What is an Office?

A commercial office is a property that is used by business professionals,

medical and dental professionals, tech firms, and more. A standard office space is
divided into separate rooms, and typically includes restrooms, and a possibly a
residential-style kitchen.

This type of space is designed for higher occupancy and can range in size from
a single-story building to a high-rise. It can contain several electrical and HVAC
systems, and if the building has multiple levels, then at least one staircase, and
perhaps also an elevator.

The Office space type refers to a variety of spaces including: meeting spaces
integrated into the office environment, reception, office support spaces such as work
rooms, storage rooms, file rooms, mail rooms, copier areas, service units/coffee bar,
and coat storage integrated into the office environment, and telephone and
communications equipment rooms located in tenant suites containing tenant
equipment. An office is a space where the employees of an organization perform
administrative work in order to support and realize the various goals of the
organization.

Spaces and features that may be classified as a separate space type or

covered as a special feature include:

• Millwork other than service unit/coffee bar and coat storage

• Meeting spaces and conference rooms that include special lighting systems,
acoustical treatment, moveable partitions, millwork, or A/V systems
 • Secure storage, strong rooms, vaults, and hardened partitions located within
the office suite
• Large filing, library, or storage areas with concentrated floor loads
• Enclosed spaces requiring acoustical separation higher than 40 STC, partitions
to structure with acoustical insulation, and ductwork sound baffling
• Specialized window treatments (blackout shades, plantation shutters,
motorized fabric draperies, etc.), interior windows, glass block partitions, and
glazed doors
• Humidity, pathogenic, or hypoallergenic air treatment systems
• Upgrade or changes to standard items such as plaster or vaulted ceilings,
specialty lighting, or upgraded ceiling tiles
• Private toilets, elevators, or staircases

Office space plans can be arranged in three scenarios: 100% closed office, 80%-
200% open, 20%-80% closed, and 100% open office. These arrangements affect
employee interaction, communication, and productivity.

Office Space Requirements and Design Considerations

Workstations and Layout

Workstation layout is crucial; choose open-plan, cubicles, or private offices

based on collaboration and task nature.

Space per Employee

Calculate employee space, including desk, chair, and circulation, ranging from
125-250 square feet, depending on local codes and industry standards.

Meeting and Conference Rooms

Allocate meeting, conference, and breakout spaces based on organization's

frequency and size.

Common Areas

Design common areas like kitchens, lounges, and informal meeting spaces to
foster employee collaboration, relaxation, and well-being.
Storage and Filing

Plan for storage needs, including filing cabinets, storage rooms, and personal
storage for employees.

Amenities and Facilities

Include amenities such as restrooms, a kitchen or cafeteria, and potentially a

fitness center or wellness room, depending on the organization's culture and budget.

Accessibility and Compliance

Ensure that the office space complies with accessibility standards and building
codes, including provisions for individuals with disabilities.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Incorporate natural light and ventilation into the design to create a pleasant and
energy-efficient workspace.

Flexibility

Design the space with flexibility in mind to accommodate future growth and
changes in the organization's needs.

Acoustics

Consider soundproofing measures to create a comfortable and productive work

environment, especially in open-plan offices.

Ergonomics

Choose furniture and equipment that promote ergonomic well-being for

employees, reducing the risk of work-related injuries.

Sustainability

Explore sustainable design practices to reduce the environmental impact of the

office space, including energy-efficient lighting and materials.
Example Plans

Guidelines on how much space a workstation should be

What is a Commercial Building?

Commercial buildings, including office buildings, retail spaces, and

warehouses, are where commercial activities take place. They differ from commercial
property, which includes multi-family buildings like apartment buildings. Commercial
buildings are where commerce occurs, while commercial property earns money for
owners but doesn't necessarily have commerce. Multi-use buildings with a mix of
spaces, like retail areas and apartments, can still be considered commercial in certain
circumstances.

Commercial Building Space Requirements

1. Floor Area Ratio - Be aware of local zoning regulations that define the
maximum floor area allowed on a given lot.
2. Occupancy Load - Determine maximum occupancy load based on building
codes and safety regulations for safe building capacity.
3. Spatial Layout - Allocate space for specific functions within a building, such as
retail, offices, storage, restrooms, common areas, and circulation.
4. Parking Requirements - Determine parking space requirements based on
local regulations and expected visitor/employee numbers, including surface,
garage, or shared agreements.
5. Infrastructure and Utilities - Plan for essential infrastructure like electrical
systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, and
telecommunications to meet the building's needs.
6. Amenities and Common Areas - Amenities like lobbies, waiting areas,
communal spaces enhance user experience in buildings.
7. Building Height and Setbacks - Understand local zoning regulations for
building height and setbacks, as these constraints affect design.
8. Safety and Fire Codes - Comply with fire safety regulations, including the
placement of fire exits, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems.
9. Environmental Considerations - Explore sustainable design practices, such
as energy-efficient lighting, materials, and green building strategies, to reduce
the environmental impact of the building.
Design Considerations

1. Exterior Design - Facade of a building should be visually appealing and

harmonious, using materials, colors, and architectural details.
2. Interior Layout - Optimize interior layout for functionality and occupant needs,
including open spaces, private offices, and specialized areas.
3. Sustainability - Implement sustainable design principles, including green
roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient HVAC systems, to reduce energy
consumption.
4. Natural Light - Maximize the use of natural light in interior spaces to reduce
energy costs and create a pleasant working environment.
5. Security - Implement security measures like access control, surveillance
cameras, and alarms for occupant and asset safety.
6. Landscaping - Enhance building's aesthetic appeal by incorporating
landscaping and outdoor spaces for inviting occupants and visitors.
7. User Experience - Enhance building user experience with ergonomic interior
design, wayfinding, and signage.
8. Code Compliance - Adhere to local building codes, regulations, fire safety,
accessibility, and zoning for successful design.

National Building Code of the Philippines

SECTION 805. Ceiling Heights

1. Habitable rooms provided with artificial ventilation shall have ceiling heights not
less than 2.40 meters measured from the floor to the ceiling; provided that for
buildings of more than one (1) storey, the minimum ceiling height of the first
storey shall be 2.70 meters and that for the second story 2.40 meters and the
succeeding stories shall have an unobstructed typical head-room clearance of
not less than 2.10 meters above the finished floor. Above-stated rooms with
natural ventilation shall have ceiling heights of not less than 2.70 meters.
2. Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling height not less than 1.80 meters
above and below it.
SECTION 806. Sizes and Dimensions of Rooms

1. Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal dimensions shall be as

follows:
a. Rooms for Human Habitations – 6.00 sq. meters with a least dimension
of 2.00 meters;
b. Kitchen – 3.00 sq. meters with a least dimension of 1.50 meters; and
c. Bath and toilet – 1.20 sq. meters with a least dimension of 900
millimeters.

SECTION 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms

1. Minimum air space shall be provided as follows:

a. School Rooms – 3.00 cu. meters with 1.00 sq. meter of floor area per
person;
b. Workshop, Factories, and Offices – 12.00 cu. meters of air space per
person; and
c. Habitable Rooms – 14.00 cu. meters of air space per person.
References

Aey, M. (2020, January 27). Types of Commercial Buildings. Certified Commercial

Property Inspectors Association. https://ccpia.org/types-of-commercial-properties/

Office. (2023, August 25). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office

Office | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide. (n.d.). https://www.wbdg.org/space-

types/office

Office Ergonomics - Space Requirements for Office Work. (2023, June 13).
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/office/working_space.html

Commercial Buildings: Definition, Types and Tips. Indeed. (2023, March 11).
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-commercial-
building