Space surveys
Teaching Space Survey
Comprehensive on-site utilisation survey with analysis and reporting, spanning estate-wide trends to granular room-level insights for evidence-based space planning.
We deliver a fully managed service, so your team isn’t tied up running the exercise. You provide a room list, floor plans and access permissions, and we handle route planning, staffing and on-site delivery throughout the week. After the survey, we process your timetable data, analyse both datasets, and compare planned vs observed use, then deliver live dashboards (typically within five working days). With 200+ surveys delivered over 15 years, our established team keeps disruption low, controls costs, and produces data you can confidently use in business cases and estate planning.
Our survey shows how space is actually used versus how it’s timetabled. We compare observed occupancy with timetable bookings to quantify the gap between plan and reality, often highlighting overbooking and avoidable pressure on the estate. We then help you improve the processes behind timetable inaccuracy, so your timetable becomes a more reliable dataset for calculating space requirements and planning a leaner, more efficient estate.
We train staff to minimise disruption and agree entry best practice with you in advance. Where possible, we record occupancy from outside rooms (windows/vision panels); when entry is needed, it’s done quickly and respectfully so teaching continues. Survey assistants are recruited and trained by us, walked through routes in advance, and coached to handle questions. A survey manager on site oversees delivery, checks data quality, answers queries and provides backup cover if needed, keeping the exercise controlled and unobtrusive while protecting data completeness.
Dashboard samples
Project timeline
- Book survey dates
- On-site route planning
- Surveyors conduct on-site survey
- Analysts process the data
- Results report Power BI format; accessible on Escentral's Datahub platform (no license required)
- Results presentation Optional
Testimonial
We’ve worked with Escentral on six space utilisation survey projects, and they consistently deliver fantastic results. They handled everything from start
to finish, collecting data from all our teaching spaces during core and evening hours. The analysis they provided, using a comprehensive Power BI
dashboard and presentations, has been key in helping us to understand our space usage and timetabling performance better.
With their insights and recommendations, we’re now taking steps to improve our space utilisation, confident that these changes will bring about significant improvements in the future. We highly recommend Escentral to any institution looking to make the most of their teaching spaces.
Testimonial
Collaborating with Escentral on a teaching space utilisation analysis project was a highly productive experience. They expertly analysed our survey and timetable data, providing clear insights into our timetable accuracy and space utilisation trends through a professional reporting dashboard. Their team's expertise was evident in the detailed and actionable recommendations presented.
We are now actively implementing these recommendations and are confident they will lead to significant improvements in our timetable accuracy and space utilisation. Escentral's professionalism and commitment to excellence have been invaluable, and we highly recommend their services to any educational institution aiming to optimise their resources.
Testimonial
The organisation, management and delivery of the service was professional and flexible from initial enquiry through to the execution of the survey. Nothing was too much trouble and the on site team were well managed and courteous. The results will enable us to determine how we can make better use of space and deliver a more cost effective timetable.
Testimonial
The level of service Escentral provide is nothing short of impeccable. In the run up to and throughout the project, Escentral were organised, helpful and knowledgeable on delivering the project. It made things incredibly easy for me to have a light touch as the whole thing ran like clockwork.
The quality of results, the incredibly detailed reporting and analysis is a fantastic tool for the University to make use of as we navigate what our teaching footprint looks like post pandemic.
Testimonial
The Escentral team were brilliant at planning and undertaking a comprehensive week-long survey across our office as well as teaching and study spaces. The team were expertly lead by Jody throughout the week so minimised any impact or issues that required the involvement of LBS staff.
The final report summarising findings and recommendations was similarly of a very high standard and together with a written report an accompanying video report was also included. The detail of the report has enabled The School to make informed decisions regarding optimising our space use during quieter periods and driving energy cost savings as well as assisting us in understanding our space use when planning future capital projects.
