Michael B. Atkinson 202 439-1251 (mobile) Workplace Program Expert/Architect GSA/PBS Office of Applied Science Research & Expert Services Division (PLA) 1800 F Street, NW, Suite 4213 Washington, DC 20405 (3Q7V)
A built-environment architect with expertise in the creation of "innovative workplaces"; and a fundamental interest in the psycho/social challenges and opportunities that flow from the cutting edge, especially those emerging from the convergence of virtual technologies and business forces. Licensed by the State of Illinois in 1975, with over 30 years experience in the creation of all types of architectual solutions. Creator of the Adaptable Workplace Lab at GSA HQ in 1999. Contributor to multiple publications, both while with the GSA Office of Governmentwide Policy and the PBS Office of Applied Science. (3Q9Q)
.....some thoughts about the 'virtual' (a place we've never been and can never be)! (3Q7W)
"Place" is not merely a state-of-mind as virtual advocates often claim. The "physical constructs" that embody the fabric of our surroundings are at once tangible and psychological. While our minds may utilize the abstract in dealing with this concept, the core of our psyche depends on the familiar and the comfortable for establishing a "place" we call home, whether it be for work or otherwise. (3Q7X)
Irrespective of the tools we use for connecting our thoughts and our conversations, wherever we sit is a "real" place that must contain the sensible elements fundamental for creation and recreation. How we define "home" and how it links to our sense of reality, through both real fabric AND psycho-social proxy is the fertile ground to explore. (3Q7Y)
With the advent of collaborative technologies, real places haven't ceased to exist, they've just become more fragmented. Real Estate isn't going away; it's just going to happen in more places, simultaneously (and some of it will be found on a chip). Physical travel is the casualty here; but our time is leveraged considerably! (3Q7Z)
Virtual transport requires rapidly switching contexts. Since the advent of phones, humans have dealt with this audibly. Visually, we've learned to "surf" the tube and internet. However, working together like this becomes the challenge for our minds and our methods. Organizationally, we've just begun to embrace these tools. Are they needed? (3Q80)
Virtual collaboration involves "time and place" considerations we must consciously process to keep from being out-of-sync. Seeing real collaborators, in common, familiar settings, complete with accessible support tools, seems the "killer-app-to-be". (3Q81)
How (and how soon) do we get there? Will our culture(s) welcome the opportunity? (3Q82)