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University of Massachusetts, Boston Space Utilization Investigation

University of Massachusetts, Boston Space Utilization Investigation

UMass Boston plans to demolish a portion of the campus’ existing substructure and several related buildings. In evaluating potential demolitions, the university needed to understand its current use of, and need for, classroom, teaching laboratory, and office space. We undertook an analysis of scheduled instructional space use (classrooms and teaching labs) and worked with the university to identify office space supply and demand. Our assessment showed that program needs could likely be accommodated in existing space, and prepared a detailed methodology for the university to better gather and use data to inform decision making. These ideas focused on right-sizing, introducing research productivity metrics, better tracking office occupants and vacant space, potentially repurposing computer laboratories, and recommendations for several specific underused spaces.