I Sveriges klimatmål står att senast år 2045 ska Sverige ha noll nettoutsläpp av växthusgaser. Det är ett klimatmål som innebär att alla sektorer behöver bidra för att målet ska vara möjligt att uppnå. Detta gäller även bygg- och fastighetssektorn som står för cirka 21 procent av Sveriges totala utsläpp av växthusgaser ur ett livscykelperspektiv. Då byggnader har stor miljöpåverkan både i produktion och vid användning har olika certifieringssystem tagits fram i syfte att bygga mer hållbart. Med hjälp av en miljöcertifiering med ett tydligt ramverk blir det enklare att arbeta för en miljömässigt hållbar byggnad. Det finns flera olika miljöcertifieringar på den svenska marknaden och några av de som används mest frekvent är Miljöbyggnad, BREEAM-SE och LEED. De olika certifieringarna berör flera olika områden, exempelvis energianvändning, inomhusmiljö bland annat. Certifieringarna innefattar olika indikatorer. Det finns ännu ingen tydlig guide som visar vilket certifieringssystem som passar vilken typ av byggnad eller om alla certifieringar är allmänt applicerbara, utan att skilja sig åt. Av den anledningen är det intressant att undersöka ifall något system är mer lämpligt för kontorsbyggnader. Syftet med studien är att jämföra de olika miljöcertifieringssystemen Miljöbyggnad, BREEAM-SE och LEED utifrån uppbyggnad, genomförande och betygssystem med utgångspunkt i kontorsbyggnader. Studien är avgränsad till att beröra nybyggnation av kontorsbyggnader på den svenska marknaden. Resultatet i studien visar på betydande skillnader i uppbyggnad och genomförande, likaså i betygssystemens utformning. BREEAM-SE har den mest omfattande certifieringsprocessen och är även det dyraste av alternativen, däremot är systemet nationellt anpassningsbart och flexibelt. LEED är det system som ligger längst ifrån svenska förhållanden men är däremot globalt välkänt och kan vara av intresse för internationella investerare, det är även ett omfattande system som beaktar hela byggnaden samt omgivning. Miljöbyggnad är det billigaste och mest användarvänliga systemet men omfattar endast byggnaden i sig. Systemet är anpassat till svenska förhållanden och är inget internationellt system, därför är det av mindre intresse för internationella investerare. / Sweden's climate goal states that by 2045, Sweden must have zero net emissions of greenhouse gases. This climate goal means that all sectors need to contribute in order to achieve the goal. This also applies to the construction and real estate sector, which accounts for approximately 21 percent of Sweden's total greenhouse gas emissions from a life cycle perspective. As buildings have a major environmental impact both in production and in use, various certification systems have been developed with the aim of building more sustainable. With the help of an environmental certification, it will be easier to work for an environmentally sustainable building. There are several different environmental certifications on the Swedish market and some of the most frequently used are Miljöbyggnad, BREEAM-SE and LEED. The different certifications cover several different areas, such as energy use and the indoor environment, and include different indicators. There is still no clear guide that shows which certification system is suitable for which type of building or if all certifications are generally applicable, without differing. For that reason, it is interesting to investigate if any system is more suitable for office buildings. The purpose of the studies is to compare the various environmental certification systems Miljöbyggnad, BREEAM-SE and LEED based on contexture, implementation and rating systems for office buildings. The study is limited to new construction of office buildings on the Swedish market. The results in the study show differences in structure and implementation, as well as in the design of the rating systems. BREEAM-SE has the most comprehensive certification process and is also the most expensive of the alternatives, however, the system is nationally adaptable and flexible. LEED is the system that is furthest from Swedish conditions but is globally well known and may be of interest to international investors, it is also a comprehensive system for the entire building and surroundings. Miljöbyggnad is the cheapest and most user-friendly system but only covers the building itself. The system is adapted to Swedish conditions and is not an international system, therefore it is of less interest to international investors. / <p>Examensarbetet är utfört vid Institutionen för teknik och naturvetenskap (ITN) vid Tekniska fakulteten, Linköpings universitet</p>

A dor cervical é um problema musculoesquelético comum, cuja ocorrência é estimada em torno de 30-50% da população adulta em geral e também muito frequente entre os trabalhadores usuários de computador. A alteração no padrão de atividade muscular dos músculos flexores e extensores é uma das características da dor cervical, que nos usuários de computador parece estar associada à manutenção da postura sentada com anteriorização da cabeça ou flexão cervical. Dois fatores de análise importantes para avaliar déficits na atividade muscular são o fenômeno flexão-relaxamento (FFR) e a relação flexão-relaxamento (RFR). O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar, através da eletromiografia de superfície, a ocorrência do FFR e mensurar a RFR nos músculos extensores da coluna cervical de trabalhadores usuários de computador com e sem dor cervical crônica e de indivíduos saudáveis, não usuários de computador. Foram avaliados 60 indivíduos, 20 usuários de computador com dor cervical crônica (GD), 20 usuários de computador sem dor cervical (GS) e 20 indivíduos saudáveis, não usuários de computador (GC). Os indivíduos responderam o Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ-Br) e o Índice de Incapacidade Relacionada à dor no Pescoço (IIRP), e o FFR e RFR foram analisados através da eletromiografia de superfície dos músculos Semi-espinhal da Cabeça(SC), Esplênio da Cabeça(EC) e Trapézio Superior(TS). O limiar de dor por pressão (LDP) também foi avaliado nestes músculos e no músculo esternocleidomastóideo. Os resultados mostraram maior pontuação do grupo de trabalhadores com dor cervical crônica no domínio Posto de Trabalho do MUEQ-Br (GS 0,35, IC95% 0,14-0,56; GD 0,80, IC95% 0,32-1,28; p<0,05) e maior LDP do músculo EC no grupo com dor cervical em relação ao controle (GD 1,77, IC95% 1,55-2,00; GC 2,38, IC95% 2,02-2,75; p<0,05). O FFR foi verificado em proporção igual em todos os grupos, não sendo observado em todos os indivíduos. A integral do envoltório linear foi maior nos grupos de trabalhadores em relação ao controle no músculo SC em repouso (GS 0,91, IC95% 0,90-0,93; GD 0,90, IC95% 0,88-0,93; GC 0,86, IC95% 0,83-0,90; p<0,05). A relação entre flexão total e a extensão mostrou maior atividade EMG do SE dos grupos de trabalhadores na extensão em relação ao controle (GS 0,38, IC95% 0,32-0,43; GD 0,37, IC95% 0,30-0,44; GC 0,56, IC95% 0,52-0,60; p<0,05). A RFR foi maior no grupo de trabalhadores com dor cervical, diferenciando este grupo do controle (GS 2,33, IC95% 1,93-2,74; GD 3,10, IC95% 2,50-3,70; GC 1,99, IC95% 1,81-2,17; p<0,05). O teste da CIVM dos extensores cervicais apresentou reprodutibilidade boa a excelente, principalmente na CIVM e no grupo com dor cervical (CIVM GS ICC médio SE 0,93; ICC médio EC 0,57; ICC médio TS 0,19) (CIVM GD ICC médio SC 0,50; ICC médio EC 0,84; ICC médio TS 0,96). Os resultados demonstram que a dor cervical crônica e a incapacidade cervical são influenciadas por aspectos físicos relacionados ao trabalho com uso do computador. As relações entre a atividade EMG dos músculos extensores durante os movimentos de flexão e extensão sugerem que o uso de computador recrute de forma contínua a musculatura extensora, que apresenta alta atividade durante o repouso na posição neutra e a extensão, e se mantém ativa durante a flexão e flexão total. Além disso, o trabalho com computador, quando associado à queixa de dor cervical crônica, parece aumentar a sensibilidade dolorosa à pressão na musculatura extensora cervical / Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, the occurrence of which is estimated at around 30-50% of the adult population in general and also very common among office workers. Activity muscle pattern alterated of flexion and extension muscles is one of the characteristics of neck pain, that office workers is associated with the maintenance of the sitting posture with forward head posture or neck flexion. Two important factor analysis to assess deficits in muscle activation are flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FFR) and the flexor-relaxation ratio (RFR). The aim of this study was to evaluate, using surface electromyography, the occurrence of FFR and measure the RFR in extension neck muscles of office workers with and without chronic neck pain and healthy subjects, not computer users. Sixty subjects were evaluated, 20 office workers with chronic neck pain (GD), 20 office workers without neck pain (GS) and 20 healthy subjects, not computer users (GC). Participants completed the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ-Br) and Neck Disability Index (IIRP), and the FFR and RFR were analyzed by surface electromyography of the semispinal capitis (SC) splenius capitis (EC) and Upper Trapezius (TS). Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was also evaluated in these muscles and the sternocleidomastoid. Results showed higher scores of the group of workers with chronic neck pain in the workplace domain MUEQ-Br (GS 0.35, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.56; GD 0.80, 95% CI 0.32 to 1 28, p <0.05) and higher EC LDP in the neck pain group compared to control group (GD 1.77, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.00; GC 2.38, 95% CI 2.02 to 2.75; p <0.05). FFR was observed in the same proportion in all groups, not being observed in all subjects. The integral of linear envelope was higher in workers groups than control group in SC at rest posture (GS 0.91, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.93; GD 0.90, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.93 ; GC 0.86, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.90; p <0.05). The relationship between full flexion and extension showed higher SE EMG activity of workers groups in extension compared to control group (GS 0.38, 95% CI from 0.32 to 0.43; GD 0.37, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.44; GC 0.56, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.60; p <0.05). The RFR was higher in the neck pain workers than control group (SG 2.33, 95% CI 1.93 to 2.74; GD 3.10, 95% CI 2.50 to 3.70; GC 1 99, 95% CI 1.81 to 2.17; p <0.05). The test of MVIC of neck extensor muscles showed good to excellent reproducibility, especially in the MVIC and in neck pain group (MVIC GS - ICC SE 0.93; ICC EC 0.57; ICC TS 0.19) (MVIC GD - SC ICC 0.50, EC ICC 0.84, TS ICC 0.96). The results showed that physical factors are related to chronic neck pain disability in office workers. Relations between the EMG activity of the extensor muscles during flexion and extension movements suggest that computer use recruit continuously the extensor muscles, which shows high activity during rest in the neutral position and extent, and remains active during flexion and full flexion. In addition, work computer use, when associated with chronic complaint of neck pain, seems to increase pain sensitivity to pressure on the neck extensor muscles

La satisfaction environnementale est un concept central en psychologie environnementale. Pourtant, un peu curieusement, elle reste peu explorée dans le cadre organisationnel et notamment dans le monde francophone. Notre travail de doctorat conçoit la satisfaction environnementale au travail comme l'évaluation globale qu'une personne fait de son lieu de travail et ce, quelle que soit l'échelle de référence spatiale sur laquelle elle se place. Une échelle a été construite pour mieux comprendre ce concept et son articulation avec les concepts issus de la psychologie environnementale et de la psychologie du travail qui lui sont proches. Notre recherche se décompose ainsi en 3 objectifs. Le premier objectif s’appuie sur le paradigme de Churchill (1979) et porte sur la construction (étude 1) et les validations exploratoire (étude 2) et confirmatoire (étude 3) d’une Échelle de Satisfaction Environnementale au Travail (ÉSET). Le deuxième objectif confronte la satisfaction environnementale au travail à différentes variables issues de la psychologie environnementale (étude 1) et de la psychologie du travail (étude 2). Le troisième objectif confronte l’ÉSET à l’épreuve interculturelle en comparant la satisfaction environnementale au travail des employés de bureau français et italiens, selon une approche émique (étude 1) et étique (étude 2). L’ÉSET présente des caractéristiques psychométriques satisfaisantes pour son utilisation par les chercheurs en sciences humaines mais également par les gestionnaires de ressources humaines. Elle pourrait conduire à des applications visant l’amélioration de la qualité de vie dans les environnements de travail. / Environmental satisfaction is a key concept in environmental psychology. Surprisingly however, it has been little explored in the French-speaking organisational framework. Our research defines environmental satisfaction at work as an individual’s overall assessment of the workplace, regardless of the spatial scale (workstation, office, organization, neighbourhood). We have constructed a scale in order to better understand this concept and its links with concepts from both environmental psychology and occupational psychology. Our study has three objectives. The first is based on Churchill’s paradigm (1979) and involves the construction (study 1), and exploratory (study 2) and confirmatory (study 3) validation of the Environmental Satisfaction at Work Scale. Our second objective involves examining environmental satisfaction at work in relation to variables from environmental psychology (study 1) and occupational psychology (study 2). Finally, we examine the ESET from an intercultural perspective by comparing the environmental satisfaction of French and Italian office workers taking an emic (study 1) and an etic (study 2) approach.The ESET possesses satisfying psychometric characteristics that can be used both by researchers in social sciences and by human resource managers. This scale can help improve the quality of life in work environments.

A dor cervical é um problema musculoesquelético comum, cuja ocorrência é estimada em torno de 30-50% da população adulta em geral e também muito frequente entre os trabalhadores usuários de computador. A alteração no padrão de atividade muscular dos músculos flexores e extensores é uma das características da dor cervical, que nos usuários de computador parece estar associada à manutenção da postura sentada com anteriorização da cabeça ou flexão cervical. Dois fatores de análise importantes para avaliar déficits na atividade muscular são o fenômeno flexão-relaxamento (FFR) e a relação flexão-relaxamento (RFR). O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar, através da eletromiografia de superfície, a ocorrência do FFR e mensurar a RFR nos músculos extensores da coluna cervical de trabalhadores usuários de computador com e sem dor cervical crônica e de indivíduos saudáveis, não usuários de computador. Foram avaliados 60 indivíduos, 20 usuários de computador com dor cervical crônica (GD), 20 usuários de computador sem dor cervical (GS) e 20 indivíduos saudáveis, não usuários de computador (GC). Os indivíduos responderam o Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ-Br) e o Índice de Incapacidade Relacionada à dor no Pescoço (IIRP), e o FFR e RFR foram analisados através da eletromiografia de superfície dos músculos Semi-espinhal da Cabeça(SC), Esplênio da Cabeça(EC) e Trapézio Superior(TS). O limiar de dor por pressão (LDP) também foi avaliado nestes músculos e no músculo esternocleidomastóideo. Os resultados mostraram maior pontuação do grupo de trabalhadores com dor cervical crônica no domínio Posto de Trabalho do MUEQ-Br (GS 0,35, IC95% 0,14-0,56; GD 0,80, IC95% 0,32-1,28; p<0,05) e maior LDP do músculo EC no grupo com dor cervical em relação ao controle (GD 1,77, IC95% 1,55-2,00; GC 2,38, IC95% 2,02-2,75; p<0,05). O FFR foi verificado em proporção igual em todos os grupos, não sendo observado em todos os indivíduos. A integral do envoltório linear foi maior nos grupos de trabalhadores em relação ao controle no músculo SC em repouso (GS 0,91, IC95% 0,90-0,93; GD 0,90, IC95% 0,88-0,93; GC 0,86, IC95% 0,83-0,90; p<0,05). A relação entre flexão total e a extensão mostrou maior atividade EMG do SE dos grupos de trabalhadores na extensão em relação ao controle (GS 0,38, IC95% 0,32-0,43; GD 0,37, IC95% 0,30-0,44; GC 0,56, IC95% 0,52-0,60; p<0,05). A RFR foi maior no grupo de trabalhadores com dor cervical, diferenciando este grupo do controle (GS 2,33, IC95% 1,93-2,74; GD 3,10, IC95% 2,50-3,70; GC 1,99, IC95% 1,81-2,17; p<0,05). O teste da CIVM dos extensores cervicais apresentou reprodutibilidade boa a excelente, principalmente na CIVM e no grupo com dor cervical (CIVM GS ICC médio SE 0,93; ICC médio EC 0,57; ICC médio TS 0,19) (CIVM GD ICC médio SC 0,50; ICC médio EC 0,84; ICC médio TS 0,96). Os resultados demonstram que a dor cervical crônica e a incapacidade cervical são influenciadas por aspectos físicos relacionados ao trabalho com uso do computador. As relações entre a atividade EMG dos músculos extensores durante os movimentos de flexão e extensão sugerem que o uso de computador recrute de forma contínua a musculatura extensora, que apresenta alta atividade durante o repouso na posição neutra e a extensão, e se mantém ativa durante a flexão e flexão total. Além disso, o trabalho com computador, quando associado à queixa de dor cervical crônica, parece aumentar a sensibilidade dolorosa à pressão na musculatura extensora cervical / Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, the occurrence of which is estimated at around 30-50% of the adult population in general and also very common among office workers. Activity muscle pattern alterated of flexion and extension muscles is one of the characteristics of neck pain, that office workers is associated with the maintenance of the sitting posture with forward head posture or neck flexion. Two important factor analysis to assess deficits in muscle activation are flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FFR) and the flexor-relaxation ratio (RFR). The aim of this study was to evaluate, using surface electromyography, the occurrence of FFR and measure the RFR in extension neck muscles of office workers with and without chronic neck pain and healthy subjects, not computer users. Sixty subjects were evaluated, 20 office workers with chronic neck pain (GD), 20 office workers without neck pain (GS) and 20 healthy subjects, not computer users (GC). Participants completed the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ-Br) and Neck Disability Index (IIRP), and the FFR and RFR were analyzed by surface electromyography of the semispinal capitis (SC) splenius capitis (EC) and Upper Trapezius (TS). Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was also evaluated in these muscles and the sternocleidomastoid. Results showed higher scores of the group of workers with chronic neck pain in the workplace domain MUEQ-Br (GS 0.35, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.56; GD 0.80, 95% CI 0.32 to 1 28, p <0.05) and higher EC LDP in the neck pain group compared to control group (GD 1.77, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.00; GC 2.38, 95% CI 2.02 to 2.75; p <0.05). FFR was observed in the same proportion in all groups, not being observed in all subjects. The integral of linear envelope was higher in workers groups than control group in SC at rest posture (GS 0.91, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.93; GD 0.90, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.93 ; GC 0.86, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.90; p <0.05). The relationship between full flexion and extension showed higher SE EMG activity of workers groups in extension compared to control group (GS 0.38, 95% CI from 0.32 to 0.43; GD 0.37, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.44; GC 0.56, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.60; p <0.05). The RFR was higher in the neck pain workers than control group (SG 2.33, 95% CI 1.93 to 2.74; GD 3.10, 95% CI 2.50 to 3.70; GC 1 99, 95% CI 1.81 to 2.17; p <0.05). The test of MVIC of neck extensor muscles showed good to excellent reproducibility, especially in the MVIC and in neck pain group (MVIC GS - ICC SE 0.93; ICC EC 0.57; ICC TS 0.19) (MVIC GD - SC ICC 0.50, EC ICC 0.84, TS ICC 0.96). The results showed that physical factors are related to chronic neck pain disability in office workers. Relations between the EMG activity of the extensor muscles during flexion and extension movements suggest that computer use recruit continuously the extensor muscles, which shows high activity during rest in the neutral position and extent, and remains active during flexion and full flexion. In addition, work computer use, when associated with chronic complaint of neck pain, seems to increase pain sensitivity to pressure on the neck extensor muscles

Syftet med studien var att studera kontorspersonals upplevelser om psykosocial arbetsmiljö samt arbetsbelastning. Metoden som användes för insamling av data var semistrukturerade intervjuer. Intervjuerna, som var åtta till antalet, analyserades sedan med hjälp av induktiv tematisk analys. Urvalet bestod av kontorspersonal från både offentliga och privata organisationer. Resultatet visade att upplevelserna kring psykosocial arbetsmiljö samt arbetsbelastning hade en betydelse för hur intervjupersonerna mådde på arbetet. Slutsatsen blir att kontorspersonal, för att ha en bra psykosocial arbetsmiljö, behöver rimliga krav och resurser för att utföra sina arbetsuppgifter samt få stöd från chefer och kollegor. Även en balans mellan arbete och fritid behövs för att och kunna må bra på arbetet. / The purpose of this study was to study office workers’ experiences of the psychosocial work environment and workload. The method used for data collection was semi-structured interviews. There were eight interviews conducted, which were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The sample consisted of office workers from both public and private sector organizations. The results showed that the experiences of the psychosocial work environment and workload were of importance on how the interviewees felt at work. The conclusion is that for office workers to have a good psychosocial work environment they need reasonable demands placed on them, resources to perform their tasks, and support from managers and colleagues. Also, a good work-life-balance is needed in order to feel good at work.

No description available.

An employed individual will spend between a quarter and a third of his or her waking life at the workplace. An estimated 40% of those in South Africa who are employed full-time work in offices. With the amount of time spend in buildings, the physical conditions in the workplace are important determinants of satisfaction, comfort, well-being, and effectiveness and can even play a role in mental health. The physical environment in offices should therefore be carefully planned, designed, and managed. This qualitative study, sought to develop an inter-cultural office design framework for South Africa combining Eastern and Western design principles. Specifically, it sought to obtain a better insight into design principles which can enhance the well-being of office workers; inter-cultural, gender neutral and age neutral design principles which can be applied in a South African context. To be able to answer these questions an intensive literature review was undertaken investigating both the Eastern design principles as expressed in feng shui and Western design principles as expressed in Environmental Social Science. The design principles of these two traditions were compared and all aspects where the two traditions did not support each other were included in the in-depth interviews. Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted By relying on various design cultures (e.g. Eastern and Western) an environment can be created which are pleasing and can enhance the well-being of the users. Underlying design principles are universal, but the symbolic expression thereof can differ from culture to culture. One of the conclusions from this study is that three quarters of design principles are v universal. There is no one size fits all solution and compromise is necessary from all involved. The compromise applies to the roughly a quarter of design aspects where subgroup differences have been detected. Any design should take individual and group difference into account. The only way to do this is to get proper input from all stakeholders at all stages of the design. It is critically important that the input starts before the design process commences. There are many design principles which can be implemented to improve the quality of work life of office workers in the South African context. Design can for example play a very important role in encouraging and facilitating formal and informal interaction in the workplace – bridging the gap between heterogeneous groups. Without forcing relationships, design can assist in naturally integrating heterogeneous groups. The physical environment must support the image and identity which needs to be communicated, facilitate communication and enable task accomplishment. Most of all it must become a place with which employees can identify and where they can develop a sense of place. From this study it can be concluded that not only form follows function but also that aesthetics follow function – a principle that design should be based on the primary purpose of the building, the workspace based on the needs of the stakeholders and from this starting point aesthetics will flow. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Consulting Psychology)

An employed individual will spend between a quarter and a third of his or her waking life at the workplace. An estimated 40% of those in South Africa who are employed full-time work in offices. With the amount of time spend in buildings, the physical conditions in the workplace are important determinants of satisfaction, comfort, well-being, and effectiveness and can even play a role in mental health. The physical environment in offices should therefore be carefully planned, designed, and managed. This qualitative study, sought to develop an inter-cultural office design framework for South Africa combining Eastern and Western design principles. Specifically, it sought to obtain a better insight into design principles which can enhance the well-being of office workers; inter-cultural, gender neutral and age neutral design principles which can be applied in a South African context. To be able to answer these questions an intensive literature review was undertaken investigating both the Eastern design principles as expressed in feng shui and Western design principles as expressed in Environmental Social Science. The design principles of these two traditions were compared and all aspects where the two traditions did not support each other were included in the in-depth interviews. Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted By relying on various design cultures (e.g. Eastern and Western) an environment can be created which are pleasing and can enhance the well-being of the users. Underlying design principles are universal, but the symbolic expression thereof can differ from culture to culture. One of the conclusions from this study is that three quarters of design principles are v universal. There is no one size fits all solution and compromise is necessary from all involved. The compromise applies to the roughly a quarter of design aspects where subgroup differences have been detected. Any design should take individual and group difference into account. The only way to do this is to get proper input from all stakeholders at all stages of the design. It is critically important that the input starts before the design process commences. There are many design principles which can be implemented to improve the quality of work life of office workers in the South African context. Design can for example play a very important role in encouraging and facilitating formal and informal interaction in the workplace – bridging the gap between heterogeneous groups. Without forcing relationships, design can assist in naturally integrating heterogeneous groups. The physical environment must support the image and identity which needs to be communicated, facilitate communication and enable task accomplishment. Most of all it must become a place with which employees can identify and where they can develop a sense of place. From this study it can be concluded that not only form follows function but also that aesthetics follow function – a principle that design should be based on the primary purpose of the building, the workspace based on the needs of the stakeholders and from this starting point aesthetics will flow. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Consulting Psychology)