Which modern workplace features did the Larkin Company Building include?

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The Larkin Company Building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and erected in 1904, was a pioneering work that incorporated several advanced features for a modern workplace:

  • Environmental Control: The building was sealed and fireproof, featuring filtered, conditioned, mechanical ventilation and air conditioning to protect the interior from its smoky surroundings.12
  • Modern Furnishings: It utilized metal desks, chairs, and files, reflecting a shift toward modern office equipment.1
  • Lighting and Acoustics: The design provided excellently balanced natural and artificial light, along with ample sound-absorbent surfaces to improve the work environment.1
  • Spatial Organization: The offices were grouped around a central skylighted court, which helped organize the workspace efficiently.2
  • Infrastructure: The building offered advanced amenities in circulation, fire protection, and plumbing.2