Space demand forecasting and its impact on building operations

Space demand forecasting is one of the most important factors in space management. It is used to provide adequate optimisation and to anticipate the future needs of employees, customers and other users.

Key factors influencing space demand in buildings

The demand for space in a corporate building is driven by many factors. Here are some of the most important ones to consider:

Working hours

Working hours are, in most cases, the most important factor of all, as they determine the use of a space according to specific hours for each employee.

As such, offices will have a greater demand for space during the morning hours, while some shift work facilities will maintain a more or less constant balance throughout the working day.

Professional meetings

The dynamics of office space are often altered when professional meetings take place. These meetings can be for a variety of purposes.

The most common example is a meeting with clients or business partners. As a general rule, a dedicated space is required.

In large companies, these meetings can occur frequently and the space available is limited. Managing this demand for space, and even predicting it (as many are scheduled), will make for more comfortable and productive professional relations.

Meetings can also take place between employees to discuss a project, to analyse the evolution of a department, etc. The organisation of this type of activity will help to maintain the company's productivity and to meet the space requirements of each meeting.

Company events

On a more sporadic basis, different kinds of company events can be held in a corporate building.

This may require more space than the default meeting space and may even involve areas usually set aside for work on a daily basis. For these activities, it is very important to predict the demand for space and find alternative solutions so that the flow of other staff members can be maintained.

Working styles

Teleworking, hybrid models or even the need for collaborative work can affect the demand for space, either routinely or sporadically.

A good space demand forecasting system will allow you to take full advantage of the benefits of these different working styles.

Rest areas and common areas

Areas not intended for professional use also need  to be taken into account. Some of them, such as canteens, are easier to manage, but there are areas for entertainment and relaxation, which can be much more complex, albeit necessary, to predict.

Examples of space demand forecasting in corporate buildings

iKnos Corporate from Foot Analytics provides space demand forecasting and area management software for corporate buildings, which provide optimal results in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Here are some examples of how demand forecasting improves the operation and well-being of employees in an office building:

Optimising climate control operations based on occupancy forecasting

With space demand forecasting it is possible to identify which areas require an optimal temperature for the people who are going to be in them.

The programming of an internal climate control system helps to achieve this climatic comfort, while at the same time benefiting from energy optimisation, as the system consumes fewer resources and is not used in unoccupied spaces.

Menu demand forecasting in company canteens

Company canteens represent one of the most complex common areas in terms of space management, given that many offices maintain a regular schedule for lunch breaks.

But even with this schedule, the system can provide saturation predictions and real-time information. 

In addition, the prediction of space demand in canteens is also associated with the required food and beverage resources, so that an adequate amount of produce for the people eating there can be maintained.

Another associated benefit involves the employees themselves, who can better organise their work and lunch breaks if they know the anticipated level of occupancy and even a prediction of when that space will be less crowded.

Methods and tools for space demand forecasting

Foot Analytics' space management system means it is possible to optimise the prediction of space demand in any corporate building or office, so the associated benefits can be fully exploited.

Using an automatic learning platform that simulates the optimal size of each space, based on the usage patterns of professionals, it is possible to apply more efficient management.

It can safely define, without the risk of saturation, the reduction of positions, how many new users will be assigned, or even make simulations with the proposed scenarios.

Some of the most useful space demand forecasting tools on our platform are the following:

• Defining the number of desks, required rooms and collaborative spaces.
• Registration and analysis of patterns in each department or area.
• Knowledge of user behaviour, in order to anticipate demand and optimise services, such as those related to catering, room availability, etc.
• Comparison of indicators, such as density per square metre, to understand the user experience and apply the necessary optimisation.