[ibrow]

Not productivity related, but the most important thing IMO that an office should have is a view of the outside. It is more than just something nice to look at. If you spend as much time as I do in front of your monitor(s) you need to regularly focus on something in the middle to far distance to reduce eye-strain. I've done a quick search on the internets to find this: http://www.pasadenaeye.com/faq/faq08/faq08_text.html

I've no idea if this is scientifically proven or anything, but looking away from the monitor every once in a while can't be bad for you.

[malandrew]

I read somewhere that this apparently is also one of the patterns in the book A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander. I don't own a copy yet so I can't confirm this.

[brudgers]

Workplaces and workspaces are the subject of patterns at each scale. Windows and light are also themes.

Patterns are listed here: http://www.patternlanguage.com/leveltwo/patternsframegreen.h...

The book is excellent, I can't vouch for membership on the website.

The biggest issue with computer monitors and light is of course, glare.

[ibrow]

Looks like a great book - adding it to my wish list. Thanks

(link to book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pattern-Language-Buildings-Constructio... )