He is specialised in the evaluation of buildings in use and the implications for briefing and design. He has published many articles and books on design for all, adaptable housing, socially safe designs, functional quality of buildings and specific studies of, among others, health centres and housing and care for the elderly. In recent years, his research has been concentrated on the effects of office innovation on the performance of organisations and their employees. He is currently attached to the Center for People and Buildings.

This paper discusses office design in the ‘new economy’. Office buildings of dot.com companies seem to be dominated by colourful materials, luxurious facilities such as gyms or lounge areas and gimmicks such as jukeboxes and pool tables. Employees ‘float’ around in these offices wherever and whenever they want. Such work environments seem very attractive and productive. Still, the meaning and relevance of such ‘fun offices’ can be questioned. In this paper the authors try to explain where this informal and casual office style comes from, relating it to labour market developments and changes in organisational culture. Secondly, they discuss the merits of ‘fun’ office design. How does it affect people’s creativity, their ideas about work and the distinction between work and private life?