Abstract:
PURPOSE: Office space planning requires design skills and space
planning norms to ensure space efficient office areas allowing
occupants to perform optimally. No specific space norms exist for
South African municipalities. Municipal facilities are unique and
fulfil many functions, challenging the application of space norms.
This study was part of work commissioned by the Development
Bank of South Africa (DBSA) to understand municipal office space
use in preparing a guideline for future municipal office building
funding applications. The study evaluated current South African
municipal office space allocation, compared it to office space
planning norms for South African organs of state and identified
possible challenges to applying the said space planning norms
to municipal office space planning.
DESIGN: The study was based on data from fieldwork surveys by
professional quantity surveyors and valuators on municipal office
space utilisation. Time and cost constraints restricted the survey to
non-metropolitan municipalities in four provinces. The study adopted
qualitative and quantitative methods to reach the findings.
FINDINGS: The study revealed significant comparisons and deviations
from South African and international space planning norms
and identified challenges for municipalities to apply space planning
norms. VALUE: This study provides insight into the current state and
efficiency of municipal office space utilisation. By identifying
challenges for applying space planning norms to municipalities
the study suggests where future action should be focused to address
the problem.
