Real Estate and Facilities

Building Project and Procedures Manual

Appendix 7 D

Space Allocations - Instructions for Completing Tabulation of Gross Area Form

Instructions for Completing Tabulation of Gross Area Form

This information presents the definition, basis for measurement, description and limitations of gross area, assignable area, and the four categories of non-assignable areas.

  1. If the project includes more than one building, fill out one form for each building.

  2. Item I - There are two major categories into which gross area is partitioned: "assignable" and "non-assignable."

    "Assignable" square footage includes the sum of all areas on all floors of a building assigned to, or available for assignment to, an occupant or specific use.

    "Non-assignable" square footage includes the sum of all areas on all floors of a building not available for assignment to an occupant or for specific use, but necessary for the general operation of a building.

  3. Item II - For the purposes of this report, assignable area is broken down into two broad categories: (1) instructional and library facilities and (2) instruction related facilities. Obviously not every building will include both categories.

    "Instructional and library facilities" means all rooms or areas used regularly for instruction of students, for faculty offices, or for library purposes, and service areas (such as storage closets, projection booths, balance rooms, dark rooms, locker and shower rooms) which adjoin and are used in conjunction with such rooms or areas. A room intended and equipped for any such purposes should be counted in the appropriate category regardless of the building type in which it is located (e.g., administration building, library building, or classroom building.)

    "Instruction-related facilities" means all rooms or areas (other than instructional and library facilities) which are used for purposes related to the instruction of students, or for research, or for the general administration of the educational or research programs of an institution of higher education, and service areas (such as storage rooms, or control rooms) which adjoin and are used in conjunction with such rooms or areas.

  4. Item II A - Instruction and Library Facilities The types of spaces should be broken down in detail and listed similar to the following categories: classrooms, student labs, faculty offices, administrative areas, library stack and reading areas, lounges, storage, etc. The type breakdown and level of detail will obviously vary for different types of buildings. The number of volumes that can be housed is required for appropriate areas of libraries and areas, which serve as a library function in other types of buildings.

    An entry in the "number of persons" column should appear for those areas that house people; for example, classrooms, offices, reading and study areas, and work areas. Where there might be some question as to the function of the areas or where the area is shared by different types of occupants (the distinction to be made is between students and faculty or administration) the type of occupant should be indicated. For example, a reference room in a library may be designed to accommodate 8,000 volumes of books, 25 readers, and 3 administrative staff.

    The percent of the total gross area that the space requires should be indicated

  5. Item II B - Instruction-Related Facilities The types of spaces should be broken down in detail and listed similar to the following categories: offices, lounges, dormitory rooms, dining areas, kitchens, conference rooms, etc.

    An entry is to be made under the columns "number of persons", "area (sq. ft.)" and "% of total area" using the same reasoning as in the paragraph above.