ASTM E1661-95a(2018)
(Classification)Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Meetings and Group Effectiveness
Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Meetings and Group Effectiveness
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Each Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-4) in this classification provides a means to estimate the level of serviceability of a building or facility for one topic of serviceability and to compare that level against the level of any other building or facility.
4.2 This classification can be used for comparing how well different buildings or facilities meet a particular requirement for serviceability. It is applicable despite differences such as location, structure, mechanical systems, age, and building shape.
4.3 This classification can be used to estimate the amount of variance of serviceability from target or from requirement, for a single office facility, or within a group of office facilities.
4.4 This classification can be used to estimate the following:
4.4.1 Serviceability of an existing facility for uses other than its present use.
4.4.2 Serviceability (potential) of a facility that has been planned but not yet built.
4.4.3 Serviceability (potential) of a facility for which a remodeling has been planned.
4.5 Use of this classification does not result in building evaluation or diagnosis. Building evaluation or diagnosis generally requires a special expertise in building engineering or technology and the use of instruments, tools, or measurements.
4.6 This classification applies only to facilities that are building constructions, or parts thereof. (While this classification may be useful in rating the serviceability of facilities that are not building constructions, such facilities are outside the scope of this classification.)
4.7 This classification is not intended for, and is not suitable for, use for regulatory purposes, nor for fire hazard assessment nor for fire risk assessment.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification covers pairs of scales for classifying an aspect of the serviceability of an office facility, that is, the capability of an office facility to meet certain possible requirements to enable work groups or project groups to function effectively and productively.
1.2 Within that aspect of serviceability, each pair of scales, shown in Figs. 1-4, are for classifying one topic of serviceability. Each paragraph in an Occupant Requirement Scale (see Figs. 1-4) summarizes one level of serviceability on that topic, which occupants might require. The matching entry in the Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-4) is a translation of the requirement into a description of certain features of a facility which, taken in combination, indicate that the facility is likely to meet that level of required serviceability.
FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms
FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms (continued)
FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms (continued)
FIG. 2 Scale A.2.2 for Informal Meetings and Interaction
FIG. 2 Scale A.2.2 for Informal Meetings and Interaction (continued)
FIG. 3 Scale A.2.3 for Group Layout and Territory
FIG. 3 Scale A.2.3 for Group Layout and Territory (continued)
FIG. 4 Scale A.2.4 for Group Workrooms
FIG. 4 Scale A.2.4 for Group Workrooms (continued)
1.3 The entries in the Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-4) are indicative and not comprehensive. They are for quick scanning to estimate approximately, quickly, and economically, how well an office facility is likely to meet the needs of one or another type of occupant group over time. The entries are not for measuring, knowing, or evaluating how an office facility is performing.
1.4 This classification can be used to estimate the level of serviceability of an existing facility. It can also be used to estimate the serviceability of a facility that has been planned but not yet built, such as one for which single-line drawings and outline specifications have been prepared.
1.5 This classification indicates what would cause a facility to be rated at a certain level of serviceability but does not state how to conduct a serviceabi...
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 28-Feb-2018
- Technical Committee
- E06 - Performance of Buildings
- Drafting Committee
- E06.25 - Whole Buildings and Facilities
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2005
- Effective Date
- 28-Jul-2000
- Effective Date
- 10-Oct-1999
- Effective Date
- 10-Oct-1999
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
Overview
ASTM E1661-95a(2018), Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Meetings and Group Effectiveness, provides a systematic way to estimate and compare the serviceability of office facilities in supporting meetings, group collaboration, and work group effectiveness. Developed by ASTM International, this standard offers classification scales useful across diverse office buildings, enabling building owners, facility managers, and planners to quickly assess how well a facility meets the needs of group activities, regardless of its structure, location, age, or design.
Key Topics
The standard defines a framework for evaluating the office facility’s suitability for enabling group work, focusing on:
- Facility Rating Scales: Measures indicating the likely level of serviceability for topics relevant to meetings and group activities.
- Occupant Requirement Scales: Summaries of varying levels of serviceability that occupant groups might require for effective collaboration and productivity.
- Topics of Serviceability: Includes meeting and conference rooms, informal meetings and interaction spaces, group layout and territory, and group workrooms. Each aspect is addressed through matching scales for occupant needs and facility attributes.
- Flexibility: The tool is designed to accommodate office buildings of different architectural types, mechanical systems, and ages.
- Applicability: The classification is intended for estimation and comparison, not for building evaluation, regulatory compliance, or fire risk assessment.
Applications
Organizations and professionals can apply ASTM E1661-95a(2018) for:
- Facility Benchmarking: Comparing the serviceability of multiple office facilities or measuring the variance from targeted serviceability requirements.
- Space Planning: Supporting decisions during the planning phase of new office facilities, including early design or remodels, by providing a practical way to anticipate how the facility will support meetings and group work.
- Assessment of Existing Facilities: Estimating how well current office environments support meetings and group activities, and identifying potential areas for improvement.
- Supporting Occupant Needs: Aligning facility features with the documented requirements of occupant groups to ensure collaboration spaces facilitate productivity.
- Preliminary Analysis: Conducting quick, economical assessments when in-depth evaluations are not feasible, aiding in early-stage decision-making for renovations or new builds.
Note: This classification does not provide a method for comprehensive building evaluation or formal measurement, and results should not be used for compliance or regulatory purposes.
Related Standards
ASTM E1661-95a(2018) interfaces with several standards relevant to building performance and indoor environments, including:
- ASTM E631 – Terminology of Building Constructions: Offers definitions and context for terms used in facility evaluation and serviceability.
- ASTM E1334 – Practice for Rating the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility (Withdrawn 2013): Provides methodologies for calculating serviceability ratings.
- ASTM E1679 – Practice for Setting Requirements for the Serviceability of a Building or Facility: Complements the classification by outlining processes for determining and setting serviceability requirements.
- ASHRAE Standard 55 – Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy: Relevance to occupant comfort in office spaces.
- ASHRAE Standard 62 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality: Addresses indoor air quality, pertinent to office environments.
- ISO 6240 – International Standard, Performance Standards in Building-Contents and Presentation: International context for performance-based building standards.
Practical Value
ASTM E1661-95a(2018) is especially valuable for facility managers, architects, office planners, and building owners seeking consistent tools to estimate and improve the support their facilities provide for meetings and collaborative work. By using standardized classification methods for office serviceability, stakeholders can enhance space utilization, inform investment and design priorities, and align office environments with best practices for group effectiveness and collaboration.
Keywords: office facility serviceability, meeting rooms, group effectiveness, facility rating scale, occupant requirements, office space planning, collaborative workspaces, ASTM standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E1661-95a(2018) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Meetings and Group Effectiveness". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Each Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-4) in this classification provides a means to estimate the level of serviceability of a building or facility for one topic of serviceability and to compare that level against the level of any other building or facility. 4.2 This classification can be used for comparing how well different buildings or facilities meet a particular requirement for serviceability. It is applicable despite differences such as location, structure, mechanical systems, age, and building shape. 4.3 This classification can be used to estimate the amount of variance of serviceability from target or from requirement, for a single office facility, or within a group of office facilities. 4.4 This classification can be used to estimate the following: 4.4.1 Serviceability of an existing facility for uses other than its present use. 4.4.2 Serviceability (potential) of a facility that has been planned but not yet built. 4.4.3 Serviceability (potential) of a facility for which a remodeling has been planned. 4.5 Use of this classification does not result in building evaluation or diagnosis. Building evaluation or diagnosis generally requires a special expertise in building engineering or technology and the use of instruments, tools, or measurements. 4.6 This classification applies only to facilities that are building constructions, or parts thereof. (While this classification may be useful in rating the serviceability of facilities that are not building constructions, such facilities are outside the scope of this classification.) 4.7 This classification is not intended for, and is not suitable for, use for regulatory purposes, nor for fire hazard assessment nor for fire risk assessment. SCOPE 1.1 This classification covers pairs of scales for classifying an aspect of the serviceability of an office facility, that is, the capability of an office facility to meet certain possible requirements to enable work groups or project groups to function effectively and productively. 1.2 Within that aspect of serviceability, each pair of scales, shown in Figs. 1-4, are for classifying one topic of serviceability. Each paragraph in an Occupant Requirement Scale (see Figs. 1-4) summarizes one level of serviceability on that topic, which occupants might require. The matching entry in the Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-4) is a translation of the requirement into a description of certain features of a facility which, taken in combination, indicate that the facility is likely to meet that level of required serviceability. FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms (continued) FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms (continued) FIG. 2 Scale A.2.2 for Informal Meetings and Interaction FIG. 2 Scale A.2.2 for Informal Meetings and Interaction (continued) FIG. 3 Scale A.2.3 for Group Layout and Territory FIG. 3 Scale A.2.3 for Group Layout and Territory (continued) FIG. 4 Scale A.2.4 for Group Workrooms FIG. 4 Scale A.2.4 for Group Workrooms (continued) 1.3 The entries in the Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-4) are indicative and not comprehensive. They are for quick scanning to estimate approximately, quickly, and economically, how well an office facility is likely to meet the needs of one or another type of occupant group over time. The entries are not for measuring, knowing, or evaluating how an office facility is performing. 1.4 This classification can be used to estimate the level of serviceability of an existing facility. It can also be used to estimate the serviceability of a facility that has been planned but not yet built, such as one for which single-line drawings and outline specifications have been prepared. 1.5 This classification indicates what would cause a facility to be rated at a certain level of serviceability but does not state how to conduct a serviceabi...
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Each Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-4) in this classification provides a means to estimate the level of serviceability of a building or facility for one topic of serviceability and to compare that level against the level of any other building or facility. 4.2 This classification can be used for comparing how well different buildings or facilities meet a particular requirement for serviceability. It is applicable despite differences such as location, structure, mechanical systems, age, and building shape. 4.3 This classification can be used to estimate the amount of variance of serviceability from target or from requirement, for a single office facility, or within a group of office facilities. 4.4 This classification can be used to estimate the following: 4.4.1 Serviceability of an existing facility for uses other than its present use. 4.4.2 Serviceability (potential) of a facility that has been planned but not yet built. 4.4.3 Serviceability (potential) of a facility for which a remodeling has been planned. 4.5 Use of this classification does not result in building evaluation or diagnosis. Building evaluation or diagnosis generally requires a special expertise in building engineering or technology and the use of instruments, tools, or measurements. 4.6 This classification applies only to facilities that are building constructions, or parts thereof. (While this classification may be useful in rating the serviceability of facilities that are not building constructions, such facilities are outside the scope of this classification.) 4.7 This classification is not intended for, and is not suitable for, use for regulatory purposes, nor for fire hazard assessment nor for fire risk assessment. SCOPE 1.1 This classification covers pairs of scales for classifying an aspect of the serviceability of an office facility, that is, the capability of an office facility to meet certain possible requirements to enable work groups or project groups to function effectively and productively. 1.2 Within that aspect of serviceability, each pair of scales, shown in Figs. 1-4, are for classifying one topic of serviceability. Each paragraph in an Occupant Requirement Scale (see Figs. 1-4) summarizes one level of serviceability on that topic, which occupants might require. The matching entry in the Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-4) is a translation of the requirement into a description of certain features of a facility which, taken in combination, indicate that the facility is likely to meet that level of required serviceability. FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms (continued) FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms (continued) FIG. 2 Scale A.2.2 for Informal Meetings and Interaction FIG. 2 Scale A.2.2 for Informal Meetings and Interaction (continued) FIG. 3 Scale A.2.3 for Group Layout and Territory FIG. 3 Scale A.2.3 for Group Layout and Territory (continued) FIG. 4 Scale A.2.4 for Group Workrooms FIG. 4 Scale A.2.4 for Group Workrooms (continued) 1.3 The entries in the Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-4) are indicative and not comprehensive. They are for quick scanning to estimate approximately, quickly, and economically, how well an office facility is likely to meet the needs of one or another type of occupant group over time. The entries are not for measuring, knowing, or evaluating how an office facility is performing. 1.4 This classification can be used to estimate the level of serviceability of an existing facility. It can also be used to estimate the serviceability of a facility that has been planned but not yet built, such as one for which single-line drawings and outline specifications have been prepared. 1.5 This classification indicates what would cause a facility to be rated at a certain level of serviceability but does not state how to conduct a serviceabi...
ASTM E1661-95a(2018) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 35.260 - Office machines. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E1661-95a(2018) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E1661-95a(2012), ASTM E631-15, ASTM E631-14, ASTM E1679-13, ASTM E1679-95(2012), ASTM E631-06, ASTM E1679-95(2005), ASTM E1334-95(2005), ASTM E631-93a(1998)e1, ASTM E1679-95(1999), ASTM E1334-95(1999), ASTM E1765-16(2023). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E1661-95a(2018) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E1661 −95a (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Classification for
Serviceability of an Office Facility for Meetings and Group
1,2
Effectiveness
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1661; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope serviceability score. That information is found in Practice
E1334. The scales in this classification are complimentary to
1.1 This classification covers pairs of scales for classifying
and compatible with Practice E1334. Each requires the other.
an aspect of the serviceability of an office facility, that is, the
capability of an office facility to meet certain possible require- 1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
ments to enable work groups or project groups to function standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
effectively and productively. conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
tion only and are not considered standard.
1.2 Within that aspect of serviceability, each pair of scales,
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
shown in Figs. 1-4, are for classifying one topic of serviceabil-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ity. Each paragraph in an Occupant Requirement Scale (see
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Figs. 1-4) summarizes one level of serviceability on that topic,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
which occupants might require. The matching entry in the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-4) is a translation of the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
requirement into a description of certain features of a facility
which, taken in combination, indicate that the facility is likely
2. Referenced Documents
to meet that level of required serviceability.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.3 The entries in the Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-4)
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
are indicative and not comprehensive. They are for quick
E1334 Practice for Rating the Serviceability of a Building or
scanningtoestimateapproximately,quickly,andeconomically,
Building-Related Facility (Withdrawn 2013)
how well an office facility is likely to meet the needs of one or
E1679 PracticeforSettingtheRequirementsfortheService-
another type of occupant group over time. The entries are not
ability of a Building or Building-Related Facility, and for
for measuring, knowing, or evaluating how an office facility is
Determining What Serviceability is Provided or Proposed
performing.
2.2 ASHRAE Standards:
1.4 This classification can be used to estimate the level of
ASHRAE Standard 55 Thermal Environmental Conditions
serviceability of an existing facility. It can also be used to
for Human Occupancy
estimate the serviceability of a facility that has been planned
ASHRAE Standard 62 Ventilation forAcceptable IndoorAir
but not yet built, such as one for which single-line drawings
Quality
and outline specifications have been prepared.
2.3 ISO Standard:
1.5 This classification indicates what would cause a facility ISO 6240 International Standard, Performance Standards in
to be rated at a certain level of serviceability but does not state
Building—Contents and Presentation
how to conduct a serviceability rating nor how to assign a
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.25 Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
on Whole Buildings and Facilities. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved March 1, 2018. Published March 2018. Originally The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E1661 – 95a (2012). www.astm.org.
DOI: 10.1520/E1661-95AR18. Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
Portions of this document are based on material originally prepared by the Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA
International Centre for Facilities (ICF) and © 1993 by ICF and Minister of Public 30329, http://www.ashrae.org.
Works and Government Services Canada. Their cooperation in the development of Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
this standard is acknowledged. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1661−95a (2018)
FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms
E1661−95a (2018)
FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms (continued)
E1661−95a (2018)
FIG. 1 Scale A.2.1 for Meeting and Conference Rooms (continued)
E1661−95a (2018)
FIG. 2 Scale A.2.2 for Informal Meetings and Interaction
E1661−95a (2018)
FIG. 2 Scale A.2.2 for Informal Meetings and Interaction (continued)
E1661−95a (2018)
FIG. 3 Scale A.2.3 for Group Layout and Territory
E1661−95a (2018)
FIG. 3 Scale A.2.3 for Group Layout and Territory (continued)
E1661−95a (2018)
FIG. 4 Scale A.2.4 for Group Workrooms
E1661−95a (2018)
FIG. 4 Scale A.2.4 for Group Workrooms (continued)
E1661−95a (2018)
3. Terminology walls, for example, a workstation for computer work and a
workstationfordesk-workandreferencetodocumentsareboth
3.1 Definitions:
often found within the workplace of a single individual. (Note
3.1.1 facility—a physical setting used to serve a specific
that in facility planning and management, the term is not
purpose. E631
limited to a type of computer used in the workplace.)
3.1.1.1 Discussion—A facility may be within a building, a
whole building, or a building with its site an
...
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