A coffee area in an open-plan office brings people together, but it can also distract. Good planning balances both.
In an open-plan office, put the coffee area away from desks that need focus, along a main walkway, and where conversations will not carry across the floor. Furniture, plants, or acoustic panels help separate it.
Noise
Grinding, milk frothing, and chatter carry a long way. Acoustic panels, rugs, or curtains reduce echo.
Smells and traffic
Coffee aroma is rarely a problem, but food smells can be. If the area doubles as an eating spot, ensure ventilation. The queue should not block walkways.
An area for a large team
In large offices, you can split the coffee area into several smaller points. The page on vending for corporations (publisher's site) covers such setups.
FAQ
Can the coffee area be next to meeting rooms? Yes, if the rooms are well soundproofed.
How much space is needed? Enough for two or three people to stand without blocking the walkway.