WIDE OPEN SPACES

Many of today's office designs and layouts are shifting from a sea of Dilbert-like cubes to open formats, thanks to advances in mobile technology.

"The biggest trend changing the entire work environment is technology-wireless technologies, in particular," said Bob Porter, studio director at Vocon, a commercial design and architecture firm in Cleveland. "This new generation of workers has grown up totally on computers, so they are much more mobile. Therefore, workspaces become more fluid, dynamic and flexible."

Open offices commonly house multifunctional, wireless, shared spaces. They are typically designed with lower-paneled workstations and common rooms, rather than corridors and private offices. They involve modular furniture and, often, more natural light.