US20080148658A1

US20080148658A1 - Workspace dividing system

Info

Publication number: US20080148658A1
Application number: US11/854,272
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark A. Baloga; Karl-Heinz Mueller; John Hamilton; James Ludwig
Original assignee: Steelcase Development Inc
Current assignee: Steelcase Development Inc
Priority date: 2006-09-12
Filing date: 2007-09-12
Publication date: 2008-06-26

Abstract

A system for dividing a workspace includes first and second vertically extending walls having a respective upper and lower edge and respective side edges. The first and second walls are arranged in parallel to partially enclose an area. A ceiling is included that extends between the first and second walls to join the upper edges of the first and second walls and at least partially cover the partially enclosed area. The resulting arch-shaped divider system may include any of a plurality of features. For example, the systems may include integrated work surfaces, informational areas, or may include viewing passages and may be arranged in a variety of configurations designed to facilitate collaborative work.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/825,292, filed Sep. 12, 2006, and entitled “Workspace Dividing System” and claims the benefit thereof.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to workspace dividing systems and, more particularly, to a modular workspace dividing system. The workspace dividing system is constructed from a plurality of modular units that can be arranged in a variety of configurations to yield a variety of features.
In modern work environments, it is often desirable to create “non-traditional” offices, conference rooms, and the like. That is, it is often economically advantageous and aesthetically appealing to remodel buildings not originally designed to house traditional office space. For example, it is increasingly common to remodel large industrial buildings such as factories or warehouses to accept “open-concept” office designs. In these cases, open-concept office designs are often employed in order to make non-traditional office spaces more amenable to workflows and business procedures.
One primary component of open-concept office designs is the use of divider or partition systems. To this end, while it is desirable and economically efficient to have numerous workstations collocated within a large, open room, it is still necessary to provide barriers between workspaces and to provide individuals with a sense of personal space. In this regard, open-concept office designs must constantly balance the dichotomy created by the advantages to having large, open work environments shared by many individuals, and the desire for and advantages provided by creating personal space within a work environment.
Additionally, many such designs must be capable of accommodating traditional office components, such as chairs, desks and the like. Accordingly, various divider systems have been designed that are then accompanied by traditional desk and chair sets. However, traditional desks and chairs often include design elements that are in stark contrast to the design elements of many open-concept office systems. For example, many open-concept office systems are highly modular, whereas traditional desk and chair designs are autonomous units. Therefore, while these components can be coupled to form suitable work environments, they may reduce the modularity of the overall system and detract from the aesthetic design.
Additionally, traditional divider systems often create significant impediments to collaborative work and encourage work habits that can be undesirable. For example, where a traditional partition wall system is employed, when seeking a coworker's input or opinion, individuals typically stand within their own workspace and speak over a shared partition wall to nearby coworkers. Such interactions are not only less than ideal for collaboration but can also be quite disruptive to the general atmosphere of the work environment.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system and method for creating structures within an open-concept office that create personal space within a work environment while still providing the feel, look, and various advantages provided by large, open work environments that can be shared by many individuals. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a system and method encouraging collaboration among coworkers while discouraging work habits that may be disruptive to others in the work environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a divider or wall system that is flexible and modular. Each system includes numerous features that are readily adaptable to non-traditional offices and aid in creating structures, such as personal workspaces as well as collaborative workspaces.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a workspace divider system is disclosed that includes a first workstation and a second workstation. Each workstation includes first and second substantially vertically extending walls having a respective upper and lower edge and respective side edges. The first and second walls are arranged substantially in parallel and separated to form an area therebetween. The workstations also include a ceiling member extending between the first and second walls to join the upper edges of the first and second walls and at least partially covering the area between the walls. The first workstation and the second workstation are arranged to have one side edge of the first wall and one side edge of the second wall of the first workstation adjacent one side edge of the first wall and one side edge of the second wall of the second workstation.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a workspace divider system is disclosed that includes a first arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface abutting one of the sidewalls to face a first direction. The workspace divider system also includes a second arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface abutting one of the sidewalls to face a second direction. Within this arrangement, the elongated ceiling of the first arch-shaped workstation and the elongated ceiling of the second arch-shaped workstation are arranged to extend along an elongated direction in parallel and the first direction and the second direction are substantially opposite.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a workspace divider system is disclosed that includes a first plurality of arch-shaped workstations arranged in a first line of workstations and a second plurality of arch-shaped workstations arranged in a second line of workstations. An alley is formed between the first line of workstations and the second line of workstations. A worksurface extends along the alley to join the first plurality of arch-shaped workstations and the second plurality of arch-shaped workstations.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a workspace divider system is disclosed that includes a first arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface extending from a first end aligned along one of the sidewalls to a second end located under the elongated ceiling to orientate individuals seated in the first arch-shaped workstation in a first direction. The workspace divider system also includes a second arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface extending from a first end aligned along one of the sidewalls to a second end located under the elongated ceiling to orientate individuals seated in the second arch-shaped workstation in a second direction. The second end of the worksurface of the first arch-shaped workstation and the second end of the worksurface of the second arch-shaped workstation are aligned to extend substantially linearly.
Various other features of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of divider systems in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a single divider system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a plurality of divider systems arranged in a first configuration designed to facilitate collaborative work;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a plurality of divider systems arranged in a second configuration designed to facilitate collaborative work;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a plurality of divider systems arranged in a third configuration designed to facilitate collaborative work; and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a plurality of divider systems arranged similarly to that shown in FIG. 5 to facilitate collaborative work.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of divider systems is arranged to collectively form a work environment 10. The work environment 10 includes a plurality of desks 12. Coupled with the desks 12 are a variety of arched workspace divider systems 14. Each workspace divider system 14 includes a first vertically extending wall 16 and a second vertically extending wall 18 that are arranged in opposition to one another such that the walls 16, 18 are aligned in parallel. Each wall 16, 18 extends from a lower end 20 to an upper end 22 between a right-hand edge 21 and a left-hand edge 23. Arranged at the lower end 20 is a support structure designed to support the walls 16, 18 above either a floor 24 or a desk 12. A ceiling 26 extends between the first and second walls 16, 18 to join the upper end 22 of each. Accordingly, the workspace divider system 14 forms an arch shape that partially encloses a workspace area 28 therein.
The ceiling 26 is designed to extend at a level below the height of an average person. For instance, the height of the ceiling 26 may be five feet or less. In this case, a person is required to bend down in order to move into the workspace area 28. In at least some embodiments, the widths of the walls 16, 18 and/or ceiling is between two and four feet. Since the ceiling 26 limited has a limited height, a person of average height standing nearby can easily see over the divider systems 14. Therefore, the overall work environment 10 has a larger feel to it than if taller wall structures were employed. In accordance with some embodiments, the ceiling 26 may include a flexible membrane ceiling, for example, an accordion folded or roller shade like system. Alternatively, a portion of the ceiling 26 may be pivotal with respect to the walls 16, 18. Accordingly, the position of the ceiling 26 may be adjusted to accommodate entry or exit from the workspace area 28.
As will be described in detail below, the arch-shaped design of the divider system 14 can be readily adapted in a variety of arrangements. For example, by varying the lengths of the vertically extending walls 16, 18, a particular workspace divider may be designed to enclose a variety of workspace areas 28. The size of the vertically extending walls 16, 18 may be varied such that the first vertically extending wall 16 is designed to be supported above the floor 24, whereas a second vertically extending wall 18 is designed to be supported on the desk 12. In this regard, the first vertically extending wall 16 may include legs 30 that form the support structure extending from the lower end 20 of the vertically extending wall 16 to engage the floor 24. As will be described, when an individual is positioned at the desk 12, the workspace divider system 14 encloses the workspace area 28 along the front, top, and rear orientations with respect to the individual positioned therein. In this configuration, the sides are left open for free access and mobility. Furthermore, this directional openness can be utilized to allow streaming daylight to traverse an open plan office, unobstructed, by positioning opposing walls in a perpendicular fashion to the building window wall. Accordingly, an individual positioned within the partially enclosed workspace area 28 is provided a feeling of having personal space while any feelings of being enclosed within a confined area are alleviated due to the openness on the individual's sides.
Alternatively, the workspace divider 14 may include vertically extending walls 16, 18 that are of similar length and design to stand above the desk 12. Accordingly, the partially enclosed workspace area 28 surrounds the sides of the individual positioned to work at the desk 12. In this regard, the individual is provided with privacy from side-to-side, so as not to feel intruded upon by individuals working in close proximity. In addition, the individual is provided with a wide degree of easily accessible openness by merely backing away from the desk 12.
In accordance with one embodiment, the desk 12 may be sized to match the workspace divider 14. For example, while FIG. 1 shows two workspace dividers 14 standing above the desk 12 in an offset arrangement on opposing sides of the desk 12, it is contemplated that the desk may be sized to support only one workspace divider 14 across its width or that two workspace dividers 14 may be aligned across the width of the desk 12. In this configuration, individuals working on opposing sides of the desk 12 share a common partially enclosed workspace area 28 and can leave the partially enclosed workspace area 28 by simply backing away from the desk 12.
Within some arrangements, the ceiling 26 of the workspace divider system 14 may be designed to extend the partially enclosed workspace area 28 across multiple desks 12. Within this arrangement, individuals are provided with a degree of privacy from others positioned across the desk 12; however, collaboration between individuals located at separate desks 12 is encouraged due to the fact that the workspace divider system 14 spans multiple desks that would otherwise seem to be isolated from one another. Similarly, as will be described in greater detail below, a workspace divider system may be designed to extend over a single set of adjacent desks 12. As such, the level of privacy provided to an individual is reduced in favor of collaboration between individuals seated at a common desk area.
Regardless of the size, shape, or specific orientation of the workspace divider system 14 with respect to associated desks 12 or floor space 24, a plurality of features is shared by the workspace dividers 14 that serve to tie the design of the workspace divider systems 14 together and provide a level of functionality not otherwise achieved by traditional workspace divider systems. As previously stated, the workspace divider systems 14 share an arch shape formed by the common arrangement of the two vertically extending sidewalls 16, 18 and the ceiling 26 joining those two walls 16, 18. Furthermore, the workspace divider system 14 may include an elongated slice 32 that extends through at least one of the two walls 16, 18 and/or continues through the ceiling 26. In this regard, a continuous viewing passage 32 to and from the partially enclosed workspace area 28 is formed. This continuous and elongated viewing passage 32 provides a variety of functionality not otherwise achieved by viewing passages that are not sufficiently elongated or continuously extending through a sidewall as well as a ceiling of a workspace divider system 14.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a workspace divider system 14 may be designed to be a stand-alone unit. In this case, the desk 12 may be integrated into the divider system 14, for example, by extending from one wall 18 of the divider system 14. Likewise, a display or other such device 34 may be integrated into the wall 18. Accordingly, when a person is located in the partially enclosed workspace area 28, the person is afforded a degree of privacy from others in the area. For instance, the desk 12 and display 18 are partially enclosed so that passersby do not have a direct view of the surface of the display 18 or the desk 12. Furthermore, the ceiling 26 and walls 16, 18 serve to focus the attention of an individual within the partially enclosed workspace area 28 toward the display 18.
For example, it is contemplated that the walls 16, 18 may have a vertical rise of less than seven feet. Thus, the ceiling 26, which extends between the walls 16, 18 at a termination of the vertical rise, resides at a height of less than seven feet. In particular, it is contemplated that the vertical rise is sufficient to allow a user to be seated at a chair arranged within the area between the walls 16, 18 and under the ceiling 26, for example, in a space that has a height of less than five feet. To facilitate adequate room to be seated under the ceiling 26 and between the walls 16, 18, it is contemplated that the ceiling 26 is elongated along a direction 36 between the walls 16, 18.
Additionally, it is contemplated that the desk 12 may extend the length between the walls 16, 18. In this arrangement, as described above with respect to FIG. 1, a common worksurface is created so that individuals seated on opposing sides of the desk 12 or oriented toward one another.
With respect to the particular configurations of the divider systems 14, several configurations are contemplated that provide unique advantages not attainable by traditional workspace divider systems. Referring now to FIG. 3, one configuration, referred to hereafter as the alley configuration 40, is designed to encourage and facilitate collaborative work among multiple users. As illustrated, the alley configuration 40 includes eight separate workstations 42 a through 42 h. However, it is contemplated that the alley configuration 40 could include any number of individual workstations. It is contemplated that each workstation 42 a-42 h may have a common configuration and, thus, only the configuration of one workstation 42 f will be described here in detail. As described with respect to FIG. 2, the workstation 42 f includes an arch that includes two vertical walls 16, 18 and a ceiling 26. In addition, the workstation 42 f includes a worksurface 12 (shown in phantom) as well as a display 34 (also shown in phantom). Accordingly, when seated within the workstation 42 f, the head 44 of an individual is typically oriented toward the worksurface 12 and display 34.
As its name suggests, the alley configuration forms an open corridor inside the arrangement of workspaces and could include a table or similar worksurface 46, such as a worksurface formed by low storage units, that extends along a spatial corridor or “alley” 48 created between adjacent workstations paired along the table 46 to create two parallel lines of workstations. That is the alley 48 is formed between two separate groups of workstations that extend in parallel along the direction of elongation 36 of the ceilings 26. In accordance with one embodiment, a typical width of the alley 48 may be eight to thirty inches, although other dimensions are contemplated. As such, the table 46 may have a width matched to that of the alley 48 and may even be configured to join the workstations 42 a-42 h on either side of the alley 38. However, it is also contemplated that the table 46 may have a width greater than that of the alley 48 and, though not illustrated, may extend into a portion of the workstations 42 a-42 h located on either side of the alley 48. This inner corridor between workspaces can also be utilized as a power/voice/data distribution alley that services the adjoining workspaces at common points to any opposing walls of said workspaces.
Each of the workstations 42 a-42 h is oriented so that all of the users are oriented to face the same general direction when using the worksurface 12 and display 34. When so oriented, as illustrated, the user 44 in a given workstation 42 f can easily view the display 34 located in the adjacent workstation 42 b along a line of sight 50 extending across the alley 48. In addition, the user 44 of workstation 42 f can view other users 52 a, 52 b 52 c located in workstations 42 a, 42 b, and 42 c along respective lines of sight 54 a, 54 b, 54 c extending across the alley 48. As such, collaboration between users 44, 52 a, 52 b, 52 c is encouraged. However, at the same time, the collaboration is facilitated in a manner so as not to be disruptive to others working within the vicinity.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a configuration similar to the alley configuration 40 of FIG. 2 is shown. In particular, the configuration shown in FIG. 4 is referred to hereafter as an alternating alley configuration 56. As suggested by the name, the alternating alley configuration 56 orientates workstations 42 a through 42 d on one side of the alley 48 in a first direction and workstations 42 e through 42 h on the other side of the alley 48 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Accordingly, while users in workstations 42 b and 42 f can turn their heads to make eye contact, each user must turn around to view a user's display 34 located on the opposite side of the alley 48. As such, the alternating alley configuration 56 encourages and facilitates communication and collaboration among coworkers, while providing an increased feeling of informational privacy provided by restricting users from having a ready viewing path to a coworker's display 34.
Referring now to FIG. 5, another configuration, referred to hereafter as an alternating desk or “shoelace” configuration 58, is shown. In the alternating desk configuration 58, the workstations 42 a-42 f are arranged so that alternating users in the configuration face in opposite directions when facing the worksurface 12. The workstations 42 a-42 f are abutted to one another to form a common ceiling portion 59 extending in a direction perpendicular 60 to the elongated direction 36 of the ceiling 26. As illustrated, it is contemplated that the workstations 42 a-42 f may be aligned so that, although the worksurfaces 12 are aligned in alternating directions, an edge 61 of each worksurface 12 is aligned to be substantially linear. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the edges 61 of the worksurfaces 12 may be offset so that portions of the worksurfaces 12 overlap to form a collaborative work area.
In accordance with some embodiments and configurations, this arrangement corresponds to an offsetting of adjacent workstations 42 a-42 f. This configuration yields a variety of advantageous features. For example, referring to workstation 42 f, the user 44 is positioned to make eye contact with the users in the adjacent workstations 42 e and 42 g as well as other workstations 42 d and 42 h. However, the user 44 cannot easily view other users' displays 34. Hence, in a manner similar to the alternating alley configuration described with respect to FIG. 4, the alternating desk configuration 58 encourages and facilitates communication and collaboration among coworkers, while providing an increased feeling of privacy provided by restricting users from having a ready viewing path to a coworker's display 34.
Also, within the alternating desk configuration 58, additional spaces are formed about the exterior of the workspaces 42 a-42 f. In particular, semi-private spaces 62 are created between adjacent similarly facing workstations. It is contemplated that additional displays 64 may be arranged within these semi-private spaces 62 to further facilitate collaboration between users in workstations that are separated by an intervening workstation. As such, collaboration between users separated by an intervening workstation is encouraged; however, the collaboration is facilitated in a manner so as not to be disruptive to others working in the intervening workstation. The alternating desk configuration 58 also provides public spaces 66 where other displays 68 can be mounted for public use.
Additionally, referring now to FIG. 6, it is contemplated that the configuration of workstations 42 a-42 f described above with respect to FIG. 5 may be augmented in a number of ways. For example, the workstations 42 a-42 f may be spaced apart from each other so as to not form a contiguous, common ceiling portion 59, while remaining in the general “shoelace” configuration 58. A space 70 of approximately 18 to 24 inches may separate adjacent workstations 42 a-42 f. Hence, in accordance with one embodiment, assuming a workstation wall 16, 18 of approximately 36 to 42 inches, the occupancy space of each workstation 42 a-42 f is extended to approximately 54 to 60 inches (i.e., the midpoint 72 of the space formed between the workstations 42 a-42 f). Furthermore, it is contemplated that the workstations 42 a-42 f may be arranged such that, even though the workstations 42 a-42 f are arranged so that alternating users in the configuration face in opposite directions when facing the worksurface 12, the worksurfaces 12 are aligned along a common axis 74. In this regard, the individual worksurfaces 12 described above may be replaced with a common worksurface 76 that extends through each workstation 42 a-42 f.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, other configurations beyond the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are contemplated. However, as described above, the configurations share common elements, such as alleys and direct lines of sight between the workstation users, that are designed to facilitate group work and collaboration, while still providing privacy and personal space. In general, the orientation of the workspace dividing structures allows a user to know when someone else is attempting to view the user's display and could respond accordingly. The alley and/or worksurfaces divide the workspaces and persons, yet the lines of sight are maintained. In addition, in many configurations, at least some users other than the one in a particular workstation can view the display located in the particular workstation from within adjacent workstations. Accordingly, sharing of display information is facilitated and collaboration is encouraged.
Therefore, the above-described invention provides a dividing system that is capable of creating personal space within a work environment while still providing the feel, look, and various advantages provided by large, open work environments that can be shared by many individuals. In particular, the above-described invention provides a divider or wall system that is flexible and modular. The system includes numerous features that are readily adaptable to non-traditional offices and aid in creating structures, such as personal workspaces and combinational workspaces that facilitate collaborative work. The systems may include integrated work surfaces, seating surfaces, and/or informational areas.
It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A workspace divider system comprising:

a first workstation and a second workstation, each workstation comprising:

first and second substantially vertically extending walls having a respective upper and lower edge and respective side edges and, wherein the first and second walls are arranged substantially in parallel and separated to form an area therebetween;

a ceiling member extending between the first and second walls to join the upper edges of the first and second walls and at least partially covering the area between the walls;

wherein the first workstation and the second workstation are arranged to have one side edge of the first wall and one side edge of the second wall of the first workstation adjacent one side edge of the first wall and one side edge of the second wall of the second workstation.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the side edges of the first and second walls include right-hand side edges and left-hand side edges and wherein the first workstation and the second workstation are arranged to have the right-hand side edges of the first and second walls of the first workstation adjacent the left-hand side edges of the first and second walls of the second workstation, and further comprising a spatial corridor forming an alley extending between the right-hand side edges of the first and second walls of the first workstation and the left-hand side edges of the first and second walls of the second workstation and further comprising a worksurface extending along the alley between the first workstation and the second workstation having a width of greater than eight inches and less than thirty inches.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the area between the first and second walls of the first workstation and the second workstation is configured to house a desk and a chair and wherein the chair, when seated at the desk of the first workstation, faces in a direction opposite of the chair when seated at the desk of the second workstation.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the ceiling member of the first workstation at least partially abuts the ceiling member of the second workstation and wherein the first and second wall of the first workstation are offset from the first and second wall of the second workstation, and further comprising a third workstation aligned with the first workstation and separated from the first workstation by the second workstation, and further comprising a semi-private area formed along one of the first and second wall of the second workstation and offset from one of the first and second wall of the first workstation on a side opposite the area between the walls and a public area formed on the other of the first and second wall of the second workstation on a side opposite the area between the walls.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a third workstation and a fourth workstation and wherein the first, second, third, and fourth workstations are arranged in one of an alley configuration, an alternating alley configuration, and an alternating desk configuration.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a desk is supported by the one of the first and second walls and a display supported by one of the first and second walls of each of the first workstation and the second workstation and wherein the display of the first workstation is visible from the second workstation when viewing the display of the second workstation.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second walls have a vertical rise of less than seven feet and the ceiling extends between the first and second walls at a termination of the vertical rise.

8. A workspace divider system comprising:

a first arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface abutting one of the sidewalls to face a first direction;

a second arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface abutting one of the sidewalls to face a second direction;

wherein the elongated ceiling of the first arch-shaped workstation and the elongated ceiling of the second arch-shaped workstation are arranged to extend along an elongated direction in parallel; and

wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially opposite.

9. The system of claim 8 further comprising an alley extending between the first arch-shaped workstation and the second arch-shaped workstation along the elongated direction to separate the first arch-shaped workstation and the second arch-shaped workstation and further comprising a worksurface extending along the alley to join the first arch-shaped workstation and the second arch-shaped workstation.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein the pair of sidewalls of the first arch-shaped workstation are offset from the pair of sidewalls of second arch-shaped workstation to create at least one semi-private work area and one public work area arranged along an area exterior to the first arch-shaped workstation and the second arch-shaped workstation.

11. The system of clam 8 further comprising a third arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface abutting one of the sidewalls to face the first direction, and wherein the third arch-shaped workstation is separated from the first arch-shaped workstation by the second arch-shaped workstation, and wherein the sidewalls of the first arch-shaped workstation and the sidewalls of the second arch-shaped workstation are aligned and wherein the sidewalls of the second arch-shaped workstation are offset from the sidewalls of the first arch-shaped workstation and the sidewalls of the second arch-shaped workstation.

12. A workspace divider system comprising:

a first plurality of arch-shaped workstations arranged in a first line of workstations;

a second plurality of arch-shaped workstations arranged in a second line of workstations;

an alley formed between the first line of workstations and the second line of workstations; and

a worksurface extending along the alley to join the first plurality of arch-shaped workstations and the second plurality of arch-shaped workstations.

13. The system of claim 12 further comprising a desk arranged within each of the first plurality of arch-shaped workstations and second plurality of arch-shaped workstations and wherein individuals seated at a desk in the first plurality of arch-shaped workstations are provided with a line of sight extending through the alley to the second plurality of arch-shaped workstations and wherein individuals seated at a desk in the second plurality of arch-shaped workstations are provided with a line of sight extending through the alley to the second plurality of arch-shaped workstations.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein individuals seated at a desk in the first plurality of arch-shaped workstations face a direction substantially opposite to individuals seated at a desk in the second plurality of arch-shaped workstations.

15. The system of claim 12 further a worksurface arranged within each of the first plurality of arch-shaped workstations and the second plurality of arch-shaped workstations and a display device arranged above each worksurface.

16. The system of claim 12 further comprising a third workstation and a fourth workstation and wherein the first, second, third, and fourth workstations are arranged in one of an alley configuration and an alternating alley configuration.

17. A workspace divider system comprising:

a first arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface extending from a first end aligned along one of the sidewalls to a second end located under the elongated ceiling to orientate individuals seated in the first arch-shaped workstation in a first direction;

a second arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface extending from a first end aligned along one of the sidewalls to a second end located under the elongated ceiling to orientate individuals seated in the second arch-shaped workstation in a second direction; and

wherein the second end of the worksurface of the first arch-shaped workstation and the second end of the worksurface of the second arch-shaped workstation are aligned to extend substantially linearly.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially opposite.

19. The system of claim 17 further comprising a display device arranged above the worksurface at the first end of the worksurface.

20. The system of claim 17 wherein an individual seated at the worksurface of the first arch-shaped workstation is able to readily view another individual seated at the worksurface of the second arch-shaped workstation but cannot readily view a display device arranged above the worksurface in the second arch-shaped workstation.

21. The system of claim 17 wherein the sidewalls of the first arch-shaped workstation are offset from the sidewalls of the second arch-shaped workstation to create at least one semi-private work area and one public work area arranged along an area exterior to the first arch-shaped workstation and the second arch-shaped workstation.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein at least one semi-private work area is viewable from an area under the elongated ceiling of the first arch-shaped workstation and at least one semi-private work area is viewable from an area under the elongated ceiling of the second arch-shaped workstation.

23. The system of claim 17 further comprising a third workstation having an elongated ceiling extending between a pair of sidewalls and a worksurface extending from a first end aligned along one of the sidewalls to a second end located under the elongated ceiling to orientate individuals seated in the first arch-shaped workstation in the first direction and wherein the second end of the worksurface of the third arch-shaped workstation is aligned to extend substantially linearly with the second ends of the worksurfaces of the first arch-shaped workstation and the second arch-shaped workstation.

24. The system of claim 17 wherein at least a portion of the ceiling of the first arch-shaped workstation and a portion of the ceiling of the second arch-shaped workstation abut to form a common ceiling portion extending between the ceiling of the first arch-shaped workstation and the ceiling of the second arch-shaped workstation.

25. A workspace divider system comprising:

a desk having a length and a width;

an arch-shaped workstation having an elongated ceiling extending along the length of the desk between a pair of sidewalls to partially enclose a workspace area under the elongated ceiling; and

wherein individuals seated at the desk are arranged toward one another to share the partially enclosed workspace area.