Gosh, this credit is never 100% in the "yes" column when you have a building that is not a traditional office space.
I have a coffee shop in my building.
I have no idea how people are going to rearrange the chairs and tables. I honestly think it is going to be used like a combination reading room/computer lab. But I fear I will be asked to provide task lights on these teeny tiny tables.
Anyone else had a coffee shop on their project? I'm hoping there is some leeway since these aren't traditional "work stations." Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!
Heather DeGrella
Sustainable Design Director, Associate PrincipalOpsis Architecture
71 thumbs up
August 3, 2015 - 6:20 pm
Hi Kathryn,
We have achieved this credit recently on two student union type buildings with many non-traditional spaces including study lounges and coffee shop spaces. The key is having a clear narrative for how the space will be used. Many of our spaces will typically be used for less than an hour at a time by the typical occupant and thereby we exempt them from the requirements. Another option is that dining is classified as multi-occupant and something as simple as dimming can be counted.
Gustavo De las Heras Izquierdo
LEED Expert185 thumbs up
August 5, 2015 - 3:09 pm
Definitely, according to the space matrix, a dining space is regularly occupied and a multi-occupant space, and a dimming control will do.
Kathryn West
LEED AP BD+C, O+M, Green Globes ProfessionalJLL
154 thumbs up
August 5, 2015 - 3:54 pm
Okay, thanks for the insight that it could be considered a dining area. I was looking at it more from the review comment perspective of "multi-occupant spaces are areas where people collaborate" and individual occupant spaces are areas where people are engaged in individual activity. At a coffee shop you get both. I will see if I can get dimming in there and let you know how it turns out, keeping in mind the review will be many months in the future.