 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Design Considerations This section provides information on the following aspects of workspace design:
This Section should be read in conjunction with Space Types Section. Space Allocation Issues The NSW Government's target is to reduce the average utilisation of office space across the public sector to 18m2 per person or less. It will often be difficult to achieve efficiencies in heritage buildings, smaller tenancies (less than 10 people) and older, less efficient buildings. In order to achieve an average space utilisation target of 18m2 across an agency's portfolio, new tenancies in more modern office buildings are to be designed at around 15m2 per person. This is in line with current industry averages of 13-15m2 per person, and other State Government targets which range from 14-17m2 per person. While the space allocations below will meet the functional requirements of most agencies, some unusual job requirements are not supported. In these instances the agency should discuss with its planning consultant how to ensure that appropriate standards are adopted that support functional requirements. The following space allocations are indicative, and agencies are encouraged to seek professional facility planning and architectural advice on how best to apply them to suit individual service delivery requirements. Individual Workspaces These allocations are suggested maximum areas for individual work spaces and do not include circulation or support spaces. Ideally, decisions about space provision should be based on the accommodation brief, and only the amount of space that is required should be provided. In many cases, less space will be required than the suggested maximum. Accurate allocation of space based on needs rather than maximum standards will contribute greatly to a more efficient and pleasant work environment.
Flexibility The key characteristic of office accommodation in the future is likely to be the provision of more flexible workspaces. As soon as the office becomes a centre for creating ideas, rather than routine processing activities, the workplace becomes quite a different asset. It must facilitate high levels of interpersonal communication for teams and project groups, while still providing areas for quiet work. The major implication for government agencies is a move away from workspaces, which reflect the organisation hierarchy, towards a definition of space, and accommodation standards based on user needs. The traditional workspace design options of enclosed offices and open plan space are being joined by new, more flexible, options that support diverse work activities. The most flexible designs allow:
As standard designs cannot meet individual preferences, the key factor is flexibility. At the level of the individual, the challenge is to create basic workspace modules and enable employees to choose from a variety of add-on features to accommodate their own preference or job requirements. The fewer the choices of components, the more flexible the installation. Systems that are built differently for right or lefthanded use should be avoided. Given the average organisational 'churn' rate (movement of staff to new workplaces) of 20% per year, it is of utmost importance that the fitout system is both standard - to allow individuals to move into a space and personalise it - and flexible, to allow changes to occur easily. Flexibility can also be enhanced through the use of standard room sizes for support spaces. This allows rooms to be changed efficiently and effectively to suit a variety of functions. Personalisation of Workspaces Workstations should be able to be personalised through the use of accessories such as marker boards, tackboards, desk lights and interchangeable work surfaces, storage and display components. This flexibility allows agencies to accommodate people with similar jobs but different styles of working and provides staff with a sense of ownership that enhances employee satisfaction. Noise Workstation layouts should be configured to suit the work pattern of each individual employee and the team structure. People who work predominantly in a 'processing' mode need to be screened from outside disturbances. These functions are best located with work surfaces against acoustic dividers. Most people, however, work in a combination of modes; concentrated, creative and communicative. It is, therefore appropriate to provide an employee with one work surface that faces a divider, screen or wall, giving isolation from noise, and a second freestanding work surface that allows easy communication. Access for People with Disabilities See Design for Access and Mobility. Safe and Healthy Working Environments See Occupational Health and Safety. Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality Thermal comfort and indoor air quality are the two aspects of indoor space which are the most important for employees' wellbeing. If air conditioning is either too hot or cold or with insufficient fresh air supply, people will feel uncomfortable and tired, complain, adopt a negative work attitude, and lower their productivity. AS 1668 specifies acceptable performance standards for air conditioning. See the Indoor environment quality section of these guidelines for further information on this subject. Lighting Comfort The lighting of most office buildings delivers a general level of 400 lux at typical work surface locations, which is consistent with Australian Standards. This requirement can vary depending on the work being carried out. In any case it is important that the light source is glare-free to avoid eyestrain and reflections on computer screens. See Indoor environment quality section of these guidelines for further information on this subject. Personal Storage It is important to provide both central and personal storage. Storage and filing cabinets should be modular both in width and height, and fit the chosen workstation system. The cabinet carcasses should have variable fitout options allowing a range of storage functions. Storage facilities in workstations should conform to AS 4443.2.3. Physical Comfort Furniture should be aesthetically pleasing and adaptable for various tasks in an office environment. Generally, every employee needs a work surface and this can be as simple as a rectangular table. Anything beyond this should be regarded as a tool that will enhance the comfort and productivity of the employee. If an employee works extensively with a computer, which would include most people these days, the work surface must conform to AS 3590.2. Amongst other things, this Standard requires each work surface be adjustable in height between 580 mm and 730 mm, and a minimum leg space of 550 mm in depth. It also describes the functionality of an ergonomic desk chair including seat, back support, armrest and configuration of the base. Workstations, either freestanding or in an office, should be free of sharp edges and protruding corners, and not reflect glare. They should be easy to clean and solidly built to withstand rough handling during use and possible reconfiguration. Agencies should use workstations that conform to the functional, stability, strength and durability requirements specified in AS 4443. A good furniture system should last at least ten years. Layout (physical arrangement of work spaces) It is preferable to have enclosed offices along the core of a building, with open workstations along the windows. This provides more natural light, improves air conditioning, and reduces building operating costs. Where practicable, no more than 5% of available space should be allocated for enclosed offices (or 10% of the total number of workpoints). Enclosure (nature of physical barriers separating employees) Workstation design should always be modular, which means that the work surfaces can be expanded horizontally, and one can attach screens or tiles around the work surface at various heights. These screens should be able to take a variety of cladding such as pin boards, whiteboards, panels covered in either painted metal, fabric, vinyl, or timber veneer, and can also include glass panels and pass-through facilities for documents. The screens need to be able to carry overhead storage systems such as filing trays, shelving, and enclosed hampers. It should be possible to attach task lights underneath hampers and shelves to prevent shadows being cast from the ceiling lights onto the work surface. Colour and décor Before choosing the colour and décor for new office accommodation, agencies should check if there is a corporate colour scheme that needs to be used in all office fitouts. Ease of Communication Productive communication fosters creativity and improves work performance and team activity. There are a number of options for facilitating fast communication in an office environment, including open plan layouts and electronic devices such as phones, voicemail, e-mail, etc. The fitout design can contribute greatly to easy installation of these devices. For open plan workstations it is essential that provisions exist for running both electrical and data/voice cables. This trunking or duct system should be divided in two (one for power, one for data/voice) and be easily accessible at all times. It should preferably be a 'laying in' system rather than a threading arrangement. AS 4443.2.2 specifies standards for cable management in workstations. Security More flexible boundaries between agencies and their key stakeholders means the security of office accommodation needs to be carefully considered. In an environment where consultants, outworkers and agency employees are meeting and working together, the workplace will be more exposed. Particular attention also needs to be given to security where the agency is open to outsiders in the course of its daily operations. Agencies should also address separate security for individual tenancies and floors, and afterhours escape and entry facilities. Control Workplaces which provide a stable environment for health, comfort and safety (see OH&S Section for requirements), and which have all of the following characteristics in place, are more likely to have happier and productive staff. Differences of 20% in perceived staff productivity between buildings have been recorded in building use studies conducted in the United Kingdom. Perceived control is highest when:
|
