Cubicle Desk and the Chicken and Egg. Ah, the enduring question of which came first has long been asked, yet never definitively answered. At least for some. At least until now. At least for the cubicle and desk.

First - the office desk is a fundamental fixture of modern workspaces, with a history that goes back much further than you might expect. While the modern desk designs we know today can be traced back to ancient Egypt, their development and evolution have been shaped by technological advancements, cultural norms, and changing work habits.

The origins of the cubicle office space can be traced back to the early 1960s when Robert Propst, an industrial designer, was hired by Herman Miller (now Miller Knoll, a Michigan-based furniture manufacturer, to develop a new office furniture system. Propst's goal was to create a more efficient and flexible workspace that would improve productivity and morale among workers. Talk about setting a high goal.

Our desking system resolves the cubicles vs open office conundrum and offers a best-of-both-worlds workspace that is durable and practical. It was engineered to achieve the ideal ergonomics desk setup and designed to ensure that everything you need for a productive day of work is within arm's reach. With the right office task chair you’ll be set for a comfortable optimized workflow.

There are only 4 decisions you need to make based upon these 4 variables:

1^st The geometrical shape of your cubicle desktops: I, L or U shape

2^nd The height of the cubicle panels, available at either 47” or 67”

3^rd The desk storage units that best serve your needs: overhead storage, under surface or both

4^th Integrated electrical power at the panel base or non-powered

This cubicle desk can function as a stand-alone unit or be customized for a multiple desk office layout. Its design is optimized for maximum space efficiency and exceptional organization. With easy-to-use electrical outlets, you can quickly set up your electronics and start working productively on this marvel of modern office desk design.

When contemplating the most suitable office furniture setup for your workspace, it is worth considering the individual components of these cubicle office desks. 

Each constituent part plays a crucial role in creating a workspace solution that is tailored to your working style. By carefully selecting from various component options, you can optimize your workspace solution to achieve maximum productivity and comfort. Remember, the sum of the parts is greater than the whole when it comes to office desk cubicles.

Every modular desk component has a designated purpose, and it is strategically placed to ensure efficient utilization and convenient accessibility.

MODULAR DESK SYSTEMS COMPONENTS 

    1. DESK SHAPE GEOMETRY 

A leading determinant of office furniture design is geometry. As with most man-made objects shape informs - among other things - function, dimensions, style, and aesthetic.  For example, a pie shaped table may be suitable for a kitchens breakfast nook, but not ideal for a service of 8.

The geometry of individual furniture components plays a significant role in your office furniture installation, as their relative dimensions and proportions affect how they fit into the available space. This is particularly important when arranging them in typical multi-unit quantities.

These cubicle desktops come in a variety of shapes: 

    • Straight Desks aka Rectangular Desk commonly referred to here as i shaped desk ideas

    • L Shape Desks for the best corner desk if space permits

    • U shaped desk setup for when you really need a lot of desktop surface

    2. CUBICLE PANELS

Office Partition Walls height will dictate the selection of cubicle accessories, the level of visual privacy and the degree of ambient noise mitigation that can be accomplished.

It must be noted that reducing visual and auditory disruptions in the workplace using low modular panels is modest at best. If your aim is to achieve this goal then higher cubicle walls such as those found in our MOW Modular Office Walls series are better suited to this objective.

Office Partition # 3247	Office Partition #2347	Office Partition #3263	Office Partition #2363

A vertical wall height above 5’ can provide a desk with overhead storage components that offer easy-reach convenience. Walls under 5’ are not tall enough to provide this.

    3. DESK STORAGE UNITS

Desk Storage Cabinets – are excellent office storage solutions given their arm’s length proximity and seamless – unified - aesthetic.  

You can order units with or without office storage cabinets or cubicle overhead storage units to suit your specific requirements.

The inclusion of lockable storage options adds an extra layer of security, providing a safe place to storage essentials, such as oversized book binders, individual office supplies, and personal effects such as pocketbooks, purses, wallets, and backpacks. 

It should be noted that an office desktop without adequate storage is best suited for transient users who do not require a long-term dedicated workspace. For those who spend extended periods at their desk, desk office storage cabinets are an addition that can greatly enhance their workspace organization, functionality, and office utilization.

In the final analysis these cabinets provide ample single-user storage that is both versatile, highly durable and help to maintain a tidy and clean workspace, which can positively impact productivity and overall worker satisfaction, making them a reliable choice. 

Lockable Panel Hung Overhead Storage -approximate size-	Lockable Mobile Pedestal File -approximate size-

    4. INTEGRATED ELECTRICAL POWER OR NON-POWERED

The inclusion of integrated electrical outlets in workstation cubicles may increase the initial cost, but the added convenience justifies the expense. 

The power supply system is seamlessly incorporated into the workstation walls and thoughtfully positioned at the base of each powered panel. Our hardwired system is UL Approved comparable to that offered by Byrne Electric.

An integrated electrical power system offers several benefits, including:

• Convenience: Having power outlets built into the office workstation cubicle walls eliminates the need for extension cords and reduces clutter, making it more convenient.

• Safety: Integrated electrical power systems are designed to meet safety standards, reducing the risk of electrical hazards such as electrical shocks or fires.

• Aesthetics: With an integrated power system, unsightly cords and cables are hidden, giving the office workspace furniture a cleaner, more professional look.

• Efficiency: By providing a dedicated workstation power supply, an integrated power system reduces the risk of power overloads, which can cause equipment to malfunction.

• Flexibility: The placement of power outlets can be customized to meet specific needs, allowing for greater flexibility and functionality.

• Productivity: An integrated power system reduces wire jumble and can help to reduce power disruptions or equipment failure, improving productivity in the workspace.

Overall, an electrical power system integrated into each office workstation enhances the functionality and efficiency of the workspace, improving the user experience and reducing the risk of accidents or equipment failure.

Duplex Receptacle Outlet integrated at the panel base	Cubicle Whip or Base Power Infeed

    5. CUBICLE HARDWARE STRUCTURAL SUPPORT

CANTILEVER DESK DESIGN

As with all things Earthly the laws of physics apply to these cubicle desks. Visible and out of view components transfer the weight of – and upon - the worksurfaces to the panels, which in-turn rely on the floor to carry their combined weight.

One critical unseen supporting element is the Cantilever. A Cantilever is a structure that extends horizontally from a fixed support, such as a wall or column (or office panels) and is unsupported at the other end. It is commonly used in construction and engineering to create overhangs, balconies, and bridges.

Cantilevers can be made from a variety of materials, i.e., steel, wood, or concrete. The specific material used depends on the requirements of the structure and the forces it will need to support. Our cantilevers are fabricated from steel and supply sufficient strength should you want to dance on the top of your desk.

The cantilever concept has been elegantly implemented in this cubicle workspace design and describes exactly the function of a worksurface supported cantilever desk.  

In a typical cubicle desk setup cantilever supports are inserted into the “keyholes” of the “rail” that is attached to, and serves as a panels’ joinery. In other words, at the panel-to-panel connection point. All panel supported components are attached in this manner at these joinery points.

In the wireframe/transparent image below, the cantilevers are highlighted in orange so you can see their placement:

  Cantilevers

Cubicle cantilevers come in 3 “flavors”, single, double and mini’s.

SINGLE CANTILEVER

This image is a single cantilever shown under  - and doing its job of “holding up” - your office desk surface

DOUBLE-WIDE CANTILEVERS

Our double-wide or shared cantilever design is deployed at intervals that offer the greatest support with the fewest components. This double-wide or shared cant is shown in the 2D cad cubicle plan below where 2 worksurfaces “meet-up” in adjacent configuration.

  Double-Wide Cantilevers

MINI-ME CANTILEVERS

Additional critical support is added by “mini-me” cantilevers – also known as corner brackets. These desk support brackets are a fraction of the size of their full-size cantilever cousins and serve to add supplemental support. Typically, on ends and in corners.

SINGLE	DOUBLE or SHARED	MINI OR CORNER

DESK LEGS

Last - but not least - are LEGS!  

As our human-legs support our physical structure, cubicles legs transfer – and add support – to the weight of the entire desking system.

The number of desk legs can vary with each office desk design, but most desks have either four or six legs. Some modern office desk sets may have a single-leg or a set of legs that are integrated into the desk's overall design.

This collection of cubicle workstations are equipped with C shaped desk legs. This leg style features an open and clean look and straightforward wire management solution.

The type of desk legs used can also affect the stability and the overall weight capacity of the desk, so it's important to choose the right legs for the job. 

The C legs in this collection offer superior strength and can easily support each of the office panels, each individual worksurface, and any added weight cubicle overhead storage units.

And what would your cubicle life be without legs to support the office equipment and supplies that is critical to your work, to say nothing about the added weight of the personal stuff you bring to your cubicle desk.

Finally, these units were designed to be superior to, and less costly than the reason behind their creation, the Office in An Hour collection from BBF office furniture.

HOW TO DESIGN OFFICE SPACE

Office design is not rocket science, but it is based upon the science behind office space planning and design. Here are 8 attributes that are worthy of consideration:

1 - Open Plan Office Layout: Consider an open-plan office space design where workstations are placed in an open area, without walls, cubicles, or partitions. This open plan layout office fosters collaboration, promotes communication, and can help create a more positive and energized workplace culture.  Buyer beware.

2 - Natural Light: Office lighting design should, if possible, include natural light which can enhance productivity and improve spirits. Ideally, position workstations near natural light sources, such as windows and skylights.

3 - Ergonomic Workstations: Invest in ergonomic office furniture and equipment to ensure that your employees are comfortable and safe while they work. Adjustable height office desks, ergonomic office chairs, and keyboard trays can help reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and improve overall employee wellness.

4 - Creative Breakout Spaces: Create breakout spaces where employees can take a break, relax, and recharge. Office break room design can include with comfortable seating, games, and other amenities to encourage employees to take a break from their work and socialize with their colleagues.

5 - Collaboration Spaces: Encourage collaboration by creating dedicated spaces that include office collaboration furniture where employees can work together on projects. Whiteboards, brainstorming walls, and collaboration tools like digital screens can help facilitate group work and idea sharing and teamwork.

6 - Greenery: Think Biophilic Office Design by incorporating plants and greenery into your office design plan that will help reduce stress, foster productivity, and enhance air quality. Plants add natural color and visual appeal to any workplace.

7 - Personalization: Allow employees to personalize their workstations with photos, artwork, or other personal touches. This can help create a sense of ownership and pride in their work environment.

8 - Technology: Incorporate technology into your office space design to improve productivity and efficiency. Consider installing smart office lighting systems, automated temperature control, and digital signage to enhance intra-office communication and improve workplace engagement.

Ten benefits of a cubicle desk system:

1 - Privacy: This cubicle desk system offers a certain level of privacy to employees, which can help them to focus and be more productive.

2 - Noise Reduction: The modular office partitions walls of this system can help to mitigate ambient noise – however slightly - and make it easier for employees to concentrate on their tasks.

3 - Cost-Effective: Office Systems Furniture is often less expensive than traditional private offices, making them a cost-effective option for companies.

4 - Space-Saving: Office Furniture Systems such as these are designed to take up less space than traditional private offices, which can help maximize available office space.

5 - Customizable: Modular Office Furniture Systems like these desks can be customized to meet the specific needs of your office allowing for a more personalized workspace.

6 - Easy to Install: The systematic approach employed in developing this office furniture solution offers the added benefit of a relatively hassle-free and prompt setup and implementation, which can save companies valuable time, money, and resources.

7 - Modular Design: Systems Furniture like this, are typically designed in a modular fashion, which means that they can be easily reconfigured or expanded as the needs of the company change.

8 - Improved Communication: All systems created to improve workflow can help to facilitate communication between employees by creating a more open and collaborative workspace.

9 - Ergonomic: All office systems designed with ergonomics in mind, can help to reduce the risk of injuries and improve employee comfort.

10 - Professional Appearance: An Office Space Design that is methodically coordinated can help to create a professional and organized appearance for the workplace, which can help to improve the overall image of the company.

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