Overview

Space Planning Management is a core competency within Facilities Management, ensuring that physical environments support organisational goals, operational efficiency, employee wellbeing, and cost optimisation. This course provides a structured, hands-on approach to analysing space needs, designing functional layouts, interpreting architectural drawings, and applying global workplace standards.

2. Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Conduct space‑needs assessments and utilisation studies
• Interpret architectural drawings, floor plans, and technical symbols
• Apply zoning, adjacency, circulation, and ergonomic principles
• Develop functional layouts for offices, facilities, and service environments
• Use space‑planning tools and templates
• Integrate sustainability, accessibility, and safety into space design
• Align space planning with FM operations, occupancy planning, and workplace strategy
• Prepare space‑planning reports, proposals, and presentations

Who Should Attend

• Facilities Managers & Coordinators
• Space Planners & Workplace Strategists
• Office Administrators & Building Supervisors
• Interior Design Assistants & Technicians
• Real Estate & Property Management Staff
• Operations & Administrative Personnel
• Anyone involved in workspace planning or optimisation

 Course Modules

 Introduction to Space Planning in Facilities Management

• Role of space planning within FM
• Key concepts: utilisation, occupancy, density, zoning, circulation
• Space planning and organisational strategy
• Global standards: BOMA, ISO, SANS

 Space Needs Assessment & Workplace Analysis

• Conducting needs assessments
• Data collection methods: surveys, observation, sensors
• Space‑utilisation metrics and KPIs
• Translating organisational goals into spatial requirements
• Case study: analysing a department’s space needs

 Reading & Interpreting Architectural Drawings

• Architectural symbols, scales, and annotations
• Understanding layouts, elevations, and sections
• Interpreting BOQs and technical specifications
• Practical exercise: reading sample floor plans

 Zoning, Adjacency & Circulation Planning

• Functional zoning principles
• Adjacency matrices and relationship diagrams
• Circulation paths and workflow optimisation
• Designing for accessibility and universal access
• Practical activity: zoning and circulation mapping

 Space Layout Design & Workplace Optimisation

• Space allocation strategies
• Workstation planning and ergonomic standards
• Layout types: open plan, hybrid, activity‑based working
• Collaborative, private, and support spaces
• Practical layout design using templates

 Interior Planning Fundamentals for Space Planners

• Colour theory and material selection
• Lighting design basics
• Furniture selection and ergonomic considerations
• Acoustic planning and environmental comfort
• Case study: redesigning a small office

 Occupancy Planning & Space Management

• Occupancy models and forecasting
• Space allocation policies and standards
• Managing moves, adds, and changes (MAC)
• Space inventory and documentation
• Digital tools for occupancy planning

 Sustainability, Safety & Compliance in Space Planning

• Green building principles
• Energy‑efficient space design
• Fire safety, emergency egress, and compliance
• Health, safety, and wellbeing considerations

 Space Planning Tools & Digital Technologies

• Introduction to CAFM/CAFM space modules
• AutoCAD basics for space planners
• Digital twins and smart‑building technologies
• Space‑management dashboards and reporting

 Practical Workshop & Case Studies

• Real‑world space planning scenarios
• Group layout design challenge
• Reviewing and critiquing sample layouts
• Developing a space‑planning proposal

Training Methodology

• Instructor‑led presentations
• Hands‑on layout design exercises
• Case studies and real‑world examples
• Group discussions and problem‑solving
• Templates, checklists, and planning toolkits provided