by Space planning is one of the most crucial aspects for any commercial or institutional space such as offices, schools, hospitals etc. With the growing need for optimizing the use of available space, space planning software has become extremely important. Space planning software helps users efficiently design floor plans, allocate spaces, track assets and manage the overall space utilization effectively.
Benefits of Space Planning Software
Space planning software offers a wide range of benefits across industries that rely heavily on space management. Some of the key benefits include:
Maximized Space Utilization
One of the primary goals of space planning is to maximize the utilization of the available space. Space planning software helps architects, designers and facility managers analyze current space usage and identify underutilized areas. Through digital floor plans and 3D renderings, the software helps rearrange furniture, divide large spaces or reallocate underutilized areas to accommodate additional requirements efficiently. This leads to higher space yield without actual expansion of physical space.
Streamlined Project Management
Complex space planning projects involving multiple stakeholder needs can become difficult to manage manually. Space planning software provides centralized collaboration platforms, task and floor plan management tools to streamline the entire space planning process. Project milestones, asset details, and change requests can be tracked digitally for better oversight of the project. This ensures on-time and on-budget project delivery.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Spatial data collected through occupancy sensors, usage patterns, asset details etc. can be analyzed using data analytics capabilities in space planning software. Detailed and multi-dimensional insights help facilities management and design teams make informed decisions regarding space utilization, occupancy trends and future Proofing of space needs. Data becomes the driver of evidence-based planning, cost reduction and operational efficiency.
Improved Space Allocation
Digital floor plans allow space planners to allocate and reallocate spaces based on accurate dimensions, use-cases and organizational needs. Room types, capacities, furnishing etc. can be planned well in advance on the software before actual implementation. Special requirements of different departments, users, future expansion plans etc. can be accounted for ensuring proper, equitable and coordinated space allocation across functions.
Space Planning Process
Effective space planning involves the following key phases which are digitally supported by space planning software:
Space Audit and Data Collection
The initial phase involves collecting crucial details about existing space usage, occupancy, assets, room types etc. to create an audit baseline. Space surveys, inventorying, capturing dimensions are easily done using in-built tools and mobile apps. Collected data provides insights to analyze current space performance.
Creating Master Floor Plans
Highly accurate 2D and 3D floor plans are created digitally on the software showing the existing layout. Plans are layered, gridded, and scaled precisely as per applicable standards and codes. Special objects, materials, colors can be added to plans for high-fidelity representation.
Space Requirement Planning
Operational needs for near and long-term are studied along with organizational growth projections to determine optimal space requirements. Software helps accommodate the requirements by overlaying the same on master plans virtually for feasibility analysis.
Conceptual Designing
Multiple conceptual designs are created Space Planning Software on the software by trying various layout options, space divisions, adjacencies. Factors like aesthetics, ergonomics, accessibility standards are considered to shortlist the best functional designs.
Reallocation and Optimization
Underutilized areas are identified and reallocated after consolidating or rearranging existing functions. Space optimization tools help maximize space utilization through compact, multifunctional layouts keeping efficiency and utility in focus.
Furniture and Fixture Planning
Furniture positioning is planned precisely based on room dimensions, occupancy, usage types to ensure clear circulation while maintaining optimal densities. Anthropometric data helps conform to necessary clearances.
Approvals and Implementation
Final approved plans and documentation are ready for direct implementation at sites. Quantities, schedules and technical specs are auto-generated. Post implementation feedback ensures continuous refinement of planning process.
Key Benefits by Industry/Function
Healthcare
Space planning software plays a crucial role in optimizing capacity, streamlining care delivery workflows and ensuring compliance at healthcare facilities. Digital floor plans allow rearranging spaces for:
– Separating Covid/non-Covid zones
– Increasing patient capacity by flexi-bed planning
– Streamlining clinical workflows by optimizing adjacencies
– Tracking asset allocation and utilization
Commercial Real Estate
Brokerage firms rely on space planning software for:
– 3D interactive tours to remotely showcase properties
– Customizable floor plans to match client requirements
– Utilization analytics and ROI projections to attract tenants
– Measured drawings for accurate leasing/selling area calculations
Education
It helps education institutes remotely plan and upgrade infrastructure for:
– Dividing large classrooms into stations following social distancing
– Accommodating laboratories/workshops in available spaces
– Optimizing support areas like labs, libraries, cafeterias etc.
Government Buildings
Space planning helps government agencies optimize utilization of existing resources through:
– Consolidating fragmented offices
– Increasing staff capacities in available spaces
– Accurately planning new expansions based on demand projections
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
