Space Planning

Space planning is a critical element of any renovation or construction project. Humber is located in an urban setting with limited opportunities for expansion. As a result, space is a scarce and valuable resource on campus – and efficient space planning is a priority. As we build and renew Humber's learning environment, we are focused on:

  • Optimizing the functionality, use, accessibility and comfort of existing spaces; and
  • Planning new spaces to control capital and operating costs, intensify utilization, promote sustainability and maintain the flexibility to meet future programming and enrollment needs.

All space planning and allocation decisions are guided by:

  • The priorities outlined in Humber's Strategic Plan and Campus Development Plan.
  • The requirements of Humber's Space Allocation Standards.
  • Space allocation benchmarks from peer institutions, using data from the Colleges Ontario Facilities Standards and Inventory (COFSI) framework.

Our services include:

  • Maintaining current and accurate information on space allocation and utilization at Humber, as well as a space inventory database that includes as-built drawings.
  • Creating data sets and analytical tools to guide space allocations, including: space audits, space inventory, space distribution and utilization studies, space programming.
  • Advising on space planning and allocation to maximize the benefits of strategic projects and create exceptional educational experiences.
  • Designing physical layouts and floor plans that optimize space capacity, accessibility and utilization.
  • Providing detailed functional space programs to support proposals for new programs.

Space Standards & Guidelines

Humber has developed space planning standards, policies and procedures to guide space planning, allocation and management on campus. These important standards apply to both new construction and building renovations and support the following goals:

  • Equity: To allocate, renovate and build space in a consistent and equitable manner across all leased and owned facilities.
  • Efficiency: To optimize the use of current and planned spaces.
  • Flexibility: To plan flexible spaces that can be adapted to meet current and future needs.
  • Sustainability: To use land resources wisely and build only the spaces that we need.

Policies and Procedures

Requesting space or planning a renovation/alteration in your department

  • Please see the overview of CDFM Project Types & Procedures in our Reports, Forms & Publications section.
  • Dependent on the size, complexity and capital cost of your project, different departments within CDFM (or the College at large) may be involved in your request. (Refer to (Archibus) Service Request System Information & Help Guides 'Capital Works Project Types & Associated Procedures'
  • Larger projects will involve space planning/space allocation reviews and approvals by senior management.
  • Start the process by submitting a request via the Service Request System to CDFM.

To access current building floor plans, please refer to 'Space Console' section of the Service Request system, where CDFM maintains an up-to-date database of all Humber building floor plans.  

To view a floor plan:

  • Go to the Service Request System & log on as normal.
  • Click on 'Space Console'.
  • Click on 'Space' icon/bar on left side of screen if not open.
  • Enter information re: campus/building/room, etc.
  • Click on 'Filter' (orange bar).
  • Click left-hand box on location you have requested (below More/Clear/Filter).
  • In upper right hand corner of building plan you can send a link of the view to your e-mail address.

Discussing your project prior to submission of a Service Request

  • Contact Rebecca Muyal, Manager, Renovations and Capital Works @ Ext. 5570 to answer any questions, engage staff to assist you with your project or redirect you to the appropriate individual or department.

Requesting changes to the function of a space or requesting additional space

  • Refer to (Archibus) Service Request System Information & Help Guides 'Space Allocation and Management Policy'
  • Submit a request via the Service Request System

Providing the services necessary for the type of work required

  • CDFM is ultimately responsible for all maintenance of, or alterations to, campus facilities.
  • Dependent on current workload and the type of services that are required, outside vendors may be engaged, but CDFM will be responsible for overseeing their work.

Funding of renovations/alterations

  • Unless your renovation/alteration is part of a larger strategic initiative funded centrally by the College or a special grant, capital requests made under a Service Request will result in internal charges.
  • Estimates will be provided for your review. Account numbers and approval signatures from management staff with signing authority will be required before any work proceeds.

Proceeding with a renovation/alteration Service Request

These internal procedures are in the process of being modified as part of an (Archibus) Service Request System education and launch program. A CDFM Project Lead will be assigned to your project who will:

  • Be your main point of contact for all aspects of the renovation project.
  • Meet with you to plan the space to be renovated, ensuring that all standards and accessibility and regulatory requirements are met.
  • Recommend materials, finishes and furniture for the new space, ensuring that all products meet Humber's purchasing standards, arranging for, and managing, all necessary procurement.
  • Provide preliminary estimates to support any funding applications necessary and more detailed estimates prior to project approval.
  • Establish (and manage) a project schedule once your project has been funded and approved.
  • Oversee all construction and installations, managing any project scope 'creep' as well as deficiency rectification.

The 'Requestor'/requesting department will be responsible for:

  • Taking the room or space to be renovated out of the school or department schedule
  • Checking with hcs@humber.ca and/or Central Events Office to ensure that the space has not been booked during the renovation period and informing them that the space will not be available. If there is a scheduling conflict, the issue should be resolved directly with Central Scheduling or Central Events Office.
  • The Project Lead will collaborate to determine whether the project can proceed as planned or if rescheduling is required.
  • Closures as a result of your renovation may require:
    • Temporary signage about the closure and directions showing alternate public access routes.
    • Access to the work site limited to CDFM and construction personnel only.

THE RENOVATION PROCESS

Getting Started

If you are planning a renovation project, or need to purchase office furniture, please notify Facilities Management in advance by submitting a Service Request.

Planning

The Renovation and Capital Works manager will review your Service Request and assign a Project Lead to your project.

Scheduling

Once your project has been approved and funded, the Project Lead will work with your department or school to establish a project schedule.

Design & Construction

Your Project Lead will implement the renovation and review progress with you. They will also:

  • Arrange for quotes from vendors.
  • Arrange for tenders and hire qualified vendors, if required (determined by the project size, complexity and scope).
  • Manage project scheduling.
  • Manage procurement for the project, placing orders, tracking shipments and following up with any concerns.
  • Oversee construction work, including installation of mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Bring the project to substantial completion.
  • Create a deficiency list. Ensure that all deficiencies are resolved and the terms and conditions of all contracts are met.

Close-Out

When the project is complete and has received your approval, the Project Lead will:

  • Conduct close-out procedures and ensure that all warranties have been received.
  • Sign off on the project.

REQUIRED FORMS

Reports, Forms & Publications