gull
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response 20 of 21:
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Sep 23 14:51 UTC 2003 |
Re #17: The problem, I think, is that office buildings (at least the
small, one-story type) are often built on spec, so the goal is to put up
the building as cheaply as possible and to allow for the eventual owner
to choose their own internal arrangement. The result is you end up with
a cement-block shell and a flat roof with minimal insulation, dropped
ceilings with fluorescent lights, and modular panel walls or cubical
farms. This is not conducive to giving everyone a window for natural
light, or using skylights and other light sources that are not easily
rearranged. Skylights also have a reputation for leaking and driving up
maintenance costs.
The sheer amount of wasted space in these buildings is stunning.
Popping up a ceiling tile in the one I work in shows nearly enough
wasted vertical space for another story.
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