Office | Whole Building Design Guide

by WBDG Staff

Last updated: 06-02-2009

The Office space type refers to a variety of spaces including: meeting spaces integrated into the office environment, reception, office support spaces such as work rooms, storage rooms, file rooms, mail rooms, copier areas, service units/coffee bar, and coat storage integrated into the office environment, and telephone and communications equipment rooms located in tenant suites containing tenant equipment.

Spaces and features that may be classified as a separate space type or covered as a special feature include:

Office space plans can be arranged in several scenarios, including: 100% closed office (fully closed), 80%-20% (open), 20%-80% (closed), and 100% open office (fully open). See also WBDG Office Building.

Over 50 percent of workers in the U.S. spend the workday in office buildings and spaces, and employers today are increasingly bearing the responsibility of providing a quality workspace. Thus the Office space type is typically a flexible environment that integrates technology, comfort and safety, and energy efficiency to provide a productive, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing working environment. Typical features of office space types include the list of applicable design objectives elements as outlined below. For a complete list and definitions of the design objectives within the context of whole building design, click on the titles below.

Two sample building programs and plans are provided, for 'fully closed' and 'fully open' offices. They include minor file and library reference areas, conference space, break space with service unit/coffee bar, and reception area.

"Fully" Closed Office

"Fully" Open Office

The following are representative of typical tenant plans for enclosed and open offices.

For GSA, the unit costs for office space types are based on the construction quality and design features in the following table (PDF 43 KB, 4 pgs). This information is based on GSA's benchmark interpretation and could be different for other owners.

The following agencies and organizations have developed codes and standards affecting the design of offices. Note that the codes and standards are minimum requirements. Architects, engineers, and consultants should consider exceeding the applicable requirements whenever possible:

Educational Facilities, Federal Courthouse, Health Care, Land Port of Entry, Library, Office Building, Research Facilities, Warehouse

AccessibleBeyond Accessibility to Universal Design, Functional / OperationalAccount for Functional Needs, ProductiveDesign for the Changing Workplace, ProductiveProvide Comfortable Environments, Secure / SafeProvide Security for Building Occupants and Assets, SustainableOptimize Energy Use

Building Commissioning

Originally posted here:
Office | Whole Building Design Guide