Robert Propst
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Robert (Bob) Propst (? - 2000) was the inventor of the Action Office which evolved into the cubicle office furniture system.
Robert Propst was from Colorado and worked for Herman Miller (Research) in Zeeland, Michigan.
Propst's work has been exhibited at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Henry Ford Museum.
Great Misnomer, "Father of the Cubicle." When Bob Propst designed the "Action Office," he never in his worst dreams believed that the much criticized "cubicle" would be the result of work. In fact, Propst's own research into developing the action office philosophically is against the cubicle in every way.
The reason the "cubicle" came into vogue was because some accountant some where saw that the design of the "Action Office" with its movable walls somehow saved money in construction and development costs. Therefore, the abuse of the "Action Office" design was to pack in as many employees as possible into an office space. This vision was absolutely contrary to Propst's intentions.
Propst's 120 inventions include:
- A vertical timber harvester
- a quality control system for concrete
- an electronic tagging system for livestock
- a mobile office for a quadriplegic
- Modular systems for use in hospitals
In 1953 he formed Propst Co. in Denver to commercialise his inventions.
[edit] Awards
- Best Collection of the Year, Home Furnishings Daily, 1964
- 21st Annual International Design Award, American Institute of Interior Designers, 1970
- Distinguished Service Citation, Institute of Business Designers, 1972
- Design Review Industrial Design Award, 1976
