Cubic meters vs. m² - that's why we often think too narrowly about space

When companies plan offices, showrooms or other business environments, the conversation almost always starts with square footage.

• How many jobs can we bring in? Do we have enough space?

• How big should the meeting room be?

These are relevant questions, but they only tell you something about the floor.

People don't experience a space in square meters. We experience height, light, view, sound, movement, distances, materials and connections. That's why at MODUS we also work with cubic meters: the volume and potential of the entire space.

A genuine MODUS project clearly makes use of height, zones, or an overlooked part of the room.

When we only optimize m²

A one-sided focus on floor space can lead to more tables, more functions, and more furniture squeezed into the same space. The result can be effective on the floor plan, but less efficient in everyday life.

Visual disturbance, noise, unclear zones and areas that are technically utilized but that people do not want to use may arise.

When we work with cubic meters

Cubic meter thinking doesn't mean every room has to have a mezzanine or dramatic ceiling height. It means we examine the entire space before deciding that the business is short of space.

This may include, among other things:

- utilize the height for storage, function or identity - create zones with light, acoustics, materials and furniture rather than solid walls

- work with visual layers to make a large space easier to navigate

- combine functions without them interfering with each other

- activate overlooked corners, passages or existing volumes - create calm around what needs to be in focus.

Same m² - different value

Two companies can have the same size, the same needs and the same financial framework - and yet receive very different solutions.

The difference often lies in the questions that are asked early on.

If the task is simply to get as many functions as possible in, the solution will be one type. If the task is to support focus, collaboration, well-being, customer experience or brand, the priority will be different.

This does not necessarily mean that the solution will be more expensive. The greatest added value often lies in the strategic choices made before plans, fixtures and materials are locked in.

From unused volume to new function

"Imagine a company that wants a stronger social gathering point, but doesn't have a vacant space. In a traditional m² accounting, the space may not exist. But a high storage corner, a wide passage or an overlooked area may hold another potential."

By working with height, screening, acoustics, light and different seating options, the existing framework can become a place for informal meetings, breaks or knowledge sharing - without the company necessarily having to expand.

Five questions before you look for more m²

1. What activity or behavior is missing space today?

2. Which areas are not being used - and why?

3. What should people be able to see, hear and understand in space?

4. Can height, flow or zoning solve something that we currently try to solve with more m²?

5. What desired effect should the change support?

There is no one recipe that fits all industries and brands. A workplace, a showroom, and a hospitality business have different people, goals, and workflows.

Would you like to see your existing framework with new eyes?

... or looking at a new location that needs to be thoroughly rethought from the start...

Please send us a floor plan, some photos or a specific challenge. We will be happy to provide an initial professional perspective on where we see the greatest potential.

If you would like a specific visit now, book us for a Concept Check, which will quickly optimize and clarify your needs and options: https://en.modus.dk/butiks-og-koncepttjek

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