Open minded

I was interested to read recently an article which suggested that the phase in the open plan method of design may have had its day.

I think it depends. Firstly it depends on how many of you live in the space. Secondly it depends whether you can alter the layout to close up the open plan. And thirdly it depends on whether you can escape to your own private space.

If there are just two of you and you are a partnership unit, of adult age and with similar interests, then open plan works quite well, and brings with it the obvious benefits of a larger visual expanse.

If you can close up the open plan - for instance the kitchen, so that unwanted smells associated with cooking can be minimised or eliminated, or with an office, so that the mess that some of us employ to function creatively can be hidden when there are guests - then this is an effective tool. I used that with the refurbishment of this apartment, maximising light with sandblasted glass panels, both fixed and sliding.

And if you have your own private space, where you can go off to sulk after you've had a row, or to close off the noise of television or music, then it works too.

But these are really very important elements to consider when making a design choice.

What would you do?