This thesis proposes a model of understanding the constraining effect of floorplates on the integration of office layouts. The proposed model is based on the analysis of floorplates and layouts which is simultaneously configurational, global and robust. The study departs from two observations: first, there is a difference between the lifespan of shells and layouts; second, shells influence but do not determine the layouts than can be accommodated in them. The thesis proposes two descriptions of shape which gauge their compactness and convex fragmentation based on configurational relations among modular units of shape. Shapes of actual floorplates are described according to the proposed measures leading to a typology of office buildings. The space syntax research on workspaces has demonstrated that the integration of layout circulation affects the patterns of movement, encounter and interaction, which are linked to organizational performance. Actual layouts are described according to skewness and density of connectivity of linear maps leading to three alternative types of office layouts: sparse grids, dense grids and fishbones. Two ideal layouts of grids and fishbones, extracted from the typology, reflect opposing ways of increasing the layout integration and best represent open-plan layouts. Experiments with hypothetical grids and fishbones generated systematically on theoretical shapes demonstrate strong but differing effects of shape on layout integration. These are subsequently confirmed by the analysis of hypothetical grids and fishbones generated into a large sample of actual office buildings in the US. The relationship between floorplate shape and layout is mediated by the generative principle applied to the generation of layout. There exists an underlying congruence between a morphological typology of layouts (which distinguishes between fishbone and grid as alternative principles for increasing integration) and a morphological typology of shapes (which distinguishes between more compact and convexly unified shapes and shapes with wings). The findings highlight the distinction between constraint and determination. Floorplate shapes exercise underlying constraints upon the layout integration but they do not determine it. The proposed model enhances the evaluation of existing building portfolios for their suitability for different types of office layouts and aids the design and planning of new work environments.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--York University, 2007. Graduate Programme in Computer Science. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-117). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR38843

Thesis (M. Arch.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes special report study entitled: Accessibility in Tsimshatsui/Hunghom District. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references.

Recently more and more attention has been paid to copyright protection in Lithuania. As a result, quite a number of governmental institutions have faced a problem. Most of them use unlicensed software. The alternative way to legalize software is to use free of charge (open-coded) software. That is why the Lithuanian Ministry of Education encourages educational institutions to use stable open-coded localized programmes; Open Office Pack falls into this category. At the moment Microsoft Office Pack dominates the software market. Open Office is a direct competitor of Microsoft Office, because it is free of charge. In the course if writing this paper, we got acquainted with different office programme packs. The potential and compatibility of Microsoft Office and Open Office packs with each other as well as with various operating systems have been described. Also, some experimental research has been carried out. We aimed to find out the differences of acquiring theoretical knowledge and practical skills while working with each of the packs. 9 and 10th formers participated in the experimental research. They were introduced to the basics of working with the Microsoft Office Word, Open Office Writer, Open Office Calc and Microsoft Office Excel programmes. In the course of the experiment, the level of pupils’ theoretical knowledge before and after the teaching and practice stages was measured. Also, their acquired practical skills were assessed. We have also questioned 38 IT teachers... [to full text]

Thesis (B. Arch.)--Roger Williams University, 2007. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references. Also available online via Digital Commons @ RWU.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 101-104).

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1990.

Thesis (PhD)-Open University. BLDSC no.DX185081.

Thesis (M.Arch.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes special report study entitled : Accessibility in Tsimshatsui/Hunghom District. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.