Multi-purpose column assembly

A column assembly for use in an open-plan work environment, comprising:

• a frame comprising a first support post and a second support post,
• a plurality of support elements attached to the frame, the plurality of support elements comprising at least one light fixture support element and at least one canopy support element;
• a canopy mounted on the at least one canopy support element, comprising a lower surface facing a floor and an upper surface facing a ceiling, the canopy comprising an acoustic element comprising a sound absorbing material located on the upper surface and a light reflective element located on the lower surface, wherein the canopy is at least partially perforated so as to allow sound to pass through the canopy and be absorbed by the sound absorbing material;
• a plurality of outlet boxes located on the frame for providing at least one of electrical, data and telephone cabling to the work environment;
• and
• a panel skin comprising at least two panel skin sections, each panel skin section comprising a first side that attaches to the first support post and a second side that attaches to the second support post, wherein the first and second sides of each panel skin section attach to the first and second support posts with a hook and loop fastener,
• wherein the panel skin at least partially surrounds the frame so as to form a cavity between the panel skin and the frame to accommodate cables so that the cables are not visible from outside the column assembly.