Nikil Saval

Cubed by Nikil Saval: A Condensed Summary

Cubed: A Secret History of the Workplace, written by Nikil Saval, provides a comprehensive exploration of the modern office and its impact on society, culture, and individual experience. Saval draws upon historical context, social theory, and personal anecdotes to present his key arguments and insights about office environments and the nature of work.

Overview

Cubed delves into the history and culture of the office, tracing its roots from the early bureaucratic systems to the rise of the cubicle and the open plan design. Saval's analysis explores the societal and economic factors that shaped the office as we know it today, offering a critical examination of the ways in which offices have both empowered and alienated workers.

Key Points / Ideas

1. Office design reflects power hierarchies: Saval argues that the physical layout of an office is often designed to reinforce and replicate the power dynamics present in society. Through an examination of architecture, he demonstrates how certain spaces within an office hold more prestige or control, and explores the implications this has on the well-being and productivity of workers.

 

2. The evolution of office design reflects shifting cultural values: Saval highlights the changes in office design over time, from the birth of the skyscraper to the rise of open plan layouts. He argues that these shifts reflect broader societal changes in technology, hierarchies, and attitudes towards work, emphasizing the impact of cultural shifts on the physical environment in which we work.

 

3. The rise of the knowledge economy and its impact on work: Saval explores the transition from a manufacturing-based economy to a knowledge-based economy and its effects on office spaces and work culture. He discusses the changing nature of work, including the increased emphasis on collaborative and creative tasks, and analyzes how office design has adapted to reflect these shifts.

 

4. The impact of the office on worker well-being and productivity: Saval investigates the effects of office design on employee well-being and productivity. He examines various studies and surveys that demonstrate the negative consequences of certain office layouts on worker happiness, communication, and focus. Saval also explores alternative office designs, such as flexible workspaces and remote working, and the potential benefits they offer.

 

5. The role of technology in shaping the office: Saval analyzes the influence of technology on office design and work processes. He discusses the rise of the computer and its impact on physical office spaces, as well as the introduction of digital surveillance and the blurring of work-life boundaries. Saval explores how technology has altered the power dynamics within the office and the relationship between workers and their employers.

Conclusion

In Cubed, Nikil Saval provides a thought-provoking exploration of the history, culture, and impact of office environments. His analysis sheds light on the ways in which office design reflects power structures, cultural values, and technological advancements. By examining the effects of office environments on worker well-being and productivity, Saval calls for a reimagining of the office space, one that prioritizes collaboration, flexibility, and employee agency.

 

For those interested in understanding the complex relationship between work and the workplace, Cubed is an informative and engaging read. It encourages readers to question the inherent assumptions and design choices that shape our daily work lives. Similar books that dive into the topic include "The Office: A Hardworking History" by Gideon Haigh and "The Open Office Trap" by Ben Waber.