Today, it is difficult to imagine offices, halls, or other public places without a reception, because the reception is not only a multifunctional piece of furniture but a business card of the company’s status and image. What multifunctional properties are meant? First, the reception as a navigational element, when entering the room a person intuitively goes to it, and secondly, it usually has a pronounced design, acting as a central decorative element of the entrance group of the office, it is something that includes crucial aesthetic properties. But there are no less important engineering properties: ergonomics, equipment, safety and design.
Ergonomics.
As the reception is a permanent workplace and a place for receiving visitors at the same time, it should be equally convenient for everyone.
There are high and low receptions. High receptions, where the height of the guest table from the floor starts from 1100mm to 1200mm, are designed for the administrative functions of the room, or a room with a high flow of people. Low receptions are used less often, but also have the right to a full existence. The height from the floor to the guest table is 900 mm. The main disadvantage is the inability to hide the equipment behind the rack, but the employee has a good overview of the space.
There are often two people behind the reception desk, it is necessary to take into account the comfortable space when designing based on ergonomics for both people. Thus, the depth of the work surface should start from 500 mm, this is enough to accommodate a laptop or monitor with a keyboard. If work with papers is provided, then depth needs to be increased from 700 mm. Regarding the length of the reception – here you should take into account the minimum and comfortable size. The minimum allowable width for 1 person is 800 mm. Comfortable width – 1200 mm, while adjacent employees will not interfere with each other.
Equipment.
In addition to the ergonomics of the workspace, it is also important to understand in advance what additional devices will be placed behind the high part of the reception. This also includes security.
The basic items that will be at the reception, in any case, are a computer and a printer. Additionally, there is also a video surveillance monitor, a door open button, a button to call the security service, air conditioning control.
Constructiveness.
Depending on the type of purpose of the premises, the company’s philosophy, and the designer’s idea, the reception can be different in shape, taking into account the previous points.
In relation to the size of the space in which the reception will be, the direct, arched, or island receptions are well placed in large and medium-sized rooms. Corners are more often used in small rooms.
The material from which the reception is made also belongs to constructiveness. The variability of materials today is quite wide, ranging from natural stone to the budget version of fiberboard. Depending on the conceptual vision of the designer, the status and prestige of the company, everyone chooses the best option.

Thus, the reception is the heart of any space, so you should pay special attention to this element, both aesthetic and functional.