Fig 03: The Old Admiralty Office

2. Evolution of Collective Office Workplaces across the Globe

2.1 Timeline Across The Globe

While the way we work has evolved beyond any conceivable recognition over the past 50 years, so too has where we work, and here we take a look at the history of office design. Where today, we have laptops, tablets and mobiles that enable us to work effectively from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection, older workplaces were designed to facilitate rows of manual white-collar workers and typists, packed in tightly in an effort to maximise efficiency. Office design has become a much more cultured process with an increasing focus on creating workplaces that centre around the individual, and that promote not only productivity and efficiency but also creativity and wellbeing. But where does the history of office design begin?

Fig No.2 Timeline Across the Globe

2.2 Evolution Of Collective Office Workplace

1. The first office (design)

There is evidence to suggest that the first offices originated in ancient Rome as spaces where official work was conducted and that similar spaces existed in some form throughout the ages. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that dedicated office buildings began to be created.

With the British Empire expanding and engaging in an increasing level of trade with other parts of the empire (and world), the first office building was built in 1726 in London and became known as The Old Admiralty Office. It served to handle the

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