Offices
Reception Circulation Design for Offices
Give people and equipment a route that remains usable during normal work, arrivals and cleaning.
Explore the ideas
Plan in this order
- Map separately who enters, what they carry and where they turn or pause.
- Move stopping points out of through routes, especially beside doors and intersections.
- Put the largest regularly moved item on the plan and trace the full trip, including both ends.
Worked example
Guests entering a home cross the path of someone carrying food from the kitchen to the dining area.
Place the arrival pause beside the entry rather than in the direct line through the home. Test the route with a coat being removed and a tray carried at the same time.
How to test it
Run two movements at once during the test walk. Note which person must stop, reverse or step into another activity.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Place the desk in direct sight of the entrance, with waiting seats beside it and a clear path onward.
- Detail
- Use a durable counter face and a warm, even light on the visitor side; keep the sign visible from the door.
- Trade-off
- A dramatic desk can make a strong first impression but consume space needed for circulation.
- Test the entry sightline from outside
- Walk a visitor route without crossing desk queues
The Elixir portfolio
Details worth a closer look
