Reading Tomorrow's Office generated  many mixed reactions. Here is a book that would do justice to any coffee table, yet clearly sets out the key issues for creating a modern, effective workplace. It touches every aspect of thinking about office provision, copiously illustrated in both colour and monochrome with examples of good practice and sprinkled with quotations warning of pitfalls.

Anyone embarking on a project to refurbish, move or build will straighten out their thinking by reading this book before starting. They would also do well to keep it to hand to remind them of the importance of every aspect during the rough and tumble of the project, lest they throw out some minuscule detail that proves to be the making or otherwise of their ambitions.

One could, however, quibble about the title "Tomorrow's Office". Arguably it seems to be as much about about today's office, admittedly using best practice examples. The issues about the office of the future seemed contained in the four or five questions listed at the end of each chapter as "Dilemmas". Perhaps the authors are wise, remembering the prediction in the early days of computing that "By the year 2000, all computers will weigh under half a ton" - the future can hold many surprises.

The first few chapters are especially interesting, and I suspect the most difficult to write, as they discuss the ideas behind offices, revealing the crucial importance of a holistic view of the workplace. The later chapters and the appendices are detailed and will be of more use to those about to be or already involved, drawing together in one place many of the concepts, diagrams, checklists and tabular information related to the workplace as a whole.

The case studies at the end of each chapter will be of interest to anyone picking up the book. The attention to detail in the writing about the case studies is exquisite, the turn of phrase enhancing the pleasure of reading about them. The other photographs scattered throughout the book are also of great value in 'seeing what is meant' by concepts.

The production standards of the book are high, the photographs being reproduced crisply and clearly, with good colour rendition. At £42.50 the price will deter those with a passing interest, but is an excellent investment for those thinking about or involved in office renewal or expansion.