Office of Campus Planning & Space Management

Application of Space Planning Guidelines

The guidelines defined in this document have been developed to assist the Office of Campus Planning & Space Management and the users of campus space in the efficient and effective planning for space needs. The guidelines will help ensure that space is allocated equitably across the campus and provide a framework for prioritization of competing demands.

Given the unique needs of a campus environment, it is understood that these guidelines cannot be applied to all situations and must be flexible. These guidelines are not meant to imply entitlement or to set rigid standards for space. Instead, they are meant to provide a starting point for the analysis of current space and the programming of new space.

Macro-Level Campus Planning

While most users of space on the Auburn campus are primarily concerned with space that is allocated to their department/school, the Office of Campus Planning & Space Management is also concerned with the overall allocation of space types throughout the University. This macro-level analysis allows the office to determine areas of need for the University as a whole and to conduct "what-if" analyses relative to increases in enrollment, changes in programs of study, etc. The guidelines outlined in this document provide a basis for the office to conduct this type of analysis

Analysis of Existing Spaces

As the Auburn campus has evolved and academic programs have changed, buildings that were constructed for one purpose are now being used for other purposes. Given the costs of demolishing older buildings and constructing new buildings, it is expected that this practice will continue in the future. When consideration is being given to a major relocation, these guidelines should serve as a reference for planning decisions.

These guidelines should also serve as a starting point for departments/schools that wish to analyze the suitability of the space they currently occupy. If an increase in enrollment or staffing is planned, these guidelines can help determine if the current space is being used in the most efficient manner possible and if additional space may be required. As mentioned, these guidelines do not imply an entitlement to additional space but can provide a basis for initiating discussions with the Office of Campus Planning & Space Management.

Planning for New Constructions and/or Renovations

As requirements for new space or the renovation of existing space are identified by different campus constituents, the Office of Campus Planning & Space Management will use these standards in the initiation, feasibility and programming phases of a capital project to define the magnitude of the project. These guidelines outline the expectations for classroom, office and lab/research space that Auburn University wishes to adhere to. It is understood that deviations from these guidelines will occur as unique requirements are identified in the detailed programming and design phases.

The Role of the Office of Campus Planning & Space Management

The Office of Campus Planning and the Office of Campus Planning & Space Management was formed to provide Auburn University with an integrated approach to facility planning and space allocation. As part of that charge, the office is responsible for the development and application of the space planning guidelines.

While these guidelines allow departments/schools to analyze and plan the space they occupy or need, they are intended as a starting point to determine if there is a need to engage the services of the Office of Campus Planning & Space Management. The Office of Campus Planning & Space Management is available to assist the schools in performing many tasks associated with space including:

Conducting an inventory and assessing existing space usage
Translating requirements into specific space solutions
Analyzing of current space layout to ensure maximum efficiency
Assisting in the development of programming documents for the design and construction of new space or renovation of existing space.

Last Updated: Nov 16, 2011