Before the invention of the printing press, early books and manuscripts all had to be copied by hand. These tasks would have been carried out at the fore-runners of what we would call office furniture today. Maybe these could have formed the basis for the early office, and worker. They would have been functional, but uncomfortable environments to spend long periods of time in. Nothing would have been adjustable, unlike today's modern workspace.
Maybe the greatest advances in office furniture have come about with chairs and desks. As far back as the Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876, innovations in furniture proved to be popular exhibits. The Exposition featured new filing systems and fancy roll top desks.
Desk design drastically changed with the invention of the typewriter. Roll top desks were all well and good for hand written ledgers and dockets, but proved impractical for the placement of a typewriter. By the start of the 20th Century, over 90,000 people were working in the United States as clerical workers and typists.
The working life for the white collar worker was becoming quite arduous. They found themselves working 6 days a week, and this could include 10 hour days. More establishments sprang up, offering specialized training for those who wanted to become clerical staff.
This led to the growing field of Ergonomics. This is defined as the optimization of the interface between the person and the environment, or the equipment they use on a regular basis. Ergonomics has played a huge role in the design of space and furniture in recent years.
One person who helped with the redesign of the office chair was Charles Darwin. He came up with the idea of putting wheels onto the legs of his chair, and so enabling him to travel around his study with ease. Chairs continued their evolution, but with the comfort of the individual in mind. With a swivel seat and on castors a clerical worker could gain access to all areas of their allotted work area while remaining seated. This led to an increase in productivity and efficiency.
These basic chairs were similar to those we now see every day. Although modern office furniture is even more adjustable. The thought being that although the worker is seated for longer, they are working more efficiently, and are therefore more productive. Working in this fashion also reduces the chance of a Repetitive Strain Injury.
Maybe the greatest advances in office furniture have come about with chairs and desks. As far back as the Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876, innovations in furniture proved to be popular exhibits. The Exposition featured new filing systems and fancy roll top desks.
Desk design drastically changed with the invention of the typewriter. Roll top desks were all well and good for hand written ledgers and dockets, but proved impractical for the placement of a typewriter. By the start of the 20th Century, over 90,000 people were working in the United States as clerical workers and typists.
The working life for the white collar worker was becoming quite arduous. They found themselves working 6 days a week, and this could include 10 hour days. More establishments sprang up, offering specialized training for those who wanted to become clerical staff.
This led to the growing field of Ergonomics. This is defined as the optimization of the interface between the person and the environment, or the equipment they use on a regular basis. Ergonomics has played a huge role in the design of space and furniture in recent years.
One person who helped with the redesign of the office chair was Charles Darwin. He came up with the idea of putting wheels onto the legs of his chair, and so enabling him to travel around his study with ease. Chairs continued their evolution, but with the comfort of the individual in mind. With a swivel seat and on castors a clerical worker could gain access to all areas of their allotted work area while remaining seated. This led to an increase in productivity and efficiency.
These basic chairs were similar to those we now see every day. Although modern office furniture is even more adjustable. The thought being that although the worker is seated for longer, they are working more efficiently, and are therefore more productive. Working in this fashion also reduces the chance of a Repetitive Strain Injury.
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Whether you require only one, or office desks for a whole space full of workers, you can browse and buy online. Office desks are available on the World Wide Web or in local showrooms.
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