From the above we can see that office densities have the potential to increase over the levels which would have been the norm say ten years ago. Depending on the occupancy regime we may see significantly higher local densities - e.g. where increased occupancy of office workspace is not offset by a higher proportion of support space. So the occupier needs to think about overall density of occupation (total Net Internal Area divided by total population) and local density of occupation (NIA of most densely occupied floor divided by the population of that floor). The implications vary for different elements of building infrastructure (eg plant, means of escape, lift and toilet accommodation). Research is underway (ref to BCO again) to quantify the actual range of office densities and to inform best practice. We anticipate that the outcome will be along the following lines:
Overall density will rarely exceed 10sqm per person - the typical standard for modern office space. Local density will regularly exceed 8.5sqm per person and the ability to deliver this should be available.
Phase 2: Project Planning
