2 Planning an Office

A new office is a crucial project whether it is a start up or a new office for an established company. Certain things which can help you to get started with new office planning.

1. Space and Layout

2. Electrical Requirements

3. Lightning Requirements

4. Relation to Workers

Space and Layout

* Space is a crucial factor in determining how you are going to start the office. In space certain things needs to be considered:

• Main Work Areas
• Computer Systems
• Meeting Area

* Then there has to be some space available for files and records. Most important point is to have that area accessible to employees with ease. These areas can be separated with authority level. Now a days most data is accessed via computers but still a lot of manual filing is being done in traditional way. 

* Third important element to consider is storage area or office supplies room which will keep office supplies, papers, inks, pencils, staples etc.. Offices does like to keep stock with them to enjoy savings on bulk purchases. The space must be adequate for the requirements of the office supplies. 

Electrical Requirements

In office design, electrical plan is a crucial step as careful planning is needed. 80% equipments in an office are electric power based so there must be appropriate system available.

Common electrical equipments used in the offices are:

• Computers
• Telephone Machines
• Printers
• Fax Machines
• Copiers
• Scanners
• Paper Shredders
• and Lightning for individual desks.

There is also a small kitchen for employees which must have a microwave oven, electric kettle and fridge so their electrical requirements are also needs to be considered.

Lightening Requirements

Lightening is very very important in a work environment specially with lots of people work for long hours. There are three main kind of lightening.

1. Ambient Light
   This is the general lightening in the office, which is normal overhead.
2. Task Light
   This light is provided desk by desk as per the requirements of that particular work area.
3. Natrual Light
   Sunlight is an important source of light, so office must have some way to utilize the daylight to avoid the unnecessary cost of electricity.