The practical implementations of axes

in the design of a systematic office layout

Dana Maher Ayoub Abu-Lail1p and Erzsébet Szeréna Zoltán2

Pollack Periodica • 1
Marcel Breuer Doctoral School, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of
An International Journal Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
for Engineering and 2
Information Sciences Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Engineering and Information
Technology, Institute of Architecture, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary

Received: December 20, 2023 • Revised manuscript received: April 11, 2024 • Accepted: April 12, 2024
DOI:
10.1556/606.2024.01024
© 2024 The Author(s)

ABSTRACT
In the ever-changing realm of the contemporary workplace, adaptability and flexibility have emerged as
crucial attributes for office buildings. The method of axes system design, in conjunction with modular
structures, fosters a workspace that can seamlessly adapt to the evolving needs of offices. This system
ORIGINAL RESEARCH embodies a comprehensive approach to office design, emphasizing the integration of four important
principles: modularity, adaptability, interconnectedness, and flexibility. The modular nature of the
PAPER structural axes design allows for swift and cost-effective adjustments, facilitating customer needs. The
dynamism of this system ensures that office spaces are in a perpetual state of evolution, reflecting the
changing dynamics of the contemporary workplace as to be shown in this paper.

KEYWORDS
offices, adaptation, axes modules, flexibility, after use, design method, modularity, raster system, reuse

1. INTRODUCTION
The requirements for office spaces are contingent on the specific nature of the work involved.
For tasks dominated by administrative responsibilities and paper documents, static work-
spaces are common, whereas digital development allows for more flexible arrangements,
potentially beyond traditional office buildings. The significance of accommodating diverse
work environments is emphasized, acknowledging that employees equipped with laptops and
internet access can work effectively from various locations, like parks, cafes, or homes. As
office jobs demand a high level of mental output, it is important to address health concerns
arising from one-sided employment, especially in roles with minimal physical movement.
Consequently, office environments are subject to extensive research in work psychology and
occupational safety and health, leading to regulatory frameworks that include specifications
for ergonomics, workplace health and safety, room climate, acoustics, and more [1, 2]. The
evolution of office settings aims at diversification and high quality to prioritize the health and
well-being of workers, considering the dynamic requirements of different work scenarios,
from communication to focused individual tasks. Health and ergonomics are identified
as vital criteria, involving strategies rooted in organizational and job psychology as well as
physical design to address potential long-term health issues associated with computer-based
work. Elements of indoor environmental quality, including visual comfort, acoustic comfort,
air quality, and thermal comfort, are highlighted as crucial factors influencing office workers’
p
Corresponding author. comfort and health, as it is shown in Fig. 1. Beyond physical attributes, achieving worker
E-mail: [email protected]
happiness involves considerations of corporate and interpersonal characteristics, empha-
sizing transparent communication, diverse tasks, and a strong sense of teamwork. The
discussion extends to the importance of designing environments that facilitate both focused
individual work and team communication, allowing for various work scenarios. Additional

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2 Pollack Periodica

also a distance of 60 cm away from the window is the

minimum viewing distance requirements due to the com-
puter monitors glare and visibility issues, it is to maintain
interior visual comfort regardless of the type of shading or
façade system [4, 5]. A worker’s personal space for move-
ment with the office chair is a minimum of 100 cm (the desk
width) that results in 1.60 m2 of space. A sideboard may be
added for the worker for storage purposes and the minimum
recommended depth of it is 45 cm [5]. In Fig. 2 the color
code for each zone in an office building demonstrated in this
paper is shown. Figure 3 shows four types of offices which
are the cellular office vs combi office and the open plan
office vs the activity-based office, demonstrating the differ-
ences between each, the spatial divisions needed using the
125 3 125 cm axes system, and the minimum number of
axes each zone needs.
Fig. 1. Office requirements A width of 80 cm (table depth) þ 100 cm (depth of the
free movement area) þ 45 cm (sideboard depth) 5 225 cm
needed if it is to be accommodated in a closed room as a
elements like thermal comfort, ventilation, sound insulation,
room acoustics, and lighting are detailed, with an emphasis
on creating an atmosphere conducive to concentration and
well-being. Overall, the comprehensive approach to office
design considers the multifaceted needs of workers, recog-
nizing the interplay of physical, organizational, and psy-
chological factors in fostering a productive and satisfying
work environment [1, 2].
Fig. 2. Zoning color code

2. THE SYSTEMATIC AXES AND RASTER

LAYOUT
Once construction begins, the building depth and facade
axes have a lasting and irreversible impact on the efficiency
of user-oriented space. It is remarkable that the evolution of
building axes continues to be characterized by the idea of
individual rooms, which are, at most, still visible everywhere
in combi offices and cellular offices. The combination of
open spaces and enclosed rooms are the primary charac-
teristics of contemporary office designs. But whatever
approach the architect uses when designing and creating an
office building, the individual workplace and user comfort
are always the first things to consider and build a plan form
as there is a clear connection between the space and the
human experience [3]. The applicable rules and standards
when designing an office space require that minimum
widths for access areas and escape routes, as well as size and
distance restrictions around the workplaces, those mainly
are among the main factors that influence the design process
[4, 5].
There are general requirements for offices spaces when it
comes to calculating the minimum space needed. The gen-
eral tabletop size required is 160 3 80 cm for permanent
workers’ office desks, which results in a minimum desk
space of 1.28 m2. In addition, tables typically had to be ar-
ranged at least 30 cm deep away from the façade due to
reasons like maintenance and cleaning of that area; while Fig. 3. Offices different spatial requirements

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Pollack Periodica 3

single workstation as it is shown in Fig. 4; hence a double energy consumption in the building, as well as higher
workstation room needs more space. This workstation’s operating cost for mechanical ventilation and artificial
width is 235 cm if you add half of a partition thickness, lighting as those spaces need continuous circulation of fresh
resulting in a total of 10 cm (5 cm from each side). To allow air and natural light for the worker’s wellbeing [6].
for trouble-free furniture placement as height adjustment, an In conclusion, the ideal size for axes modules is minimum
additional 5 cm is added as a buffer space. This is mainly 125 3 125 cm to ideally not more than 150 3 150 cm, the
because of the sideboards, which, for example, always push 125 3 125 cm axes system for open plan, combi and
them slightly further into the space. activity-based offices is demonstrated in Fig. 5 [5, 6].
It is impossible to guarantee this dimension with facade
axes smaller than 125 3 125 cm. Despite the need for well-
proportioned spaces and the previously indicated distance 3. MODULARITY IN A STRUCTURAL WAY IN
reserves for furnishing options, a 125 cm axes division is OFFICES
advised as a sufficient and yet space-saving minimum size.
This is true for both single rooms in combi offices and, more
In order to provide flexible and adaptable workplaces,
so, single rooms in cellular offices mainly. modular components and spatial arrangements are used in
As for the building’s total depth, buildings must be deep
office design architecture. The office structure is divided into
enough to accommodate up to three different zones of
more manageable components by this design approach,
varying depths for common areas or workplaces. For cellular
making it easier to construct, reconfigure, and customize to
offices, a building depth of around 13.00 m is ideal.
meet changing user requirements. As this saves resources
Communication spaces (conference rooms, team areas,
during construction, protects the environment, saves energy
project offices) in addition to service areas and main offices
and material, in addition to offering a faster and better
are all mainly located at significant locations on the façade in
quality manufacture, as the new ecological demands are
this office type, which is highly space-consuming and moving towards a global and integrated approach to
outdated [5].
thinking and building [7, 8].
Functions like service areas and communication zones
Beyond its practical application, modularity in office
are pushed to the center of office buildings with three-area
design allows for the exploration of new aesthetics while
zoning like as combi offices, open plan offices, and activity-
providing effective use of space, encouraging collaboration,
based offices, that even allow natural light to reach the
and making layout extension or modification easier. This
central zone of the building when using the correct building
idea has been researched and effectively used in a number of
dimensions, which may account as a significant amount of
the area and space that is now efficiently used. The depth of
office buildings like that can start from 12.50 m using a 125
cm axis module - a minimum width of 3 3 125 cm (office
zone depth) þ 1 3 125 cm (corridor - circulation zone
depth) þ 2 3 125 cm (central service area depth) 5 12.50
m; and is only recommended to go up to 15.00 m maximum
to keep the building at an optimal and sustainable level as
more than that can lead to increased investment cost, higher

Fig. 4. Minimum space requirements for a workstation Fig. 5. The axes and structured modularity

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4 Pollack Periodica

sectors, showing increases in output, improved creativity, Table. 1. Possible limitations and challenges in modular office
and economical solutions. Phase Possible limitations and challenges
Modularity in office environments allows for simple
adaptation and flexibility in a variety of spaces. Offices can Initial Design Phase - Limited selection of methods
quickly adapt to changing demands by using modular - The capacity to restrict innovation.
- Extended time and complexity of
components within the office axes layout design imple-
development
mented. This guarantees effective use of available space and Usage Stage - Issues with user acceptance and
enables various arrangements and configurations. Future perception
flexibility is further ensured by the modularity idea, which - Problems with performance
makes it simple to rearrange or reuse workplaces once they (overdesign, bad interfaces)
are no longer used as typical office spaces. Office buildings - Varying user situations and actions
that use modular designs benefit from increased operational - Encouragement of early
efficiency, lower costs, and more sensible means of expan- decomposition
sion and evolution. Divisions, walls, and doors may all be After Use - Insufficient support for the
seamlessly built to create the floor plans that a tenant needs. re-adaptation process
A flexible and dynamic design approach is made possible by
the incorporation of modular architecture into office
buildings, which enables the blending of homogenous and although buildings in city centers or on the outskirts may be
diverse functional zones. converted into residences, which would help the already-
The raster and axes architectural layout design serves as a existing residential estates. The offices in single-use business
foundational framework for achieving modularity in offices, parks, however, could be difficult to convert. A building’s
offering a structured approach to organizing various com- potential for conversion is influenced by its features, like its
ponents within the workspace. This framework makes it easy historical or cultural value; listed monuments are often ex-
to reconfigure and change the office layout in order to amples of successful conversions. Functional flexibility is
effectively meet changing demands and requirements. By essential for viability since post-World War II office build-
using modular elements like moveable walls and furniture, ings with specialized designs may be difficult to convert to
the axes system allows for variable office space configura- residential use. This is especially true with regard to office
tions that promote employee cooperation. The modular axes building adaptability - particularly with regard to structural
systematic design enhances space usage by offering an raster module sizes and functional flexibility - is essential for
organized framework that makes the most of the available a successful conversion. Legal factors, like stricter con-
area. Furthermore, the raster system’s fundamental flexi- struction codes for residential properties rather than com-
bility enables the easy integration of modern technologies mercial properties since the regulations for residential
and infrastructure, like power and data connections, which buildings and other structures that allow overnight stays are
can be easily improved or changed as needed, as well the more serious than those for day-use purposes, may have a
ease of integration of Building Information Models (BIM) to detrimental impact on conversions’ financial sustainability
support the design process [9, 10]. Essentially, in dynamic and even make them expensive [12–16]. The determination
workplace contexts, the axes architectural layout design of the viability of office after-use is dependent upon the
fosters efficiency, adaptation, and collaboration [10]. evolution of rent gaps as well, which reflects the difference
The environmental advantages of modular office design, between present and prospective land prices. Property
which emphasizes material economy, flexibility, and reuse owners could be more inclined to remodel or convert office
potential, are often praised. However, this approach is un- buildings if the gap grows. Opportunities for transformation
likely to work smoothly in high-end office buildings because are many; they include turning into flats, sale/rental markets,
the user’s need for a current, original design may outweigh ateliers, and studios to compete in the market. There are still
modularity’s environmental benefits. Hence this may propose issues, however, like the need of a more flexible system for
some limitations to consider when it comes to modularity, designing and building structures to account for unantici-
and it can fall in the following categories in Table 1 [11]. pated changes in usage; the reuse and remodeling process
Modularity may lead to better recycling and component could also facilitate the usage of the BIM system, which
reuse, however if modular office buildings are intended to could help in some cases [12–16]. A growing number of
have a sustainable life cycle, these limitations must be office buildings are expiring due to the past practice of
addressed [11]. building to satisfy consistent user needs without taking
changing use dynamics into consideration. This has an
impact on how future office buildings must be constructed
4. THE AFTER-USE OF OFFICE BUILDINGS to properly handle possible conversions. Challenges related
to architecture and technology might restrict the conver-
Office building after-use involves considering location, sions’ potential applications or financial sustainability. All
building features, functional flexibility, and economical things considered, the post-use of office buildings involves
factors into account. Geographically speaking, office build- an intricate combination of structural, legal, economic, and
ings in commercial complexes usually stay like that, location-specific issues [12–16].

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Pollack Periodica 5

5. AFTER-USE EXAMPLE – CASE STUDY plans, deliberate design choices, and well-thought-out cir-
culation planning. The architectural change becomes more
difficult when after-use options, like outdoor areas, and in-
5.1. The conversion of the “Thyssen Trade Center” into
ner layouts, are taken into consideration. Requiring con-
the “Living Circle” residential project Düsseldorf, version like those initiatives in the housing market to be
Germany, 1991–2018 sustainable over the long run calls for finding a balance
In terms of architecture, there are potentials, and challenges between ecological and economic factors [17, 18].
associated with converting office space to residential use, as
it is shown by the conversion of the “Thyssen Trade Center” 5.2. Results/personal project, adaptable multi-tenant
into the “Living Circle” residential project. office buildings in the city of Pecs
The massive Thyssen Trade Center once had around a According to the studies made and the research done, a
thousand workers, but for seven years, the complex was concept plan was developed designing an adaptable use
unoccupied. multi-tenant office building in the city of Pecs, the concept
An eight-to-ten-story residential building with an of the project is providing adaptable office space in the sense
outstanding façade, spacious stainless-steel balconies, and of different office plan possibilities and allowing the adapt-
little gardens in front of the ground level have grown into a ability of this space for the after use.
contemporary, green neighborhood. There are around 340
two-to five-room flats in the project [17, 18]. 5.2.1. The site. The project site is located in the downtown
First the floor plans and layouts, it takes some planning to district of the city of Pecs and is considered to be a transi-
convert current floor plans intended for office use into resi- tional point towards the historical part of the city; therefore
dential spaces. Large, open areas in office buildings are often the location has a huge impact on the value of the designed
ideal for workstation arrangements, but they could need to be building. The total area of the site is 6090.26-meter square.
reconfigured to make room for residential uses. The 343-unit The site is surrounded by 4 streets allowing access to be from
Living Circle building is a prime example of how carefully all directions to the site, which makes the site more
planned floor plans allowed formerly office-oriented interior approachable.
areas to be repurposed. To maximize the floor layouts for
residential living, issues including the existence of office- 5.2.2. Concept development idea. The concept consists of 3
specific zones like cafeterias, Information technology (IT) main buildings located along the site; the buildings are
areas, and conference rooms had to be solved [17, 18]. shaped in a way that allows them to act as separate units
As for the stairs and circulation, reorganizing circulation while 2 of them can still be connected and act as one bigger
systems is a necessary part of conversion efforts. Long cor- unit. The shapes are formed in a way that allows the inte-
ridors found in office buildings could make them unsuitable gration of the public surrounding into the project, as this
for residential construction. It was necessary to build nine will give the indication of welcoming space and allow people
more stairwells in the Living Circle in order to facilitate to explore the site, as this prompts the factuality of the
vertical circulation and provide access to the underground services places on the ground floor.
parking lot. Strategic planning was necessary for the inte-
gration of these components to provide smooth communi- 5.2.3. The spatial divisions. The ground floor of the
cation while respecting the limitations set by the current building is designed for the purpose of public utilities; it
structure [17, 18]. serves the community around and provides additional ser-
The conversion of an office building into a residential vices to the area. As for the first floor onwards, it has been
designed as adaptable office space systems, the space has
space creates concerns about outdoor amenities and com-
been designed according to an axes layout with the size 135
mon spaces while considering the after-use period. As
3 135 cm, the office space as well as the corridors where
mentioned, the difficulty is in turning places like conference
strictly designed and aligned with the axes system imple-
rooms and canteens that were originally intended for office-
mented, as of the middle part acting as the service area it was
related functions into aesthetically pleasing open spaces
adapted in a freer way to accommodate the shape of the
appropriate for residential usage. A community-focused
building.
living environment may be fostered, as shown by the Living
Circle, which creates widely accessible green spaces and al- 5.2.4. Circulation. The main vertical circulation access acts
lows private garden areas to ground level units [17, 18]. as a core unit to each building, as it is a load bearing
In addition to the economic issues, it is important to structure that connects all the floor together all the way from
draw attention to the ecological component as well. Sus- the underground car park up until the last floor of each
tainability is enhanced by the conservation of energy during building. The vertical circulation unit also act as a main
conversion that is ingrained in the current structure. But the element in the horizontal circulation possibilities, as the
ecological advantages are sometimes overshadowed by the location of the core unit allows access to several horizontal
economic debate [17, 18]. directions on each floor of the building, this allows the space
In conclusion, the transformation of office facilities into to have uninterrupted divisions while still having direct ac-
residential units requires a careful examination of floor cess to the core service unit all made possible using the axes.

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6 Pollack Periodica

5.2.5. Unit separations. The systematic modular space can

be divided into separate office units with various sizes to
accommodate different company spatial needs, it is possible
to have smaller separate unit and also combined larger units,
when larger units are needed horizontal spaces on the same
floor are preferred mostly were as vertical space as in having
an office with multi levels is still also possible in this
building.

5.2.6. The different office possibilities. As mentioned pre-

viously, the space has been designed to adapt to different
office unit possibilities, the plan can be divided freely ac-
cording to the need of the customer as the axes layout and
systematic modules used provides flexibility in all directions
as it is marked in Fig. 6 the darkest grey color is for the office
zones, the middle toned grey color is for the circulation and
the lightest grey color is the service zone according to the
zoning color code in Fig. 2. Individual/cellular offices, group
offices, open-plan offices, combi-offices and non-territorial
spaces are all possible to have in this building. The area of
the first building from the top shown in Fig. 6 is 746.33 m2,
the second building is 1092.26 m2 and the third building is
1025 m2. As the design is flexible, different office zones can
be proposed as it has been marked in Fig. 7, furthermore
Fig. 8 proposes how the system allows the same zone to be
used for different kinds of offices.

5.2.7. The after-use possibilities. The building has been Fig. 7. Personal project offices separations possibilities
designed to have the possibility of a different use after it is

Fig. 8. Personal project offices different possibilities

no longer used as an office building, the circulations pro-

vided and building services placed using the axes layout
allow that. The main possible after-use of this building
would be apartments, as it has an important location with
great neighborhood services. This building has the possi-
bility to change from a day use only building to also a night
use place. The possibility of having different apartment unit
sizes to accommodate diverse needs of buyers is available,
while still having all functional requirements for an apart-
Fig. 6. Personal project offices axes plan ment space as it is demonstrated in Fig. 9.

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Pollack Periodica 7

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