Space Management

Space management is a very practical skill. The need to be fully conversant with the space in the organisation’s property portfolio is a fundamental aspect of FM (facilities management, or facilities manager). Key to successful space management is the organisational policy for space. FMs need to have space management guidelines which specify the organisation’s space and furniture standards, to manage the allocation of space. These guidelines will reflect the culture and image of the organisation. Space can be considered as the FM cost driver for both the premises (rent, rates and utilities) and the services (cleaning and maintenance). Space has an important impact on business performance – either limiting or enhancing the productivity of the organisation. Space planning is essentially the task of fitting an organisational structure into a building structure. FMs are often responsible for the development of a space allocation plan.