SPACE: a new modeling tool for supporting layout design of military command and control spaces

Military command and control spaces are complex work environments and critical facilities for a military mission. This paper describes a newly developed modeling tool called SPACE (Spatial layout Planning and Analysis for Communication Effectiveness) for assisting layout design of such workplaces. As a Human Factors tool, SPACE provides common functions required for workspace modeling, including rapid workspace prototyping, versatile design visualization, and algorithmic layout assessment. One of its key features is a layout evaluation algorithm that enables objective assessment of floor plans based on their impact on operator communication and interaction efficiency. In this paper, the main functionalities of SPACE are explained using a case study where models were constructed to compare three layout options for a Joint Intelligence Center. The results revealed the pros and cons of each layout in facilitating team interaction involving different sensory domains. While all three layouts were deemed acceptable, an inward-facing boardroom style design was predicted to be optimal as it best balanced the need for direct sightline access, non-technology-mediated verbal conversations, and the physical effort associated with movement to collaborators’ workstations. This study demonstrated the usefulness of modeling and simulation to provide quantitative auditable data for supporting evidence-based decision-making in military system design.