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Estates Management record 2012/13 - Functional suitabilityFunctionalSuitability

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Estates Management record 2012/13

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Functional suitability


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Typeentity
Short nameFunctionalSuitability
Description

The fields in this entity contain data about the functional suitability of HEI space.

Applicable toEngland Northern Ireland Scotland Wales
Coverage

All higher education institutions (HEIs).

Notes

Functional suitability measures the capability of the space to support its existing function. If the space is vacant, the indicator will assume the last use of that space. If space is temporarily vacant (e.g. due to refurbishment), the same assumption applies.

There is no best practice guidance as the assessment of functional suitability is inherently subjective but the collection of the data is considered to be important from a strategic point of view. Accordingly, HEIs are advised to use functional suitability data with caution for the purposes of comparison/benchmarking against other HEIs.

The following are examples of factors that may need to be considered in setting the functional suitability grade for the room/building, although they should not be seen as prescriptive:

  • environment: The internal room(s)/area(s) environment in terms of temperature, humidity, fresh air, clean air (if required), lighting levels, day-lighting,
  • layout/plan: Layout of room(s)/area(s) relative to equipment used, ancillary and related room functions, furniture, circulation and access,
  • location: The physical location of the room(s)/area(s) relative to the activities that need to use the space, and other spaces these activities need to use,
  • flexibility: Intrinsic ability of room(s)/area(s) to be altered, amended or changed in terms of size, environment and layout in response to changing demand - this will be a factor of structural and building services design,
  • servicing requirements: Ability of the room(s)/area(s) fittings, furniture and equipment to meet the identified business demands of the users, such as electrical capacity, data points, etc.,
  • user perception: The decorative, aesthetic and cosmetic qualities of the room/area from the perspective of users,
  • general external environment: The quality of external surroundings and settings. This could include factors such as footpath and lighting quality, security perception, building and site appearance, and signage.

Measure the proportion of total Gross Internal Area which is in each of the following four categories. (The sum of the four percentages will be the total Gross Internal Area for the HEI).

Grade 1 Excellent - the room(s)/building(s) fully support current functions. There are no negative impacts upon the functions taking place in the space.

Grade 2 Good - the room(s)/building(s) provides a good environment for the current function in all or most respects. There may be shortfalls in certain areas, but these have only a minor effect upon current functions.

Grade 3 Fair - the room(s)/building(s) provides a reasonable environment for current functions in many respects, but has a number of shortfalls. These shortfalls may be causing mismatches between space and function that is having a more significant effect upon current functions than Grade 2 rooms.

Grade 4 Poor - the room(s)/building(s) fail to support current functions and/or are unsuitable for current use. The operational problems associated with such space are major, and are constraining current functions in the space. Space in this grade may require alternative solutions, rather than straightforward improvements in particular features of the space.

Functional suitability measures the capability of the space to support its existing function. If the space is vacant, the indicator will assume the last use of that space. If space is temporarily vacant (e.g. due to refurbishment), the same assumption applies.

Mandatory for
Quality rules
Quality rules relating to this entity are displayed here.
Reason required
Part of
Minimum occurrences0
Maximum occurrencesunbounded
Schema components
Has parts
OwnerHESA
Version1.0

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