Open Plan Office

Open Plan Office

Author: History Hit January 4, 2023 Duration: 27:34

The Open Plan Office. A little bit of you might die inside every time you hear those words. But we promise you the history of how they came to be is worth hearing.


Born at the same time as the counter cultural revolution of the 60s, Open Plan was supposed to create the offices that the egalitarian, free-thinking children of that revolution would want to work in.


The Open Plan Office was supposed to do away with stultifying hierarchies of post-war offices (think Mad Men). To give workers the flexibility to be their best selves and to allow the free flow of ideas.


Oh how the best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry!


Here to tell the story is Jennifer Kaufmann Buhler, a design historian and author of the book Open Plan: A Design History of the American Office.


Produced by Freddy Chick, edited by Joseph Knight, senior producer is Charlotte Long


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Dallas Campbell guides you through the fascinating and often overlooked backstories of the objects and ideas that shaped our world in Patented: History of Inventions. This isn't just a dry recounting of dates and blueprints; it's a deep dive into the human drama behind innovation. You'll hear about accidental breakthroughs, the forgotten figures whose contributions were sidelined, and the clever-sometimes dubious-marketing that turned an idea into a household name. From questioning the true legacy of figures like Thomas Edison to uncovering the surprising connection between foundational garments and space exploration, each episode unpacks these narratives with a sense of curiosity and wit. Produced by History Hit, the podcast brings in historians, scientists, and specialists to add depth and context, transforming every tale into a compelling detective story. Tune in for a consistently engaging exploration that reveals how luck, persistence, and sheer human ingenuity collide to create the fabric of modern life. The result is a listening experience that changes the way you look at the ordinary world around you, one remarkable story at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Patented: History of Inventions
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