A smart office. (Geoplex building in Toronto, Canada)

from the Knowledge Report, Fall '96, Steelcase Canada Ltd.

We've all heard that because technology allows us to work anywhere and any time, the days of big, sprawling central office locations are numbered. So... will we just work from our cars and living rooms? Not necessarily.

Everyone still needs to get together on occasion. Homes are not the best places to meet clients. And video conferencing from the home isn't likely to be widespread at least in the near future. Most importantly, people need face time to convey the nuances of what they're saying - and also to nurture a feeling of belonging, bonding and loyalty to the organization they work for.

But the …