Hey all!
Since most of my classes are talking about space planning this week, I’d like to focus my blogging attention on that subject. Sometimes us students get a little carried away with our concepts and get stuck in a design that we later realize can’t fit everything we need. Space planning from day one has come to help me tremendously. At times I even have developed my concept from the way I lay out my plan. In Construction Docs and Contract Design we are designing office spaces and I have come to see that flexibility is key in designing a comfortable workplace that optimizes employee productivity. So, I have come up with a list of questions to ask yourself before planning your space:
Is the lighting sufficient?
Have you considered the acoustics of the space?
How large is the room?
Are there enough electrical outlets in the room for your hardware?
Are there phone outlets and a line for fax?
Where are the windows located?
How many different types of rooms are needed and how many of each type?
Where are your main corridors and point of egress?
That is just to start you off! Then comes the task of juggling all of those components and making it look fun and dynamic. The planning stage consists of several different events for instance; you are required to change existing furniture to new furniture, or reconfiguring the company’s furniture or a combination of both. You must be capable of creating a plan that will be able to serve your goals and objectives for the future plans of the company. In order to perform office space planning, one must recognize the goals as well as the future plans. Space planning, if not done right, can be extremely costly and ineffective. Yes, we are working on mock clients, but this is very important to consider while you are learning your way around these projects. The space plan should be functional and pleasing to the eye. A satisfactory work environment keeps the employees happy, efficient and productive and it keeps your grades up as well!!
Hope that helps a little!!
‘Till Next Time,
Kris