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H. Eren Erdener Associate Professor |
The Norman Transcript, Sunday, June 16, 1996 |
| OU professor researches work space issues |
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Research by a University of Oklahoma professor reduces work space issues to a simple equation. H. Eren Erdener, associate professor of architecture, has developed a new definition for work space utilization, based on measuring its use. A method developed by Erdener, called the Area Factor Method, calculates how efficiently work space is being used. The findings indicate what sort of return an organization is receiving on its investment in facilities. Erdener's measurements consider many factors, including the amount of time a space is used, how many people use the work area and types of tasks performed there. It also takes into account a variety of requirements and standards which may be mandated for certain areas. Erdener's method offers findings expressed as a mathematical evaluation. This provides the basis for recommendations to increase efficient use of space, and enables designers and facility managers to consider alternative officing strategies . While reducing work space considerations to a series of equations, Erdener's processes are emphatically not de-humanizing. Quite the opposite. Although some areas may shrink - such as those requiring primarily computer applications - the goal of the project is not necessarily to reduce work space, but to use it better. "It's hard to generalize whether a private office is efficient or inefficient without considering the activities that take place there," he pointed out. "Walls, for example, are good to have in creative efforts where communication with team members is not required. In situations which require greater communication, more open space may be preferable." Thus, Erdener's evaluations include measuring activities, right down to time spent in reading, writing, dictating, assembling, talking on the phone, using a computer, doing paperwork and even simply thinking. Erdener's recommendations are based on economy: the return an organization gets for its investment in work space. "You first use what you have, then figure what you want to add. You want the suggestions to be the least costly possible." In general, Erdener said, companies receive much better investment returns on manufacturing facilities, partly because they often run two or three shifts per day. Office facilities, on the other hand traditionally are used eight to 10 hours per day, five days a week; rent, utilities and related costs are the same regardless of how and when the offices are used. Although he has done extensive design work in his career, recommendations based on this research involve intensity of use, rather than architectural design. "I'm not suggesting anything in design," he said. "This method is a numeric thing. I'm suggesting how to measure it and use it in a different method for space management." Temporary group uses of space may be considered, for example, particularly in an organization which has many short-term projects. Or team spaces may be set up for groups working together on a long-term basis. Flex-space may be available on a reservation basis for people in positions such as field sales, who often arc in the office only for short periods of time. Erdener said one result of these efforts is that people start making suggestions of their own to better use their work space. "'With flex-space, there is a behavior adjustment Some people may feel they are disowned by it. In pilot studies, they've found people adjust and find more effective ways of using this space themselves." Erdener added that flex-space also encourages people to maximize organizational and time management skills, since in essence they make an appointment to use a work space and its facilities. Although working at home is increasingly popular, Erdener again looks closely at the human factor. He notes working with other people can bc very important, particularly in certainly disciplines. "We should remember going to, the office is part of a ritual. Having human contact is part of life, and I don't think we should over look that," Erdener received a grant for his, work space research from the. International Facility Management Association Foundation, which plans to publish his report. Erdener's interest in space management "probably dates back to 1988 or 1989, because I began working on facilities management and established a college class on it. It has always been my way to use the quantitative method in architectural planning." In addition to extensive academic credentials, Erdener brings to his research a broad background in professional projects, ranging from corporate, cultural and medical facilities in Turkey to city, planning and research facility design in Oklahoma. He also has been involved in projects related to historic preservation, environmental analysis and planning. |