Key consideration in the Space Planning process
(a) Layout Plan
- If we could have a big space, who doesn’t mind a walkway or hallway to get from one place to another? But most of us are compelled to make the best of what we have.For example, how do we utilise the area such that a circulation is efficient? (Circulation refers to the connections facilitating people getting from one area to another.) Open connections are more practical than dead ends.In addition, are there full-length windows in the commercial space? The presence of full-length windows affect the amount of natural lighting and also the possibility of any claustrophobia. Without visualising all these, would we know what we would have wanted?
How about contemplating 3D planning for a change?
At CommercialRenoSG, 2 sets of simulated 3D pictures are given to you as a complimentary for all our projects. The simulation process is much more complicated than normal 2D drawings, but this means you could have the opportunity to make a change and have it simulated for the second time, compliments from us!
(b) Fire Evacuation Route
- Fire safety considerations in line with Singapore laws and local building management’s requirements - this is crucial as visitors to the business premises could lodge a complaint on fire safety to the Singapore Civil Defence Force.It is also important to have a clear, unobstructed passage of evacuation during emergencies.
(c) Exit Lights And Other Requirements
- As required by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (“BCA”) and local building management requirements.
(d) Principal Use Of Space
- Is it only for employees, principally for customers, or are there any other activities from the HR which requires employees to come together for non-official interactions?
(e) Number Of (Expected) Employees And Visitors/Customers
- Time spent within the space by employees and customers alike – In an office setting, employees might sit at the desk all day, there may be many small meetings, meetings in large groups, employees engaging in discussions across workspaces while remaining at their desk, or a work style that falls somewhere in between.
(f) Physical Size Of Employees
- Different size spaces suit different size people: one person’s claustrophobic box is another’s cosy nest.
(g) Ergonomics
- In Singapore where many employees spend more than 8 hours in the office daily, carefully selected furniture allows employees to both sit and stand in their workstation, allowing for activities which can stimulate productivity and health.
(h) Filing
- Most offices still require space for storing important paperwork or supplies. For medical clinics, this is more crucial to the everyday functioning of the business. However, this also depends on the plans for remote storage (which is typical in Singapore), or cloud storage – a trend that is picking up among businesses.
(i) The Need For Future Expansion
- Would you expect a further expansion in employee number, customer number, implementation of new activities within the period of your lease?
(j) Noise Consideration
- What is the intensity of meetings and telephone conversations? Are they usually loud and interactive? A key parameter which is often left out concerns the issue of noise.
- Many offices are separated by hollow walls. In recent times, with landlords trying to maximise rental yield, office spaces may be haphazardly drawn up and separated by simple walls laid out by contractors. What we often do not notice is that the walls erected may not extend over and above the false ceiling. In this case, noises are easily transmitted to next door office. Often the neighbourliness between tenants are given a real test of patience and it does not bode well for both parties. From the many years of experiences, we work tirelessly to make sure these minute but critical elements are not overlooked.