As a leading
supplier and fitter of glass partitions in the London area we receive lots of
enquiries about the possibility of installing glazed partitioning in offices.
Our clients' interest is understandable as glass partitioning offers an
extremely attractive option, making any office space feel more contemporary and
aesthetically appealing.
However, the
benefits of using glass partitions goes far beyond visual aesthetics – and in
some cases they may not be the right choice at all, depending on a range of
other factors. So here we take a closer look at the different ways glazed
partitions can be used effectively – and where use of solid office partitions
may be a more appropriate choice.
Why Glass Partitions?
Partitions
can help solve a range of office design problems including:
Visual privacy – Reducing
visual distractions for employees engaged on projects requiring concentration,
or for private client or personnel meetings.
Sound privacy – Reducing
day to day noise levels or to allow confidential meetings, if double glazed.
Zone definition – Having
different areas for different work teams or projects, or for special uses such
as quiet zones, break out areas, lunch areas, printer rooms and so on.
Creating rooms – Enclosed
spaces within an open place space such as private offices or meeting rooms.
Improving aesthetics –
Updating the look and feel of an office but without making major structural
alterations.
While glass
partitions can answer many of these issues, it may not be the most suitable
option for all situations – so let's take a closer look.
When to Use Glass Partitions
Glazed
partitions are the top option in the following situations:
Retain natural light while providing visual
privacy – Here frosted glass partitions provide a good solution. The glass
allows the light through while a manifestation (frosting effect) obscures the
view and reduces visual distraction.
Retain natural light while providing basic sound
privacy – Glazed partitioning gives occupants privacy to discuss matters
privately, while also reducing noise distraction for others outside the
partitioned area – although glass is not the most attenuating of materials and
will allow through some sound. An additional level of visual privacy can be
added using partial manifestation. This solution retains the visual benefits of
the open plan office (people can see each other and have a sense of being part
of a larger team) but solves the sound / distraction issue.
Multi use room requiring privacy sometimes
– Where privacy is required only for certain uses, Priva-lite glass
partitioning offers an ideal solution. Occupants of the space can opt to switch
the glass to opaque for meetings requiring higher levels of confidentiality.
This might apply to a room used for general meetings most of the time but which
also doubles as a private meeting room when needed.
Create a cutting edge look – Glass
offers the most up to date look and combines well with just about any other
material including metal and timber (see image below) and, because it is colour
neutral, will blend with any colour scheme. An added benefit is that glass
creates a contemporary look, which isn't going to go out of fashion in a couple
of years, so it is a good long-term choice.
Flexible solution – It is common for
many companies to reorganise quite frequently in order to respond to changes in
customer demand, or to focus on new projects. Demountable partitions – either glass
or solid – offer a flexible solution, allowing partitions to be removed and
reconfigured as required within the space, without requiring big structural
changes to the building.
Enhancing Corporate Identity –
Companies in leased offices can often be limited with regard to installing
signs or decorations that would permanently change the office space – and will
usually be liable for making good any such changes back to the original colour
and condition. Internal, demountable partitions offer a way for businesses to
introduce corporate branding into the office design while minimising any
changes to the permanent structure. Frosted partitions can incorporate any
design that may be required, including company logos, lettering or images to
achieve a subtle branded effect.
When Not to Use Glass Partitions
The range of
visual options available for glass partitions (frosting, using switchable glass
etc) makes them a flexible option for a wide range of uses as part of an office
interior design. But there are, nevertheless, some situations where they are
not the best choice:
Privacy – When you need high levels of
personal privacy, both visual and auditory, solid partitions are the way to go.
Full privacy may be needed in office areas for a variety of reasons including
private client meetings, personnel interviews, and so on. And nobody wants to
see glass walls used for a washroom!
Security – It is usually prudent to
hide from view equipment or stock which has value or which has restricted
access. This might include stock rooms, server rooms, rooms storing
confidential files or any other area which the business does not want to draw
unwanted attention to.
Hiding Clutter – It is sometimes
aesthetically desirable to hide some things from view within the office environment.
We would not recommend glass doors for a storage wall or store room, for
instance, as this will simply put your office clutter on display. Similarly,
there is little point in using glass partitioning to provide an outside view if
that view is itself rather unattractive.
Glass Partitions from GDL Interiors
In short,
glass partitioning is popular for a reason – several reasons in fact – but it
needs to be used correctly to achieve the best visual and functional outcomes.
At GDL we can
provide all types of solid and glass partitions as part of a new office
refurbishment or fitout for businesses throughout London, Essex and East Anglia.
More importantly, our 30 years of experience in the office design business
means we can provide expert design advice about the best type of office
partitioning to use for your particular requirements. Find out more about glass partitions here.
