VBR Grant Application Map A new scheme to support anyone opening a new business in a property that was vacant, derelict, or/and on the dangerous structure register

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Office Occupancy Density Calculator: Logic & Standards

Overview

This module calculates the estimated Usable Square Footage (USF) required per employee based on industry-specific working patterns. The values are derived from Occupancy Density Standards (productivity and comfort benchmarks), not strict Health & Safety Minimums.

Industry Breakdown & Rationale

Industry	Value (sq ft)	Layout Type	Reasoning
Call Center	115	High Density	Maximum Efficiency. "Bench-style" seating. Minimal breakout needs.
Tech	134	Agile / Mixed	Activity-Based Working. High ratio of breakout/scrum areas.
Finance	175	Moderate	Trading desks, multiple monitors, compliance separation.
Creative	175	Collaborative	Studio style, layout areas, pin-up walls.
Law	225	Cellular	Private offices for attorney-client privilege.
Engineering	225	Equipment Heavy	Large blueprints (A0/A1) or specialized testing equipment.

Critical Distinction: Regulations vs. Standards

1. The Legal Minimum ("The Floor")

Reference: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations 2007 (Ireland).
Rule: ~50 sq ft per person (11 cubic meters).
Context: Safety calculation preventing overcrowding. NOT a comfort standard.

2. The Commercial Standard (Our Values)

Reference: BCO Guide to Specification & JLL/Knight Frank.
Rule: 100–225 sq ft depending on function.
Context: Used by Real Estate & Architects for Rentable Area.

Usage Note: Rentable vs. Usable

The values calculated here represent Usable Square Footage (USF). To calculate Rentable Square Footage (RSF) for a lease, typically add a **Load Factor of 15-20%** for common areas.

References & Data Sources

Primary Standard (Ireland/UK): BCO Guide to Specification.
The industry "Bible" for office planning.
Legal Regulation (Ireland): Irish Statute Book S.I. No. 299/2007.
Regulation 17: Room dimensions and space.
Market Validation: JLL Office Space Density Benchmarks.
Global real estate data confirming the "Tech vs. Law" density gap.