How to Approach Space Planning

Begin with people and activities

List who uses the building, what they do and when they do it. Separate essential requirements from preferences. Include support activities such as storage, cleaning, servicing and deliveries; these are easy to overlook in an attractive plan.

Map relationships before rooms

Use a simple adjacency diagram to show which spaces belong together and which need separation. Identify public, shared, private and service zones. Trace the journeys of different users from arrival to destination and back.

Test the plan in section

Place furniture, doors and circulation on the plan, then examine daylight, levels and vertical connections in section. Compare two or three layouts using the same programme. Review clarity of movement, privacy, flexibility and usable space rather than floor area alone.

Review through a real scenario

Imagine a busy day: visitors arrive, staff work, a delivery is made and a room is unavailable. Does the layout still make sense? Record the compromises and unresolved questions before refining the form. Use the Space Planning Checklist to structure your next review.