BCO calls for local guidelines to be established to improve office space
An international study reviewing premium office space has identified the need for leading world cities to develop a local set of standards to provide landlords, investors and occupiers with better workplace environments.
This latest report from the British Council for Offices (BCO), International Office Space – a Tale of Six Cities, reveals two key findings:
- An absence of consistent standards and specifications for local commercial property markets, particularly in newer markets within Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia
- The need for a universal specification to benchmark Grade A office space, to eliminate variances in the definition of ‘Grade A space’ around the world
The UK is widely recognised as home to some of the best office buildings in the world and is currently the only market to have a set of guidelines that provide clear and concise guidance on the specification of offices. The study examined office space in Abu Dhabi, Bangalore, London, Moscow, New York and Shanghai -cities which were selected to reflect contrasting emerging and mature markets.
Floorplate efficiency, column grids, raised floor zones, floor loadings and the internal temperature of workspaces, were the principal areas of design and function where variations were found. In contrast, commonalities across markets were uncovered in occupation densities, floor to ceiling heights, primary circulation allowance and small power allowances.
Gordon Carey, former BCO president and the driver behind the report said:
“Inconsistency in standards can negatively impact inward investment and erode rental levels and property values. The findings show that there is a strong case for the establishment of standards in distinct local markets. However for a number of reasons – related to climate, culture and local market demand – these standards should be set locally.”
The BCO Guide to Specification – a ‘bible’ for the development of commercial office space – is the benchmark for specification in the UK and is widely referred to all over the world. The Specification was used as a reference point for the study. For further information or to get hold of a copy of the report or the Guide to Specification, visit www.bco.org.uk
