Space Optimization and Management for Architectural Institutions: Capacity Development Perspective

Abstract

Capacity development (CD) is the process by which organizations strengthen their abilities to perform core functions, deal with challenges of today, plan and make efficient use of resources to achieve their objectives in a sustainable manner. One of the significant principles of CD movement is to build on what already exists; henceforth more attention needs to be drawn to the education sector, where the higher education institutions face the challenge of providing the youths with latest skills, technology, and modern physical learning environments within the limited resources. With ‘aging and expanding’ facilities, there is an ardent need for efficient space management that optimizes the use of existing physical resources and adapts to new approaches to teaching and learning. The aim of this research paper is to analyze the concept of capacity development in architectural institutions with respect to judicious use of its physical resources. For this study, space occupancy and frequency percentage of academic areas of two reputed architectural colleges of Punjab are calculated to evaluate their utilization rate. Furthermore, semi structured interviews with the faculty and students at these colleges are also conducted. Towards the end, the paper recommends few strategies for space optimization in architectural colleges and highlights those physical resources are an asset, which if managed efficiently; the institute can achieve its development goals in a sustainable manner.