“Cubed: A Secret History of the Workplace” by Nikil Saval delves into the evolution of the modern office space. Saval charts the rise of the office from the counting houses of Victorian-era Britain to the open-plan and cubicle offices of the 20th century, and the current trend towards co-working spaces. He highlights the influence of notable figures such as Frederick Taylor, whose ‘scientific management’ principles sought to maximise worker productivity, and Robert Propst, who designed the Action Office that inadvertently led to the cubicle.
Saval also explores the sociopolitical aspects of office life, including the role of women and the rise of office-based unions. He discusses the impact of technological advancements, such as the typewriter and the computer, on office design and working patterns. Saval argues that despite the evolution of the office, many workers remain dissatisfied with their work environments.
“Cubed” posits that the office is a symbol of capitalism, representing both the freedom and alienation that it brings. Saval suggests that the office’s evolution reflects broader societal changes, with its design and organisation mirroring shifts in economic and political power. The book offers a comprehensive, insightful exploration of the office as a cultural and social phenomenon.
Go to source article: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/15/books/review/cubed-by-nikil-saval.html?mcubz=3