Evaluation of office space utilisation in South African municipalities

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.