University Space Planning

University facilities and buildings constitute a limited resource to be managed for the benefit of the University of Rhode Island as a whole.  Through the administrative structures outlined in the University Manual (5.41.10 and 5.41.11), the Space Allocation Committee (SAC) considers the space needs of the University community and provides recommendations regarding space allocations. These efforts are supported by the space planning conducted by Planning and Real Estate Development (PRED).

There are four components necessary to effectively manage space allocations and plan for future space needs:

  • Space Inventory: Knowing what spaces the University has
  • Space Utilization Analysis: Understanding how those spaces are utilized and by which department
  • Space Standards and Guidelines: Providing a basis for allocating space equitably
  • Space and Strategic Planning: Ensuring a process exists to modify space allocations and utilization as needed

Space Inventory

At URI, the space inventory, and associated floorplan library, is maintained by the Office of Spatial Services (OSS). The space inventory allows the University to effectively plan for future needs while also providing the space data required to support the University’s indirect cost recovery efforts.

Space Utilization

Space utilization is assessed by OSS in a number of ways, from basic occupancy data to more complex calculations involving criteria specific to the type of space. Criteria used to assess space allocations and utilization may include extramural funding, number of publications, staffing levels, or enrollment. The criteria applied will depend on the type of space. For example, is it a classroom, office, administrative, or research space?

Space Policy, Standards and Guidelines

PRED implemented a University Space Policy that includes space allocation standards and guidelines. The standards and guidelines established ranges of net assignable square feet (NASF) for different space types based on rank, research activity, etc. These standards and guidelines are based on national norms and current trends in higher education. The policy acknowledges historical University space allocations, many of which were driven by existing building configurations. The standards and guidelines are also used to program new buildings, renovate existing buildings, and forecast future space needs.

Space and Strategic Planning

Space planning is integral to the University’s strategic planning efforts. University growth and educational trends heavily influence space needs through additional faculty and staff hiring, changes in a program or pedagogy, rising enrollments, and the expanding research enterprise. The result is greater demand for the limited number of office, instructional, and research spaces in the University’s inventory.

It is critical that colleges, divisions, and departments consider their potential space needs on an ongoing basis. These needs should be communicated as soon as possible with the appropriate Dean or Vice President who can then share this information with the Provost, Vice President for Research and Economic Development, or President through PRED.