Arbeidsareal

Arbeidsareal is a Norwegian term used to describe the part of a building that is allocated for performing work tasks. It encompasses spaces where employees carry out activities, such as offices, workstations, production floors, laboratories, and other areas used for work, but excludes spaces primarily used for circulation, storage, or technical services. The concept is used by architects, facility managers, and employers for planning, design, and management of work environments.

The definition and measurement of arbeidsareal can vary by context and standards. It is often discussed in relation to total floor area and usable floor area, with related terms like bruksareal (usable floor area) and brutto golvareal (gross floor area) used in different frameworks. Because the exact inclusions and exclusions depend on contracts, regulations, and internal guidelines, it is important to specify what is included when describing or comparing arbeidsareal.

Use and importance: A well-planned arbeidsareal supports efficient workflows, safety, and ergonomics. It affects staffing, equipment layout, emergency egress, and operating costs. A common performance metric is the ratio of arbeidsareal to total area, which informs space efficiency and capacity planning.

Example: A medium-sized office building might have 2,500 square meters of total floor area, with about 1,800 square meters designated as arbeidsareal (offices and shared workspaces), while the remaining 700 square meters serve corridors, meeting rooms, and technical spaces.

See also: Bruksareal, Brutto golvareal, Net floor area, Gross floor area, Workplace design, Facility management.