Space Planning, What, why and How?

 

What?

What needs to be considered when looking at your use able space?

  • Number of Staff
    • How many staff members would you like to position in which areas?
    • Above decision will affect the selection of the configurations that will be needed to accommodate.
    • The minimum space to be considered for a chair behind a desk, or around a desk should be 1 to 1.2m.
    • This applies to space for visitor’s chairs, boardroom tables and open plan.
    • Remember if 2 desks are behind each other 1m needs to be applied to each desk. So a total of 2m gap would apply.

  • Trouble shooting:
    • Things to consider:
      • Door opening direction i.e. into the room or out of the room.
      • Window location
      • Power supply in the room
      • Is there storage required

  • Storage Options
    • Storage can take on many forms. The most common are 2 door cupboards or book cases as well as 3 drawer mobiles. However other options to consider –
      • 4 Drawer, Roller Door Pedenza
      • Roller Door Credenza
      • 4 Door Server Units
      • Server Units to take bar fridges
      • Desk High Pedestals
      • Desktop Storage Boxes. With or without lockable roller doors

  • Power Supply
    • Access to power supply is something that needs to be carefully planned and discussed when planning an office layout. Not only for ease of access for computer/laptops, but also for the simple reason of not running cables along the floor. A Corporate Connection is a great power supply solution. A range of different connections can be included in one corporate connection , depending on your specific requirements , they are:
      • 2 Pin plug points
      • 3 prong plug point
      • USB charging
      • HDMI port
      • Network Port
      • VGA Port

  • Workstation Configuration
    • There are different configurations that can be formed to optimise an open plan work space. These can be as simple as standalone single desks or as complicated as modulated clusters. A cluster can be explained as multiple desks connected to each other. These can either be in a side by side structure or a face to face structure.
      • Side by side structure – will typically run along a wall and can range from a 2 way and extend as far as necessary , usually including side screens
      • Face to face structure – two desks facing each other. These structures will typically be centred in a room or run off a wall into the room. These can range from a 2 way face to face, and extend as far as necessary. Front and side dividers are used in these configurations.
      • Managerial Configurations- typically bigger desks with a storage unit attached. Usually a 4 Drawer, Roller door Pedenza or a Credenza. This office space is usually a standalone office for privacy. Corporate connections for easy power access, small meeting table, couches and even server units are common place.

 

How/Why?

Floors plans are a powerful tool when planning an office space. Not only does it provide a visual aid but it further assists in placement, configuration choice and giving you a sense of confidence in your choice. Not to mention the money saved with making the incorrect purchase.

When it comes to mapping out a floor plan, detail is key. The more detail included in a floor plan, the easier it will be to assign furniture, and ensure that everything fits.

Doors, windows, pillars, power points, trunking and exact room sizes, are of the utmost importance.

All of these elements can drastically change how a room is laid out or the number of people that can be included into a room.

  

For further guidance and on how to choose a Desk , contact our Desk and Chair team or visit our showroom 820 16th Road Midrand today.