.  
     
     
         2 . A workspace structure according to  claim 1 , in which the facilities include a workstation for use by staff in one of the areas.  
     
     
         3 . A workspace structure according to  claim 2 , in which the facilities comprise workstations for use, respectively, by staff in each of the areas.  
     
     
         4 . A workspace structure according to  claim 2  or  claim 3 , in which the or each workstation provides all of the facilities required for a member of staff to work.  
     
     
         5 . A workspace structure according to any of  claims 2  to  4 , in which the or each workstation has a stowed condition stored within the structure, and a working condition in which the workstation is accessible for use.  
     
     
         6 . A workspace structure according to  claim 5 , in which at least some of the features of the or each workstation fold out from the structure to reach the working condition.  
     
     
         7 . A workspace structure according to  claim 3  and any of  claims 4  to  6  when dependent on  claim 3 , in which the structure provides a plurality of workstations for each area.  
     
     
         8 . A workspace structure according to  claim 7 , in which the workstations in an area are different in the facilities they provide.  
     
     
         9 . A workspace structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the structure is generally elongate in plan, to provide facilities to each area along the length of the boundary formed by the structure.  
     
     
         10 . A workspace structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the structure comprises coupling means operable to couple the structure to another like structure to extend the boundary and provide additional facilities to the areas.  
     
     
         11 . A workspace structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the structure comprises connection means operable to provide connections between the facilities and external services such as power, environmental control services, lighting, communication and drainage.  
     
     
         12 . A workspace structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the facilities provided by the structure comprise one or more of the following: 
 a) computers or other electrical or electronic equipment;    b) storage facilities;    c) storage for equipment which can be removed for use within the area, such as furniture;    d) partitions, such as partitions which can be stowed within the structure, preferably in collapsed condition, and removed to provide partitioning within the area, either separately from the structure or while attached to it, and either mechanically collapsible or inflatable;    e) a canopy which can be stowed within the structure and extended from the structure to provide overhead screening;    f) food or drink preparation facilities;    g) lavatory facilities;    h) one or more spaces for receiving interchangeable modules containing facilities to be provided to the areas.    
     
     
         13 . A method of dividing a workspace, in which at least one workspace structure as claimed in any of the preceding claims is provided in the workspace to define a boundary which divides the workspace into at least two areas, the workspace structure being moved when the relative sizes of the areas is required to change.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 13 , in which a plurality of structures are provided for use within the workspace as required, and for storage when not required.  
     
     
         15 . A workspace structure substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
     
     
         16 . A method of dividing a workspace substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
     
     
         17 . Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.