What is Space Planning?

Space planning is essentially the organization of space. It evolves into the creation of your floorplan but it's definitely more in-depth than just drawing a layout on a piece of paper. Not everyone realizes that every outstanding space was carefully mapped out through space planning -- an essential and fundamental step in the design process.

For proper space planning, the designer needs to  fully understand what it takes to have a successful operation and work closely with the ownership team to ensure the overall space functions properly. It starts with an in-depth analysis of the proposed function of the space. Specific zones need to be defined, along with the activities that will take place within each zone. During this time circulation patterns and interaction points of both guests and staff will be outlined. 

It's important to pay close attention to key elements such as:

• efficiencies for service and allowing flexibility

• interaction and flow through each area within the space

• activation of each zone

• target occupancy levels

• proper seating utilization

• budget & timing constraints

• access to and from each area

• building code requirements

• and overall guest experience from the moment they park their car to the moment they exit

During creation of the space plan, design features are being discovered and created as well-- ie. Focal points and feature walls. Experienced designers are already visualizing the volume of the space while laying out this very basic sketch of spacial relationships.

A technique adopted by some at an early stage of planning is the bubble diagram. This is a simple map of the space showing the activity zones within the space and their adjacencies to other zones but contains no more detail about each space. It's advantages to be able to first focus on the space as a whole without getting hung up on the smaller details. Once these adjacencies are all working in relation to one another, a more detailed and scaled plan can be drawn forming the layout. 

The process is complex and often involves prioritizing certain functions and creating compromise with others, but good quality space planning can greatly improve the wellbeing and productivity of the occupants within the space. When creative planning techniques are used in organizing a space, studies show employee engagement, client retention and innovation are boosted within, which benefits an organization as a whole.