Does Workspace Design Influence Where Academics Work?

44 Pages Posted: 20 Mar 2024

See all articles by Alessandra Migliore

Alessandra Migliore

Polytechnic University of Milan - Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering

Cristina Rossi Lamastra

Politecnico di Milano

Chiara Tagliaro

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Abstract

This study contributes to the literature on the organization of academic work by examining the links between workspace design and academics’ daily work. Although understanding these links is crucial for effectively managing university spaces, scientific research on this topic lags. Following the existing literature, we conceptualize academics’ workspaces through four building blocks of spatial design (i.e., physical structure, distance, workplace arrangements, and spatial scale). We then analyze whether and how these four building blocks influence academics’ decisions regarding where to work. Empirically, this study relies on a unique dataset of Italian academics. The findings highlight the relevance of home-university distance and workplace arrangements in drawing academics to the campus, while the influence of physical structure and spatial scale is meager.

Keywords: Workspace Design, Organizational Space, University Campuses, Academic Work.

Suggested Citation

Migliore, Alessandra and Rossi Lamastra, Cristina and Tagliaro, Chiara, Does Workspace Design Influence Where Academics Work?. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4766895 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4766895

Alessandra Migliore (Contact Author)

Polytechnic University of Milan - Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering ( email )

Via Lambruschini 4C - building 26/A
Milano, 20156
Italy

Cristina Rossi Lamastra

Politecnico di Milano ( email )

Piazza Leonardo da Vinci
Milan, Milano 20100
Italy
+390223993972 (Phone)
+390223992710 (Fax)

Chiara Tagliaro

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

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