Commercial Tenant Restaurant Traffic Analysis Case Study

This case study refers to a commercial office space in the city of London.

Brief

In recent months, multiple commercial developments have required one or more inter-floor tenant restaurants to be allowed for. As a result, additional inter-floor traffic must be allowed for, in anticipation of a unique traffic pattern.

Outcome

D2E have simulated various tenant restaurant sizes, numbers and locations with relevance to specific building designs. From this experience, we have created some guidelines which should be incorporated into simulations regarding tenant restaurants.

• For a new build project, assume 42% of the tenant’s population will use the restaurant within the peak hour. This is based on 60% of the tenant’s population using the restaurant in total, but only 80% of the restaurant users will travel to or leave the restaurant within one hour. 

• It is best to advise that tenant restaurants are located in the middle of the tenant’s demise. This is to encourage stair usage from adjacent floors as this can drastically improve performance.
• Both restaurant and non-restaurant users must be considered separately, however, if the peak period and passenger core is to be used by both types of people, it is essential to simulate the passenger movement simultaneously.
• It is important to gather information from a catering consultant, should one be within the design team, as they may advise on a different level of usage, however, the aforementioned assumptions should be used as a starting point.

 Benefit to the Client

The Client will be comfortable in the knowledge that the building is able to withstand the additional inter-floor traffic and can offer a more adaptable designed building to potential tenants. This will make the building easier to let/sell, aiding the client to achieve their aim.