Office layouts are determined by headcount, adjacency, and service access. This article covers workstation sizing, circulation widths, and acoustic separation for focus and collaboration. Power, data, and lighting are specified per desk with documented quantities. All services are tested before concealment and furniture installation.

A workspace is correct when headcount, adjacencies, and services are fixed on plan. Circulation does not cross work zones. Acoustic levels meet specification. There is no variance between approved layout and site.

The parameters below cover zoning, workstation dimensions, circulation, acoustic control, and service provision. Each parameter has a measurable value and a verification method before handover.

Workspace Planning: Zoning, Circulation, and Service Integration

Workspace planning is based on headcount, department adjacency, and service load. PMC fixes zones for individual work, meeting, and support with documented dimensions. Power, data, lighting, and HVAC are located per desk and room function. All services are tested and recorded before finishes.

Planning Criteria

Layout without headcount and adjacency creates obstruction and rework. PMC fixes the following before procurement:

• Headcount and Density: Area per person set at 6 sqm to 10 sqm based on role and equipment
• Adjacency Matrix: Department locations fixed to reduce movement and support workflow
• Circulation: Primary routes 1500 mm clear. Secondary routes 900 mm clear. Desk-to-desk 1800 mm clear
• Workstation Size: Standard desk 1400 mm x 700 mm. Manager desk 1600 mm x 800 mm. Side access 600 mm
• Acoustic Control: Open area not to exceed 45 dB. Focus rooms and cabins 35 dB. Measured at 1.2 m height

Ad-hoc Layout vs Planned Layout

• Desks placed to fill floor vs Desks placed per headcount with circulation and access
• Single circuit per bay vs Dedicated circuits per 6 desks with documented load
• Lighting by grid vs Lighting by task zone with 400 lux at desk, 200 lux at circulation
• Meeting rooms added later vs Meeting rooms sized by user count with acoustic and service specification

Core Layout Elements

• Zoning: Individual, team, meeting, and support areas fixed on plan with dimensions
• Workstations: Linear or cluster layout selected by team size and interaction requirement
• Meeting Rooms: 4-person at 10 sqm. 8-person at 18 sqm. 12-person at 28 sqm. Clear height 2.7 m minimum
• Services: Power and data at 900 mm from floor. Floor boxes at 3 m grid for open plan. Tested before furniture
• Storage: Personal storage 0.3 cum per user. Shared storage calculated by department volume

Specification Parameters

• Desk height 750 mm finished. Chair clearance 600 mm. Kneewell 700 mm wide minimum
• Screen height 1200 mm for open plan. 1500 mm for focus zones. Acoustic rating NRC 0.7 minimum
• HVAC supply per person 15 cfm. Return air via ceiling or wall grille with access panel
• Lighting control zoned by area with occupancy sensors in meeting and support zones
• Flooring specified for abrasion, acoustic absorption, and static control by area

Budget Variables

Workspace cost depends on four variables. Each is fixed before execution:

• Area and headcount density
• Workstation and furniture specification
• Partition type and acoustic requirement
• Service density for power, data, and HVAC

Why Adjacency Precedes Furniture

• Reduces movement time between dependent teams
• Aligns service routes with load and access points
• Controls procurement to approved quantities and locations
• Allows future reconfiguration without civil modification

Common Planning Errors

• Setting headcount without measuring circulation and support area
• Placing cabins on external wall without checking HVAC load and glare
• Specifying open plan without acoustic ceiling or screens
• Locating printers and pantry in circulation paths
• Closing ceilings without access to service joints and dampers

A planned workspace with tested services and documented clearances operates without obstruction. PMC issues workstation layouts, service drawings, and acoustic specifications for approval before execution.

Start With Headcount and Adjacency

A workspace meets requirement when headcount, adjacency, and services are fixed on drawing. PMC provides zoning plans, workstation layouts, and service schedules for approval. Execution follows the approved documents with hold points at service testing and furniture layout.

Request a planning review to fix headcount, adjacencies, and service load. The review covers department chart, equipment list, acoustic requirement, and maintenance access. No procurement proceeds without approved layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the minimum area per person?
  Area per person is 6 sqm to 10 sqm depending on role, equipment, and storage. Calculation includes circulation and support area.
• How is circulation width determined?
  Primary circulation requires 1500 mm clear. Secondary requires 900 mm clear. Desk-to-desk clearance requires 1800 mm for chairs and access.
• How are power and data points located?
  Points are located per approved workstation plan. Wall points at 900 mm from floor. Floor boxes at 3 m grid in open plan. All circuits tested before furniture.
• What acoustic level is specified for open plan?
  Open plan not to exceed 45 dB at 1.2 m height during operation. Focus rooms and cabins at 35 dB. Measured after installation and furnishings.