buttonHome Page.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonThe Firm.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonReligious Buildings.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonFinancial Buildings.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonOther Buildings.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonChurch Design Resources.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonSelecting.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonServices.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonProjSteps.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonSteering.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonSiteselect.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonSiteselect.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonRelocating.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonExterior.bmp (12054 bytes)
buttonInterior.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)
button blank.bmp (12054 bytes)

Steps in a Space Utilization Study
By Robert C. Foreman, Architect

 

The purpose of this type of study is to determine how current space is being used, where there are problems due to over capacity or shortages of space and to come up with solutions, including possible rearrangement of existing space, reassignment of space and, where necessary, expansion of space. Solutions to space problems should always be sought by making better use of existing space, before proposing to add new space.

  1. Gather all available documents on existing buildings, including floor plans and any other available building plans.
     
  2. Gather attendance records for recent years for all age groups and programs. Develop growth projections based on attendance patterns.
     
  3. Measure and prepare floor plans for all areas where as-built plans are not available. Each room will be numbered and given a label based on current usage. Square footage of each space will be shown on plan.
     
  4. Architect will survey entire facility, accompanied by a staff person, such as the Minister of Education, and at least one other church leader or minister.
     
  5. Architect will meet with ministerial staff and lay leadership to review current and future needs for space. A decision will be made about developing a leadership questionnaire or a church membership questionnaire to help learn more about perceived needs.
     
  6. A First Draft Report will be developed outlining and defining the problem and possible solutions. Existing Space Use plans will be included, with a chart showing capacity of each space and current attendance.
     
  7. Architect and leadership or committee will meet to review existing usage, problem areas and discuss options for possible solutions to deal with problem areas.
     
  8. Architect will propose changes to existing space allocation, moving classes, rearranging spaces and developing a Proposed Space Utilization Plan. If new space is needed, the Architect will develop a Program of Space Needs to go with the Proposed Space Use Plan. A Final Report to include these documents will be developed by the Architect and reviewed by leadership.
     
  9. If requested, a Preliminary Project Budget for renovation and expansion will be prepared by the Architect and included in the final Report.
     
  10. The Architect will be available to meet with the membership, answer questions and make a formal presentation to the church.