Building services — raised floors and suspended ceilings compared

In early issues of Facilities (1/1, February 1983; 1/5, August 1983) we examined the case for raised floors as one of a range of servicing options. In this updated article we will take a broader view of services distribution and, in comparing criteria for selecting floors and ceilings, will equip facilities managers to address a criticial strategic planning problem. Information technology demands the efficient routeing of services around the building structure. This presents a perpetual problem for facilities managers: not only is large‐scale investment required, but there are also considerable implications for operational efficiency.