Space Guidelines

These space guidelines and standards are used in both renovation and new construction project designs in addition to applicable building codes and operational considerations. This page focuses more on the generic types of space in campus. The rest of the facilities tend to have more specific requirements and because of that they were not incorporated in this document. SPM may develop other guidelines as needed during studies.

Printable version of these guidelines: Space Guidelines.

WorkSpace/Office Workspace

Office standards by which Design & Construction Management (DCM) - Space Planning & Management (SPM) analysis information is generated:

Type Size (SF/Person) Recommended 
Senior Leadership 150-250 180
Private Office 90-120 115
Shared Office 65-100 90
Cubicle Station 52-92 80
Touchdown Space/Hotelling 90-120  
Conference/Collaboration 160 total  
  300 total  
  500 plus  

Classrooms & Class Laboratories

Classrooms & class laboratories space guidelines:

Classroom:

Type

Size (SF/Station)
Seminar/Break-out Spac 28
Classroom 25
Lecture(fixed seats) 18
Auditorium(fixed seats) 15
Flipped Learning 30-40
Computer classroom 35

Open Lab:

Type

Size (SF/Station)
Computer-based 30
Fabrication 60

*Active Course Space

DEI Classroom:

Type

Size (SF/Station)
Small 30
Mid-Sized 30
Large 25

Research Space

Research lab space guidelines by station size and discipline:

Discipline Categories Size (SF/Station)
Agricultural Business 65
Agricultural Sciences 75
Architectural Studies  60
Biological Sciences/Microbiology  65
Business 35
Chemistry 75
Computer Sciences 60
Communications 55
Education 40
Engineering 140
Fine Arts 90
Foreign Language 40
General Studies 40
Geography 50
Geology varies
Health Professions 65
Journalism 40
Law 35
Medicine 45
Mathematics/Statistics 35
Natural Sciences 60
Nursing 60
Physical Therapy 100
Psychology 50
Physics 65
Social Sciences 45
Textile Management 90
Visual Studies 90

 

Research module example sizes:

Module Dimensions Area (SF)
30’-0” x 11’-0” 330
30’-0” x 10’-6” 315
30’-0” x 10’-0” 300

 

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Research Support:

Based on a percentage of research space, generally 25% - 35%

Central Storage:

Based on a percentage of the space within a department/division depending on the discipline and specific program requirements.