The combined reception of the Tax Office and the Service Implementation Education in the government office Kempkensberg in Groningen (2012) A desk in a hospital (2013)
A desk is a kind of table with mostly staff on the one hand and other customers, for sale, information, etc. It is more open than a counter. Due to the open character, a desk will often be chosen to offer a service more accessible, while a counter will be used for services requiring more security.
A reception desk (in Belgium also called 'reception') is a desk at the entrance of all kinds of institutions, such as hotels, offices and government agencies. The function of receptionist (s) is often combined with that of a telephonist (s).
wiki
