UCL
Data-Driven Decision Making for Agile Workspaces and Lecture Theatres
University College London (UCL), a prestigious public research university, sought to validate its transition to agile working while also optimising the use of lecture theatre spaces. To make confident space planning decisions, UCL needed accurate occupancy insights across both administrative workspaces and academic facilities.
Spaceology was appointed to deliver a combined occupancy measurement and footfall tracking solution – supporting strategic workplace design, resource allocation, and long-term space planning.
Challenge
UCL faced two distinct but related challenges:
1. Validate their agile working programme by comparing occupancy levels in traditional desk setups versus agile work environments.
2. Analyse the utilisation of lecture theatres, which were often booked based on enrolment data but experienced declining attendance over time, leaving large rooms underused.
Both challenges required precise measurement of real-time occupancy and actual usage patterns, rather than relying on booking systems or scheduled assumptions.
Our Solution
To meet both objectives, Spaceology implemented a dual-sensor strategy across UCL’s workspace and lecture theatres.
This included:
In office areas, desk and room sensors were deployed to monitor which spaces were used, when, and by how many people – supporting agile programme analysis.
In lecture theatres, footfall counters captured how many students actually attended each session, comparing real occupancy with scheduled expectations.
A central dashboard visualised live and historical data, while Spaceology’s team provided in-depth analysis to support UCL’s evaluation of both space types.
Results
The data captured by Spaceology provided UCL with a comprehensive understanding of how space was actually being used – helping to inform future design decisions and operational strategy.
Quantified how traditional vs. agile layouts impacted space efficiency.
Revealed a drop-off in attendance post-term start, allowing UCL to reallocate large rooms and better match space to demand.
Enabled evidence-based redesign of office spaces and confirmation of the new workplace model’s effectiveness.
Helped UCL accommodate more staff and students in the same footprint without compromising experience or comfort.
Empowered teams to challenge space requests with data, redirecting investment to areas with proven need.