This Algorithm Might Design Your Next Office

This article is part of a series called Future Space, which focuses on innovations in design, technology, and other fields.

When architect Yorgos Kapourniotis started at WeWork, one of the simplest tasks — deciding how to arrange desks in each private office — was causing him some big headaches.

“I was covering projects for other architects, and placing desks was slowing things down,” says Kapourniotis. “It’s usually a simple process, but when there are dozens of offices per floor it can take a lot of time.”