Space Planning Method for Multistory Building Construction

This paper presents a space planning method for multistory building construction. Current formal space planning in practice is limited to site layout and logistics, where space is needed for activities for extended periods of time. The space planning needed to sequence activities inside a building under construction is often neglected. The proposed space planning method is a manual method that provides a logical order and priority for space planning decisions. This helps a construction planner to: (1) identify the specific spaces needed for activities; (2) define locations for these spaces on building floors; (3) develop a sequence of work that defines the order spaces are occupied; and (4) identify potential spatial conflicts. Detail is added to the plan as needed. Through evaluation of 74 activities on four case study projects, the proposed method was found to be an accurate representation of the planning needed in multistory building construction. Two applications of the planning method identified interference problems before they occurred in the field. This space planning method offers construction managers a useful technique to develop efficient interior sequences that minimize interference and work space congestion.