A partition assembly adapted to selectively separate a first space from a second space, said assembly comprising: a wall portion (208, 209) defining an opening (212, 219); and a plurality of translate panels (230, 232) arranged in communication with said wall portion (208, 209) and each other translate to selectively cover said opening when said plurality of panels are in a closed and fully extended position and to uncover said opening when said plurality of panels are in an open and retracted position, said plurality of panels comprising: a first panel having a selectively rotatable handle disposed thereon configured to rotate between a first position corresponding with said fully extended position and a second position corresponding with said retracted position; and a second panel configured as a following panel and coupled with said first panel and said handle such that rotational movement of said handle causes linear movement of said second panel, characterized by a first gear portion connected to said handle and configured to rotate with said rotational movement of the handle; and a gear rack in communication with said first gear portion and said second panel, said gear rack being configured to drive said linear movement of the second panel via a connecting link; wherein said first gear portion is configured to communicate said rotational movement of the handle to said gear rack and cause said gear rack to translate linearly, and wherein an edge trim of the first panel forms a linear guide for the gear rack, the connecting link and the second panel to maintain the linear motion thereof. a wall portion (208, 209) defining an opening (212, 219); and a plurality of translate panels (230, 232) arranged in communication with said wall portion (208, 209) and each other translate to selectively cover said opening when said plurality of panels are in a closed and fully extended position and to uncover said opening when said plurality of panels are in an open and retracted position, said plurality of panels comprising: a first panel having a selectively rotatable handle disposed thereon configured to rotate between a first position corresponding with said fully extended position and a second position corresponding with said retracted position; and a second panel configured as a following panel and coupled with said first panel and said handle such that rotational movement of said handle causes linear movement of said second panel, characterized by a first gear portion connected to said handle and configured to rotate with said rotational movement of the handle; and a gear rack in communication with said first gear portion and said second panel, said gear rack being configured to drive said linear movement of the second panel via a connecting link; wherein said first gear portion is configured to communicate said rotational movement of the handle to said gear rack and cause said gear rack to translate linearly, and wherein an edge trim of the first panel forms a linear guide for the gear rack, the connecting link and the second panel to maintain the linear motion thereof. a first panel having a selectively rotatable handle disposed thereon configured to rotate between a first position corresponding with said fully extended position and a second position corresponding with said retracted position; and a second panel configured as a following panel and coupled with said first panel and said handle such that rotational movement of said handle causes linear movement of said second panel, characterized by a first gear portion connected to said handle and configured to rotate with said rotational movement of the handle; and a gear rack in communication with said first gear portion and said second panel, said gear rack being configured to drive said linear movement of the second panel via a connecting link; wherein said first gear portion is configured to communicate said rotational movement of the handle to said gear rack and cause said gear rack to translate linearly, and wherein an edge trim of the first panel forms a linear guide for the gear rack, the connecting link and the second panel to maintain the linear motion thereof.