The environment of open-plan workspaces: space utilization, user satisfaction, and environmental measures

This paper aims to identify how indoor environmental factors are associated with space utilization and user satisfaction in flexible open spaces in an academic building. Data were collected through mixed methods, including a survey, observation, and objective environmental assessment. The mixed-methods assessed users' environmental perception and satisfaction, types of activities, types of users (group vs. individual), lighting, noise, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide level in five open-plan spaces with different furniture configurations. The subject spaces were identified as underutilized because there was a mismatch between the demand and supply of furniture and spatial settings. Even though all subjective spaces were open-plan settings, students preferred space with shared-furniture or a combination of different types of furniture with individual-oriented furniture only. The findings of the study suggest a reevaluation of space planning and programming for increased spatial efficiency. The users were generally satisfied with the subject spaces, although ambient environmental measures were slightly outside the industry standards. The present study provides evidence of user preferences of spatial settings based on the type of users (group vs. individual) and type of activities performed in the space (i.e., paper-based work, laptop, phone/tablet, eating, resting, talking).