The Cubicle

I heard on NPR yesterday that it was supposedly the 40th anniversary of the "Action Office", or what eventually evolved into the modern day cubicle. The Action Office was invented by Robert Propst, who worked for Herman Miller, a manufacturer of office and home furniture based in Zeeland, MI. (See map.) The first prototype was made in 1965, and three years later in 1968 they began production.

Ironically, Robert Propst's intention for the Action Office was to make a more user-friendly and inviting office atmosphere, and was actually not very efficient at using space. However, changes over time led to smaller cubicles that utilized space in a better fashion, eventually leading to what we now have today.

So next time you find yourself admiring the blue/grey tones of your cube, remember to send your thanks to good ol' Michigan for another great invention. :)


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