Guide to Space Needs

So how do you calculate your floor area?

Well there are two ways

  1. Unscientific method — 1 space per 100 sq ft which we do not recommend; or
  2. Scientific method i.e. let us help you calculate your spatial appraisal

How is a Spatial Appraisal undertaken?

Information is derived from 3 key areas

  1. Interviews
  2. Surveys
  3. Observation

Interviews

The interview will establish exactly the key parameters of the spatial requirements in terms of timescale, growth plans and staffing levels

Surveys

There are two principal surveys to be undertaken and they comprise:

Workplace Survey — an appraisal of all differing work tasks

Storage Survey — this is undertaken to ensure the spatial calculation has allowed for sufficient capacity. The storage audit is undertaken both for individual and departmental requirements

Observation

By undertaking an observational survey we learn about an organisation’s culture and any difficulties that may be present within the current office facility. These are recorded and discussed with the corporate interviewee to establish whether these points should be addressed

What is produced?

We now have a report detailing the sizes allocated for individual work station requirements, departments, meeting rooms, com rooms, reception, break out area and storage. The space occupied by those elements are then combined with ratios that apply for primary and secondary circulation together with the ‘fit factor’ ratio which recognises that not all available space that is classed as net internal area (NIA) can actually accommodate people or furniture

The combination for spatial calculations and applied ratios will provide the client with a total net internal area required for their new office facility

What are the benefits of undertaking a Spatial Appraisal?

The appraisal itself provides an organisation with the opportunity to review its own requirements in the presence of a workplace specialist

The result of the survey represents an accurate reference point for any future discussions regarding spatial needs

It provides factual information on which to make valid business decisions about business future plans

The most significant benefit to the organisation is that it ensures the correct amount of space is acquired preventing the possibility of experience of shortfall or excessive space being acquired.