Evolution of Victorian and early twentieth century office buildings in Britain

Abstract

This study traces the evolution of office buildings in Britain from approximately 1840, the early years of the office as a separate building type, to world War I. In this period offices were transformed from small buildings almost indistinguishable from houses to large specialised buildings which contained most of the constituent components of modern offices.

Four major aspects of offices are analysed and interrelated: form, structure, services and style. Changes in building size and organisation, function needs, and contextural pressures are included as components of form. Structure includes the theoretical, regulatory, and attitudinal issues associated with the development of fireproof floors and full framing. Application and integration of lighting, and central heating and ventilation, are the components of services. Constantly changing expression and its relationship to contemporary theory and problems in offices are studied in style.

Due to the unique context and intensity of development, office buildings in the City of London receive heightened attention. The substantial differences between Victorian and early twentieth century offices warrant separate analyses of each.

Major developments in Victorian office buildings include the growth in size, height and specialisation of buildings; the response to, natural lighting needs; the constraints of 'Ancient Lights; the impact of the lift; utilisation of rudimentary central heating and ventilating systems with continued use of the fireplace; development of internal iron framing and fire-resistive construction; the application of numerous styles to offices; and stylistic response to design within severe functional and contextural constraints. Early twentieth century offices evolved with major changes in building planning through the application of 'scientific office management' ideas; continued growth in building size and height; stylistic influences in planning; integration of electric lighting; full acceptance of central heating and the demise of the open fire; controversy and application of full framing; concrete framing; stylistic acceptance of office buildings; and the continued variety of new styles.

A roll call of representative and influential buildings summarises the study.