Have you
ever wondered why some spaces are small and comfortable, while other spaces of
the same size just feels super inconvenient and uncomfortable, well stop
worrying, as we will be looking at one of the concepts that guide proper
spatial allocation when designing, planning, leasing, buying, selling, or
renting real estate properties. The truth is a lot of building and real estate
consultants are not aware of the fact that there is a huge difference between
usable spaces and available spaces, in terms of square meters or feet that is,
this means when a space is said to be about 100sqm, it does not immediately
mean a 100 square meters of usable space, but just a 100 square meters of
available space, and not understanding this simple thing continues to cause
issues within real estate, as people start doubting each other’s credibility
simply because two different space said to be the same square area, practically
look and feel different.
What is a
usable space?
In real
estate, a usable space is the square area left after removing the area portion
used for circulation, what this now means is while one 100sqm space is used for
storage and seems big enough, the same 100sqm will feel small when used for
retail purposes, and this is simply because, a storage unit has a smaller
demand on circulation space when compared to the demands by a retail station.
It is all
in the spatial use, as different spaces have individual occupancy styles and
movements when it comes to circulation, some have waiting areas, some tourist
spaces, another a few simple walkways, or an aisle, some have areas dedicated
to walking about, window shopping, viewing or even mere hang out spots and corners,
these are what command the usability of a space, as a space whose occupants
only need a simple walkway will have more usability than a similar space whose
occupants need a waiting area, or walk-about space. Also we have to note that
in design, placement of doors and wall opening affects usability, the more
disperse the doors and wall openings and, the smaller the usability, the closer
or more carefully zoned they are, the more usable the space will be.
So as a
small bonus on this post, we will be sharing some facts from our research at
Built-Advice as a spatial allocation tip for building and real estate
consultants, below is a list of spaces and their different circulation space
limits, from minimum to maximum circulation space demands in percentage to the
general available space, we have;
1. RESIDENTIAL – 10% to
30%
(Be it small, luxurious or bespoke
residential design)
2. RELIGIOUS
– 25% to 40%
(Churches and mosques particularly,
require lots of circulation space)
3. COMMERCIAL
– 20% to 30%
(Offices need waiting areas and require
sizable entrances)
4. PUBLIC
BUILDING – 25% TO 40%
(Library, Museums, Galleries, cinemas.
Etc.)
5. RETAIL
SPACE - 30% TO 45%
(Although public, malls, supermarkets,
etc. require more circulation)
6. EDUCATION
/LEARNING – 15% to 35%
(Lecture theatres and classrooms)
7. ASSEMBLY
AREA – 25% to 35%
(Seminar halls, event or conference
centres etc.)
8. MEDICAL
– 25% to 40%
(Hospitals, pharmacies, spas, and gyms
surprisingly require lots of room)
If you are
in need of help or want to make inquiries, feel free to send a direct message,
email or put a call through using the cell digits provided, and you will get
direct access to one of our professional consultants.
Thanks for
reading
Do have an
awesome day.
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