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The University of Ottawa is in full expansion, but with growth comes a demand for office space.
The challenge is to efficiently use limited office space, while respecting professional and academic requirements, and all at the lowest cost possible.
The University’s Physical Resources Service has found innovative ways to tackle this problem and created original models of workplace layout in the process. According to Mario Bouchard, director of the service, the key is to “start with what you already have.”
However, innovation does not mean improvisation. Before starting any remodelling, facility planner Maguy Eustache and her team conducted a thorough investigation consulting technical people as well as employees. The expertise thus gained by Physical Resources can now be shared with other faculties and services on campus.
Without adding a single square metre to existing space, the conceptual team came up with three workplace layout models that respected specific requirements from spatial and aesthetic considerations to that of comfort and functionality. “Our goal” says Eustache, “was to create offices that were innovative, technologically perfect and adaptable to the evolution of workers’ needs.”
The spaces that have been designed are perfect to showcase what Physical Resources can do for future clients. “People can actually see what we are talking about. It’s not just abstract ideas on paper, but concrete examples,” says Eustache.
A pleasant work environment has direct bearing on productivity. Offices may be smaller, but they are more functional, introducing appealing lines, modern furniture and lighting that is both indirect and ergonomic. All these factors influence the work environment. This first achievement has proven that a pleasant work environment does promote positive and productive interaction among team members.
The results are so convincing that 34 professionals from Physical Resources Services share a space that only allowed 22 people before remodelling. The cost and space savings are impressive, Bouchard notes. “Costs for renovating existing space varies from $500 to $1,000 per square metre, while building new equivalent spaces would surpass $2,500 per square metre.
Mario Bouchard stresses the importance of including Physical Resources Services early on in any plans to remodel workplaces. “It is much easier for us to determine needs and make appropriate suggestions at the beginning of the process.” Eustache points out that the remodelling concepts answer specific criteria, but are also very flexible. “We are careful not to standardize the applications of our renovations.”
