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 Notes
Senior Leadership 150-250 180 Chancellor, VCs, VPs, Deans
Private Office 90-120 115  
Shared Office 65-100 90  
Cubicle Station 52-92 80  
Touchdown Space/Hoteling 90-120   1-3 people
Conference/Collaboration 160 total   Small, 4-8 people
  300 total   Medium, 9-16 people
  500 plus   Large, 17-plus people

Classrooms & Class Laboratories

Classrooms & class laboratories space guidelines:

Classroom:

Type Size (SF/Station) Notes
Seminar/Break-out Space 28 <25 seats
Classroom 25 Flat floor 26–60 seats
Lecture (fixed seats) 18 Raked floor up to 75 seats
Auditorium (fixed seats) 15 Raked floor with >76 seats
Flipped Learning 30–40 Ideal size <75 seats
Computer Classroom* 35  

Open Lab:

Type Size (SF/Station) Notes
Computer-based 30  
Fabrication 60 maker space

*Active course space

DEI Classroom:

Type Size (SF/Station) Notes
Small 30 Up to 30
Mid-Size 30 31–60
Large 25 >61

Research Space

Research lab space guidelines by station size and discipline:

Teaching Lab:

Discipline Category 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 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.