5 Considerations You Can’t Overlook when Space Planning for Government Offices

For state and local government facilities, from city halls to community centers, their spaces should maximize efficiency while also creating a welcoming, comfortable, and secure place to work and visit. These municipal structures for democracy need to be open to the public and for collaboration while enforcing a separation to create a secure space for sensitive documents and employees, too. We’re putting down the gavel — or lightweight aluminum posts — on how you can foster community and trust in local government office spaces with portable room dividers and cubicles. 

Psst! All of Versare’s products are made in the USA!

Civic Office Design Considerations and Solutions

Every agency or organization is unique. But there are some universal design solutions and considerations that apply to most public-facing civic offices.

1. Accessibility 

One in four U.S. adults have some type of disability, such as mobility or vision disability. One crucial design factor to prioritize in a government office space is accessibility and inclusivity. This involves ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a law that protects individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life. Such accommodations may encompass automatic doors, door opening widths (which is 32" minimum by the way), wheelchair ramps, clear signage or wayfinding signs, and accessible restrooms.

2. Security

Civic spaces must plan their designs to accommodate public services while effectively segregating them from secure spaces, such as employee workstations, boardrooms, and more. This often involves the creation of public service counters, staffed by receptionists or security guards directing individuals to the appropriate spaces. Depending on the agency's requirements, various security measures need to be integrated, like metal detectors, access control systems, and secure storage areas, to safeguard occupants or sensitive information.

ShieldWall Bullet Resistant Portable Shield Partition offers a heightened level of protection against potential threats thanks to their bullet-resistant feature. Professionals in the military, law enforcement, judicial system, and other government entities include safety precautions in their day-to-day tasks. Government agencies can adapt their space by deploying these dividers to create secure zones or barricades in response to specific security concerns.

3. Privacy 

Privacy holds paramount importance in numerous government operations, where tasks often involve confidential discussions, sensitive negotiations, or classified information. Portable partitions present a pragmatic solution for maintaining both visual and auditory privacy. By establishing intimate spaces within larger meeting rooms, for example, these room dividers play a crucial role in ensuring that conversations can be conducted as discreetly as necessary.

4. Flexible Workspaces

Government facilities, spanning from administrative offices to public service areas, commonly accommodate multiple departments and functions concurrently. The challenge lies in effectively optimizing space to meet ever-changing needs. Room dividers offer a versatile and efficient solution, enabling organizations to maximize the utility of their existing facilities by creating smaller offices, team hubs, and meeting rooms for ideation, teamwork, informal presentations, and more.

Hush Panel Configurable Cubicle Partitions or Pre-Configured Cubicle Kits can be built in a snap without clunky tools, a large crew, or breaking a very tight government budget. Whether it’s individual partitions or a kitted office cubicle, the 2" thick panels are lightweight enough to move or reconfigure as your organization grows. The sound-absorbing features of the Hush Panels allow for more focus and privacy on reading documents, writing, analyzing, researching, and more.

5. Technology

Technology is a necessary tool for everyday operations. Information technology is used in capital planning, payroll, inventory management, and other functions. Most cities have their own websites where info is available on city service. Video conferencing systems, printers, scanners, digital whiteboards, and more can enhance collaboration and facilitate seamless cooperation among government employees. Remember those Hush Panels above? Well, they come with an optional built-in, open-access electric channel to accommodate cables and wiring, ensuring your technology tools are always in reach.

Begin Planning Your Government Office Space with Versare 

Through collaboration with the client to understand the workings of their facility and future goals, Versare can help you design a civic office space that is efficient, functional, safe, budget-friendly, and accessible for both employees and visitors. 

Shop our cubicle panels and room dividers to revamp your government office space. Or give our call center a ring at 855-323-8126 or email us at Sales@versare.com.