Thursday 21 February 2013

Is there Space for Standards?


I recently drafted some space standards for a new client of mine.  I realised I hadn’t created space standards for a while and wondered if they had gone out of vogue or are just not required anymore in the modern office. Whenever I mention space standards to my workplace peers there is much scoffing and dismissal. But, I have to confess that I do like a good space standard.

We tend to think of space standards in term of the amount (number and size) of spaces provided. But standards refer to:
  • a level of quality or attainment; 
  • something used as a measure or model in comparative evaluations;  
  • the accepted normal or average.
I like space standards because they provide end-users (individuals and business) with an idea of the amount and quality of space they are entitled to and will be working in.