Chapter 13. Facilities Strategy

We will create an open workspace for our team, with small private spaces around the periphery and a common programming area in the middle.

About Figure 5, Ron Jeffries writes:

This picture shows the DaimlerChrysler C3 Payroll team's work area. Two large tables each hold six development machines. Programmer pairs sit at any machine that's available to do their work. (This picture was not posed: they really do work together like this. The photographer was working with Chet, at the back table with his back to the camera.)

The two visible walls are paved with whiteboards, showing Functional Tests needing attention, planned CRC sessions, and the Iteration Plan on the back board. The sheets of paper at the top of the boards on the left are little signs containing the group's XP rules.

The walls to the right and below the camera are lined with little cubbies, just large enough for a telephone and a writing surface.

In the far back of the room, between the computer table and the whiteboard, is a standard table around which the team meets for CRC sessions. The table is usually covered with CRC cards and food, since one of the team rules is "There must be food."

The room was designed by the team: we actually CHOSE to be here. People speak quietly and the noise level is surprisingly low. But when you need help, you can just raise your voice a tiny bit and get it. You'll get help immediately: Note that the floor has no carpet, which means our chairs can really move!