Cellkontor

Cellkontor, or cell office, describes an office layout in which workers occupy enclosed private rooms. Walls and doors separate each workspace from adjacent areas, prioritizing privacy, acoustics, and personal control over the immediate environment. While often associated with a single occupant per room, some configurations use two to three occupants per cell.

Typical features include a door, an interior wall with a window to a corridor or shared space, and standard office furniture such as a desk, chair, and storage. The size of a cellkontor varies, but a common range is roughly 9 to 15 square meters per occupant, depending on local codes and the organization's design standards.

Advantages include improved concentration, fewer interruptions, better confidentiality, and easier handling of sensitive information. Disadvantages include higher space and cost per employee, potential for social isolation, and reduced opportunities for spontaneous collaboration.

Historically, cellkontor was a traditional arrangement in many offices, especially in government, academia, and large corporations. In recent decades, many organizations shifted toward open-plan layouts to increase collaboration and lower real estate costs, though cellkontor remains in use, particularly for management roles or roles requiring high levels of focus. Some offices adopt a hybrid model, combining private offices with shared spaces and activity-based work areas.

In contemporary discussions of workplace design, cellkontor is often weighed against alternatives such as open-plan offices and activity-based working. The choice depends on organizational culture, work tasks, and preferences for privacy versus collaboration.