Re: space and more #$@! numbers

[csjhs@eiu.edu (Jeanne H. Simpson)]

Sara

There are space experts on your campus--most campuses have them, but we
aren't accustomed to noticing them.   The head of your physical plant has
to be vry sensitive to space requirements, because that person likely has
to oversee remodeling and renovation projects, including office and
classroom space.  I'd find out who the person is who does this work on
your campus and call him or her for a little consultation.  Another
alternative is an architect--does UT have an architecture dept.?  

Another option would be to talk to the director of catering or food
service in your student union.  It seems to me that the space
requirements of a consultation between two people (or more?) would be
analogous to the space requirements for serving a sit-down meal.  So how
much room would you need for tables to serve a nice meal to 32 people (or
16 couples?) without risking the crockery?  Remember that it isn't just
the people eating that hav to be considered, but the people serving them.
I'd say you face a similar problem, for you need to take into account the
need to move about, perhaps to accommodate wheelchairs, overhead
projectors, boxes of computer paper, and so on.  

Anyway, maybe you can come up with some other space analogues and find
people on your campus who have already addressed this issue and can give
you some pointers.

Jeanne Simpson
csjhs@eiu.edu

> I'm working on a proposal, and I was wondering whether anyone out there
> had a formula for estimating how much space a given number of writing
> center people would need.  I'm trying to figure out how much space would
> be needed to fit approximately 32 people (22 of whom would be engaged in
> consultations) comfortably.  
> 
> I do know it's more than 1150 square feet.  We've had this happen, and
> it's not pretty ;-)
> 
> Thanks in advance.
> 
> Sara Kimball
> UT Austin
> 
> 
> 
>