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USABLE SPACE VS AVAILABLE SPACE (KNOW THE DIFFERENCE)

 


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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