DESIGNING A SPACE-PLACE OF WORK AS WORKSPACES BECOME MORE FRAGMENTED: HOW CAN THE COMPLETE EXPERIENCE OF WORK BE REVEALED?

Abstract

The fragmentation of workspaces over different locations interferes with the continuity of activity and causes the despatialisation of working relationships. A veil of uncertainty about what happens in these differentiated spaces hinders the fluid organisation of work. Under these conditions, how can the spatialisation of work be redesigned to restore organised collective action? To answer this question, we propose the creation of a space that allows the complete experience of work to be revealed. Philosophers, geographers, psychologists and managers have been studying the notions of space and place for several decades in an attempt to define their contours. Space encapsulates a concept of infinity, freedom and openness while place is perceived as an intimate, delimited and safe area. In order to create a new work space-place, this article proposes a concept that articulates three indispensable principles of visibility so that fragmented spaces can have a tangible existence: visibility on how individuals experience the spaces by highlighting their gestures, emotions, impressions and physical environments; visibility on the discourses attached to these spaces by revealing the plurality of points of view, the symbolic representations and the underlying debates and compromises; visibility on the power relationships attached to these spaces that reflect the rules, hierarchical positions and workings of the teams in place. We suggest rethinking the spatial dimension of the organisation of work in order to ensure the smooth running of the company and to support the interdependence of the different work spaces.