The chapter discusses the concept of "Media Space" in the workplace, emphasizing its role in facilitating collaboration and social interaction among geographically distributed workers. Media Space is defined as a technologically created environment that supports both task-specific and informal interactions, enabling people to work together even when they are not physically present at the same location. The authors, Sara A. Bly, Steve R. Harrison, and Susan Irwin, describe the development of Media Space at Xerox PARC, particularly in the context of a split lab between Palo Alto and Portland, Oregon. They highlight the importance of social and technical practices in collaborative work and how these elements interplay to support effective group work. Key aspects of Media Space include: 1. **Social and Technical Practices**: The creation of Media Space is driven by the need to support social interactions and collaborative activities, not just task-specific tasks. 2. **Cross-Site Collaboration**: Media Space allows for real-time visual and acoustic connections, enabling workers to "be" together despite physical separation. 3. **Evolution and Iteration**: The Media Space evolved through continuous use and feedback, with users controlling the technology and its integration into their work activities. 4. **Multiple Uses**: Media Space supports a wide range of activities, from casual conversations and awareness of colleagues to formal meetings and project support. 5. **Design Considerations**: The design of Media Space involves balancing the needs of different user groups, the physical setting, and the technology itself to create a flexible and effective environment. The chapter also discusses the broader implications of Media Space, including its potential to enhance social and collaborative interactions in various organizational settings. It concludes with a review of additional Media Space research projects, highlighting the diverse applications and ongoing developments in this field.The chapter discusses the concept of "Media Space" in the workplace, emphasizing its role in facilitating collaboration and social interaction among geographically distributed workers. Media Space is defined as a technologically created environment that supports both task-specific and informal interactions, enabling people to work together even when they are not physically present at the same location. The authors, Sara A. Bly, Steve R. Harrison, and Susan Irwin, describe the development of Media Space at Xerox PARC, particularly in the context of a split lab between Palo Alto and Portland, Oregon. They highlight the importance of social and technical practices in collaborative work and how these elements interplay to support effective group work. Key aspects of Media Space include: 1. **Social and Technical Practices**: The creation of Media Space is driven by the need to support social interactions and collaborative activities, not just task-specific tasks. 2. **Cross-Site Collaboration**: Media Space allows for real-time visual and acoustic connections, enabling workers to "be" together despite physical separation. 3. **Evolution and Iteration**: The Media Space evolved through continuous use and feedback, with users controlling the technology and its integration into their work activities. 4. **Multiple Uses**: Media Space supports a wide range of activities, from casual conversations and awareness of colleagues to formal meetings and project support. 5. **Design Considerations**: The design of Media Space involves balancing the needs of different user groups, the physical setting, and the technology itself to create a flexible and effective environment. The chapter also discusses the broader implications of Media Space, including its potential to enhance social and collaborative interactions in various organizational settings. It concludes with a review of additional Media Space research projects, highlighting the diverse applications and ongoing developments in this field.