The most critical factor in determining traffic flow in an open-plan office is the functional and communication-based relationships between different departments. This concept, known as adjacency analysis, is a core component of the programming and space planning phases. The frequency and importance of interaction between groups dictate their relative placement. High-traffic paths naturally form between departments that require close proximity for collaboration and workflow efficiency. Therefore, department proximities are the primary driver for establishing the main circulation patterns.

A. Light levels: Light levels are crucial for occupant well-being and task performance but do not fundamentally determine the primary circulation routes between departments.

B. File management: While access to centralized files creates some movement, it is a secondary driver of traffic compared to the constant, daily interactions between departments.

C. Vertical circulation: Vertical circulation points (stairs/elevators) are destinations, but they do not dictate the complex horizontal traffic patterns within the floor plan, which are driven by interdepartmental needs.

1. Ballast

D. K. (2018). Interior Design Reference Manual: Everything You Need to Know to Pass the NCIDQ Exam (6th ed.). Professional Publications

Inc. In Chapter 10

"Space Planning

" the text emphasizes that circulation patterns are a direct result of the adjacency requirements established during programming. The organization of spaces and departments is the primary determinant of the circulation system (pp. 10-4 to 10-6).

2. Karlen

M.

& Fleming

R. (2016). Space Planning Basics (4th ed.). Wiley. Chapter 3

"Programming: The Design Brief

" details the process of creating adjacency matrices and bubble diagrams. These tools visually represent the necessary proximities between functions and departments

which form the logical basis for the entire space plan and its inherent circulation paths (pp. 45-51).

3. Piotrowski

C. M. (2016). Professional Practice for Interior Designers (6th ed.). Wiley. The section on Programming discusses the importance of understanding workflow and communication patterns between employees and departments. This information is foundational to creating a functional layout where traffic flow supports

rather than hinders

work processes (Chapter 13

"Programming").