The telephone booth should be placed in the office in such a way that it serves the privacy needs of employees without disturbing other activities. The optimal location takes into account distances from workstations, traffic flows and acoustic factors. Correct placement improves the functionality of the working environment and provides the necessary retreat spaces for tasks that require concentration.
Why is the location of the telephone booth so important for the functionality of the working environment?
The location of the telephone booth directly affects the working environment. acoustics and employees' ability to concentrate. A well-placed telephone booth provides privacy for confidential conversations and reduces distractions in an open-plan office. However, a booth in the wrong location can disrupt other work or remain underutilised.
Work environment design solutions affect organisational skills, working memory and rational decision-making. When a telephone booth is located in the right place, it supports both individual work and collaboration by providing the necessary space to retreat. Today's multi-space environments need versatile support spaces that take different ways of working into account.
Privacy and security are influenced by quiet spaces and visual protection. The speech transmission index (STI) of telephone booths tells you more about the acoustics of a space than individual sound attenuation values. A low STI value ensures that you can have private conversations in the space without anyone outside being able to hear what you are saying.
What are the best locations for telephone booths in an open-plan office?
The best location for a telephone booth is sufficient distance from workstations, but easily accessible. The ideal distance is 5–10 metres from workstations that require concentration, so that the booth does not cause a disturbance but is still conveniently accessible. The location should be chosen so that it is not along main traffic routes.
Taking traffic flows into account is essential for effective placement. It is advisable to place the telephone booth in a quieter part of the office where people are not constantly passing by. This reduces disturbance to both those in the booth and passers-by. As a rule, the booth should not be placed near lifts, printers or coffee machines.
Acoustic factors largely determine the success of the placement. The booth should be positioned so that it benefits from natural sound barriers, such as walls or furniture. A cubicle placed in the middle of an open space does not provide optimal acoustic protection. Placing it in a corner or next to a wall improves both privacy and sound insulation.
What technical factors should be considered when placing a telephone booth?
Technical requirements for placing telephone booths focus on electrical connections, ventilation and lighting. The cabin requires a power supply for lighting and any charging points. Adequate ventilation must be ensured to keep the space comfortable to use. Lighting should be sufficient but not dazzling.
Structural changes may be necessary depending on the size of the booth and the mounting requirements. The load-bearing capacity of the floor must be checked, especially for heavier booths. Some models require mounting to the ceiling or wall, which requires inspection of the structures. Cabling should be planned in advance so that it does not interfere with other activities.
Safety and fire safety considerations are key factors in investment decisions. The telephone booth must not obstruct escape routes or emergency exits. Fire safety regulations may restrict installation locations, and the booth must be sufficiently visible to ensure safety. The accessibility of fire extinguishing equipment must also be taken into account.
How can a telephone booth be integrated into the office interior and layout?
The telephone booth should harmonise the overall look of the office with the help of colour schemes and material choices. The cubicle should not stand out distractingly from the rest of the interior, but rather support the visual identity of the office. Neutral colours are suitable for most offices, but bolder choices can also work if they fit the company's image.
In layout design, the telephone booth functions as part of the multi-space office complex. It should be positioned in a way that supports the logic of the office's use of space and facilitates navigation. The booth can also serve as a space divider, creating natural boundaries between different functions. Its placement should be planned in a way that reinforces the division of the office into zones.
Visual compatibility with other interior design elements is achieved through careful planning. The cubicle should be chosen so that its design and materials complement the existing furnishings. Nordic design combined with smart functionality creates aesthetically pleasing and practical solutions. The cubicle can either be an unobtrusive part of the whole or a controlled accent that adds interest to the space.
A well-placed telephone booth in the office significantly improves the functionality of the working environment. The choice of location affects both the utilisation rate of the booth and the acoustics of the entire office. Technical requirements and integration into the interior design require careful planning, but the result is a functional multi-space office that supports a variety of work needs. A well-designed telephone booth provides employees with the privacy and retreat they need in today's demanding work environment.
