Test-fit plan v/s space plan: what are they?
Test-fit:
A test fit is basically a first layer of a space plan. It’s done early in the project as well as during site selection when you’re testing your design requirements and finding the right space or tenancy for your business. Your design brief consists of all the components that will be included in the plan, whether its offices, workstations, conference rooms or something else and you’re testing it to see how it fits in the space that’s being evaluated.
Space Plan:
A space plan on the other hand is a detailed layout of total interior space. It starts with an in-depth analysis of how the space is going to be used. The designer then draws up a plan that defines the zones of the space and the activities that will take place in those zones. It is a bespoke plan for the tenants with rooms, furniture, adjacencies and circulation patterns within the space to fit the brief given by occupants/clients/tenants.
What’s included in a test fit?
A basic test fit will have rooms, walls, doors, furniture and can be inclusive of 3D renders images of space – both technical and artistic.
During the test fit process, we assess the needs with basic square meters and verify these are the current requirements with the future tenant and test if all the components fit within the space. The test fits verify that required adjacencies are maintained throughout the space – for example executive conference rooms located near the executive offices, reception located to front of house near by a meeting room etc.
How does it help?
Decision makers in tenant organizations are rarely designers. For them imagining how a space could be adapted can be challenging. Through test fits developers, brokers, and tenants can understand that the program may physically fit into the space but might not produce a well thought out space plan. Other options might need to be explored or some program pieces modify to respond to specific site conditions.
Creating a simple “test-fit” floor plan is the ideal way to evaluate how well an office space could accommodate a specific tenant. They require little investment yet can produce incredible results.
Preparing a unique test-fit plan for a tenant prospect can be the ideal way for a landlord to show how seriously they take their interest in the property.
What value do test fits bring to developers and brokers?
Test fits are extremely fast and require minimal investment to ensure tenant programs can efficiently work within the space allotted. A well-done test fit will influence the schematic design phase because a space plan is ultimately completed, tested, and vetted through all parties. The test fit allows people to see, react and respond to the space plan and helps guide solutions for their programmatic demands.
Who pay for it?
That depends, right?
Perhaps you have a negotiation with your landlord. In some cases your landlord will pay for a test fit because that helps them allow you to make a decision on finalizing that space selection.
It could be that you’re also paying for it as the client or as the owner of a building. Again, it depends on how the lease was negotiated.
Can we help?
In summary, to produce test-fit plans to help tenants understand how well a building can be adapted to suit their needs: To us it’s all about service, accuracy and detail. Contact us to find out how we could help with your project to find a perfect space for your new business or office! www.mattersofspace.com.au