This study investigated the categories of generative and conservative offices by using syntactic theories and conducting a comparative analysis of two different layout configurations.Generativity depends on several features that include but are not limited to spatial criteria.Generativity is also affected by aspects that extend beyond the physical,such as the symbolic relationship between the social organism of an organization and the intal structure of a workplace.Results show that no consistent relationship exists between spatial variables and behaviors even though the examined layouts satisfy an organization’s basic cultural requirements,including privacy,territoriality,and hierarchy.Spatial parameters increase the potential for generativity,but such increase is not guaranteed without necessary changes in the attitudes,programs,and policies of organizations.Recognizing the limits of spatial variables requires evidence-based field research on office settings to determine operational and tailormade solutions.