Purdue Space Guidelines

Updated Sep. 1, 2025

Space Guidelines

Office Spaces

The goal of the updated space guidelines is to increase space efficiencies planned for new buildings and major renovations. Purdue Real Estate & Space Administration also uses these guidelines in evaluation of space requests. The latter may require adaptation of the below guidelines given that many existing buildings do not align with the Unit SF shown below for new buildings and major renovations. In these guidelines, allocation of workspace area is based on an employee’s career stream. Workspaces can then be assigned or unassigned based on the employee’s position location status.

  • Private Offices should be assigned for faculty, senior level staff, or for employees who require privacy or secure work environments that cannot be accommodated in an open office workstation.
  • Open Office Workstations should be assigned to staff as indicated below. To meet programmatic needs or to adapt these guidelines to existing space, these staff can also be allocated one of two desks in a shared 120 SF office.
  • Mobility Stations are designed for mobile workers who need a place to touch down while they are in the office and are available in a variety of configurations shown below. These “hoteling” stations should be fully equipped with technology for a seamless experience for the mobile worker. The recommended space allocations for offices and open workstations are shown on the following pages.

  • This large executive office standard has an efficient wrap-around workspace while providing room for meetings of 4 to 5 people, either at the conference table or chairs at the desk.
  • One length of worksurface consists of an adjustable height workstation.
  • Storage consists of a fixed pedestal and overhead unit with tackboard.
  • The office has room for an optional storage unit (lateral, bookcase, or wardrobe storage tower).

West Lafayette

Executive office rendering with wrap-around workstation, adjustable-height desk, overhead storage, and round meeting table with four chairs.
Executive office 20 by 12 foot floor plan showing wrap-around workstation, adjustable-height desk, meeting table with four seats, and inward-swinging door.

Indianapolis

Executive office rendering with wrap-around workstation, adjustable-height desk, overhead storage, and round meeting table with four chairs.
Executive office 20 by 10 foot floor plan showing wrap-around workstation, adjustable-height desk, meeting table with four seats, and inward-swinging door.
Position Location StatusCompletely On-Site, Mostly On-Site, Mostly Remote, Completely Remote
Career Stream(E1-E3)
Recommended Ratio (Desk: People)1:1
Recommended Size (West Lafayette)240 SF (20×12)
Recommended Size (Indianapolis)200 SF (20×10)

  • The standard office has a L-shape unit while providing room for meetings for up to 2 guests.
  • One length of worksurface consists of an adjustable- height component  with optional tackable screen.
  • The stationary desk will come with a modesty panel.
  • Storage consists of a two-drawer mobile pedestal.
  • The office has room for an optional storage unit (bookcase or lateral file). 
  • Work tools such as monitor arms to be specified as needed.

West Lafayette

Standard office rendering with L-shaped workstation, adjustable-height desk, task chair, guest chair, and mobile pedestal.
Standard office 12 by 10 foot floor plan showing L-shaped workstation, adjustable-height desk, task chair, guest chair, optional storage, and inward-swinging door.

Indianapolis

Standard office rendering with L-shaped workstation, adjustable-height desk, task chair, guest chair, and mobile pedestal.
Standard office 10 by 10 foot floor plan showing L-shaped workstation, adjustable-height desk, task chair, guest chair, optional storage, and inward-swinging door.
Position Location StatusCompletely On-Site
Career Stream(F1-F6), (M4-M6), (P4-P6)
Recommended Ratio (Desk: People)1:1
Recommended Size (West Lafayette)120 SF (10×12)
Recommended Size (Indianapolis)100 SF (10×10)

  • This standard office has an efficient L-shape workspace while providing room for meetings of 2 to 3 people.
  • One length of worksurface consists of an adjustable height workstation with optional tackable screen.
  • The stationary desk will have a modesty panel.
  • Storage consists of a two-drawer mobile pedestal file.
  • Work tools such as monitor arms to be specified as needed.

West Lafayette

Standard shared office rendering with L-shaped workstation, adjustable-height desk, task chair, guest chair, and mobile pedestal.
Standard shared office 12 by 10 foot floor plan showing L-shaped workstation, adjustable-height desk, task chair, guest chair, and inward-swinging door.

Indianapolis

Standard shared office rendering with L-shaped workstation, adjustable-height desk, task chair, guest chair, and mobile pedestal.
Standard shared office 10 by 10 foot floor plan showing L-shaped workstation, adjustable-height desk, task chair, guest chair, and inward-swinging door.
Position Location StatusMostly On-SiteMostly RemoteCompletely Remote
Career Stream(M4-M6), (P4-P6)(M4-M6), (P4-P6)(M4-M6), (P4-P6)
Recommended Ratio (Desk: People)1:1.151:21:4
Recommended Size (West Lafayette)120 SF (10×12)120 SF (10×12)120 SF (10×12)
Recommended Size (Indianapolis)100 SF (10×10)100 SF (10×10)100 SF (10×10)

  • The shared office has two workstations for two specific users.
  • Workstation furnishing includes an adjustable height worksurface with tackable screen and a shared 4 high lateral file.

West Lafayette

Shared office rendering with two adjustable-height workstations, tackable privacy screens, task chairs, and shared storage.
Shared office 12 by 10 foot floor plan showing two adjustable-height workstations, task chairs, shared storage, and inward-swinging door.

Indianapolis

Shared office rendering with two adjustable-height workstations, tackable privacy screens, task chairs, and shared storage.
Shared office 10 by 10 foot floor plan showing two adjustable-height workstations, task chairs, shared storage, and inward-swinging door.
Position Location StatusMostly On-SiteMostly RemoteCompletely Remote
Career Stream(M4-M6), (P4-P6)(M4-M6), (P4-P6)(M4-M6), (P4-P6)
Recommended Ratio (Desk: People)1:1.151:21:4
Recommended Size (West Lafayette)120 SF (10×12)120 SF (10×12)120 SF (10×12)
Recommended Size (Indianapolis)100 SF (10×10)100 SF (10×10)100 SF (10×10)

  • The shared Touchdown/Hotel office has two workstations for two users.
  • Workstation furnishing includes an adjustable height worksurface and a mobile pedestal unit. 
  • Touchdown/Hotel offices do not provide storage beyond the individual workstations.

West Lafayette

Shared touchdown office rendering with two adjustable-height workstations, task chairs, and a dividing privacy panel
Shared touchdown office 12 by 10 foot floor plan showing two adjustable-height workstations, task chairs, and inward-swinging door.

Indianapolis

Shared touchdown office rendering with two adjustable-height workstations, task chairs, and a dividing privacy panel
Shared touchdown office 10 by 10 foot floor plan showing two adjustable-height workstations, task chairs, and inward-swinging door.
Position Location StatusMostly RemoteCompletely Remote
Career Stream(M4-M6), (P4-P6)(M4-M6), (P4-P6)
Recommended Ratio (Desk: People)1:21:4
Recommended Size (West Lafayette)120 SF (10×12)120 SF (10×12)
Recommended Size (Indianapolis)100 SF (10×10)100 SF (10×10)

  • Open workstation configuration suitable for completely on-site or mostly on-site employees.
  • An adjustable height workstation is outfitted with a task light and monitor arms.
  • Storage options include mobile pedestal file cabinet. Fixed height 2- high laterals and overhead storage units are available for 42sf workstations.
  • Work tools such as monitor arms to be designed as needed.

West Lafayette

Assigned workstation rendering with two adjustable-height desk, privacy panels, task chair, and overhead storage.
Assigned workstation floor plan showing adjustable-height desk, task chair, and integrated storage layout for two 6 by 7 foot work spaces.

Indianapolis

Assigned workstation rendering with two adjustable-height desk, privacy panels, task chair, and overhead storage.
Assigned workstation floor plan showing adjustable-height desk, task chair, and integrated storage layout for two 6 by 6 foot work spaces.
Position Location StatusCompletely On-SiteMostly On-SiteMostly RemoteCompletely Remote
Career Stream(M1-M3), (P1-P3), (S1-S4), (SK1-SK4), Post Doc, NP, TMP(M1-M3), (P1-P3), (S1-S4), (SK1-SK4), Post Doc, NP, TMP(M1-M3), (P1-P3), (S1-S4), (SK1-SK4), Post Doc, NP, TMP(M1-M3), (P1-P3), (S1-S4), (SK1-SK4), Post Doc, NP, TMP
Recommended Ratio (Desk: People)1:11:1.151:21:4
Recommended Size (West Lafayette)42 SF (6×7)42 SF (6×7)42 SF (6×7)42 SF (6×7)
Recommended Size (Indianapolis)36 SF (6×6)36 SF (6×6)36 SF (6×6)36 SF (6×6)

  • Open workstation configuration suitable for mostly remote, completely remote or student employees.
  • An adjustable height workstation is outfitted with a privacy screen to provide seated height and standing height visual privacy.
  • Additional locker units could be available depending on environment.

West Lafayette

Open workstation rendering with four adjustable-height desks, privacy screens, task chairs, and shared work surface.
Open workstation floor plan showing four adjustable-height desks, privacy screens, and task chair placement each with a 6 by 6 foot area.

Indianapolis

Open workstation rendering with four adjustable-height desks, privacy screens, task chairs, and shared work surface.
Open workstation floor plan showing four adjustable-height desks, privacy screens, and task chair placement each with a 4 by 5 foot area.
Position Location StatusCompletely On-SiteMostly On-SiteMostly RemoteCompletely Remote
Career Stream(M1-M3), (P1-P3), (S1-S4), (SK1-SK4), Post Doc, NP, TMP(M1-M3), (P1-P3), (S1-S4), (SK1-SK4), Post Doc, NP, TMP(M1-M3), (P1-P3), (S1-S4), (SK1-SK4), Post Doc, NP, TMP(M1-M3), (P1-P3), (S1-S4), (SK1-SK4), Post Doc, NP, TMP
Recommended Ratio (Desk: People)1:11:1.151:21:4
Recommended Size (West Lafayette)42 SF (6×7)42 SF (6×7)42 SF (6×7)42 SF (6×7)
Recommended Size (Indianapolis)36 SF (6×6)36 SF (6×6)36 SF (6×6)36 SF (6×6)

Collaboration Spaces

As the workplace shifts to a more mobile and collaborative environment, the office will require additional shared spaces to support employee productivity. Collaboration spaces include open seating and teaming areas, enclosed team rooms, and conference rooms of all sizes. The need for privacy in the open office environment requires the provision of small phone booths or areas where employees can have confidential conversations. To quantify how many collaboration seats are required, a collaboration seat ratio is applied to the number of required seats. As a general rule, as more employees adopt telework, more collaboration space is required.

  • The medium conference room serves as meeting space for up to 10 employees.
  • The conference table can either be specified as seated and/or standing height.
  • A 72” whiteboard can be supplemented with glass on the door and/or side light with a frosted panel.
  • The collaboration area must serve needs of telephone calls, digital display sharing at flat panel monitor, and video conferencing.
  • Audio visual system needs include a large screen monitor, sound bar with integrated camera and microphone, integrated control system with touch panel and bring-your-own-device support.

West Lafayette

Medium conference room rendering with rectangular table, ten chairs, wall-mounted display, and whiteboard.
Medium conference room 20 by 12 foot floor plan showing rectangular table, ten seats, wall-mounted display, and inward-swinging door.

Indianapolis

Medium conference room rendering with rectangular table, ten chairs, wall-mounted display, and whiteboard.
Medium conference room 20 by 10 foot floor plan showing rectangular table, ten seats, wall-mounted display, and inward-swinging door.
Position Location StatusCompletely On-Site; Mostly On-Site; Mostly RemoteCompletely Remote
Recommended Ratio (Desk: People)1:751:70
Recommended Size (West Lafayette)240 SF240 SF
Recommended Size (Indianapolis)200 SF200 SF
Capacity1010

  • The four to five seat conference table can either be specified as seated or standing height.
  • A 72” whiteboard can be supplemented with glass on the door and/or side light with a frosted panel.
  • The collaboration area must serve needs of telephone calls, digital display sharing at flat panel monitor, and video conferencing.
  • Audio visual system needs include a large screen monitor, sound bar with integrated camera and microphone, integrated control system with touch panel and bring-your-own-device support.

West Lafayette

Right side huddle room rendering with round table, four chairs, wall-mounted display, and whiteboard. Left side huddle room rendering showing round table, four chairs, and wall-mounted display in an enclosed room.
Left side huddle room 10 by 12 foot floor plan with round table, four seats, wall-mounted display, and inward-swinging door. Right side 10 by 12 foot Huddle room floor plan showing standing-height table, four stools, wall-mounted display, and inward-swinging door.

Indianapolis

Right side huddle room rendering with round table, four chairs, wall-mounted display, and whiteboard. Left side huddle room rendering showing round table, four chairs, and wall-mounted display in an enclosed room.
Left side huddle room 10 foot by 10 foot floor plan with round table, four seats, wall-mounted display, and inward-swinging door. Right side Huddle room 10 foot by 10 foot floor plan showing standing-height table, four stools, wall-mounted display, and inward-swinging door.
Position Location StatusCompletely On-Site; Mostly On-SiteMostly RemoteCompletely Remote
Recommended Ratio (Desk: People)1:201:181:16
Recommended Size (West Lafayette)120 SF120 SF120 SF
Recommended Size (Indianapolis)100 SF100 SF100 SF
Capacity444

Support and Service Areas

As the workplace shifts to a more mobile and collaborative environment, the office will need to maintain employee productivity and storage needs.  These support areas are now shared by multiple departments and/or staff groups.  To quantify how much support area and types of support areas required, an employee ratio is applied to the amount of space required.

  • The room should have a solid locking door with occupancy indicator and frosted privacy glass; a sink.
  • The wellness room offers comfortable seating.
  • No technology is required.
  • The room may be used for all wellness or lactation purposes.

West Lafayette

Wellness room rendering with sink and base cabinets on the back wall and a lounge chair for single-occupancy use.
10-by-12-foot wellness room floor plan with sink, base cabinets, lounge chair, and side table.

Indianapolis

Wellness room rendering with sink and base cabinets on the back wall and a lounge chair for single-occupancy use.
10-by-10-foot wellness room floor plan with sink, base cabinets, lounge chair, and side table.
Position Location StatusCompletely On-Site; Mostly On-Site; Mostly Remote; Completely Remote
Recommended Ratio (Desk: People)Required for over 25 employees; 1:100
Recommended Size (West Lafayette)120 SF
Recommended Size (Indianapolis)100 SF
Capacity1

Appendix

Workspace Typologies: Modular & Reuse Efficiency

Disclaimer: This drawing is issued for information purposes only. No part of this drawing may be used for construction or design. Any person receiving this drawing shall verify all existing conditions before any design or construction may begin. This drawing is issued only as a basis to begin verifying the existing work conditions on site.

West Lafayette

Executive Office (240 SF)

West Lafayette executive office 20 by 12 foot floor plan

Standard Office (120 SF)

West Lafayette standard office 10 by 12 foot floor plan

Shared Office (120 SF)

West Lafayette shared office 10 by 12 foot floor plan

Workstation (42 SF)

West Lafayette workstation four 7 by 6 foot floorplans

Touchdown (36 SF)

West Lafayette touchdown floor plan consisting of six 6 by 6 foot workstations

Medium Conference Room (240 SF)

West Lafayette medium conference room 20 by 12 foot floor plan

Huddle Room (120 SF)

West Lafayette huddle room 10 by 12 foot floor plan

Phone Booth (30 SF)

West Lafayette phone booth 6 by 5 foot floor plan

Wellness Room (120 SF)

West Lafayette wellness room 10 by 12 foot floor plan

Indianapolis

Executive Office (200 SF)

Indianapolis executive office 20 by 10 foot floor plan

Standard Office (100 SF)

Indianapolis standard office 10 by 10 foot floor plan

Shared Office (100 SF)

Indianapolis shared office 10 by 10 foot floor plan

Workstation (36 SF)

Indianapolis workstation floorplan consisting of four 6 by 6 foot workstations

Touchdown (20 SF)

Indianapolis touchdown floor plan consisting of six 5 by 4 foot workstations

Medium Conference Room (200 SF)

Indianapolis medium conference room 20 by 10 foot floor plan

Huddle Room (100 SF)

Indianapolis huddle room 10 by 10 foot floor plan

Phone Booth (25 SF)

Indianapolis phone booth 5 by 5 foot floor plan

Wellness Room (100 SF)

Indianapolis wellness room 10 by 10 foot floor plan