What is the Building Density Dashboard?
The Building Density Dashboard is a web application designed to simplify the space planning process. It is designed for UC Berkeley employees responsible for planning and managing Campus spaces (e.g., buildings, floors, rooms).
Why was it built?
It was built to help address the following COVID-19 space planning challenges:
- Calculating the amount of available space according to space usage guidelines.
- Aggregating all space usage requests.
- Rolling all space usage requests into an easily reviewable plan.
- Streamlining the space usage approval process by making it easier for approval agencies to review the plan online and in detail.
- Monitoring space usage in real-time.
- Documenting actual usage of space to ensure it remains within the approved plan.
How does it work?
The Building Density Dashboard allows space planners to create space usage plans based on different environmental assumptions (called scenarios).
Each plan consists of the following:
- The amount of physical space available.
- The planned allocation of the space.
- The actual use of the space.
These scenarios are then displayed in a simple dashboard that compares the “space usage plan” vs. “actual space usage” on a per room basis. The actual space usage is determined by using mobile wifi usage data.
Planning data is the projected attendance for a space. It is aggregated from several data sources (e.g., course registration, building access requests, faculty office use, support staff use). These data sources can be department databases, Campus systems, or simple Google worksheets.
Actual usage data is the real-time headcount determined by monitoring mobile wifi access data. The wifi data collected is anonymous and cannot be traced to individual devices. The use of this data was reviewed by Campus Legal Counsel to ensure individual privacy.
How much does it cost?
It is free to the UC Berkeley Community. Costs associated with running this service are shared between Haas and Campus IT.
Who can use it?
It is available to any UC Berkeley employee responsible for managing physical spaces within the UC Berkeley campus.
How long will it be available?
Haas and Campus IS&T have committed to supporting the dashboard through the end of FY 22.
Can it be used to manage space outside a building?
It can be used to manage outside spaces such as a courtyard. However, the wifi data may not be accurate depending on the proximity of wifi hotspots. Use of the tool in these areas should be limited to planning and documentation.
Which buildings are currently available in the dashboard?
The Density Dashboard can be used for any building with Aruba wifi hotspots. Currently, there are 90 buildings on campus (~70%) using Aruba. Currently, the Density Dashboard does not include all of these buildings; however, the set-up process can be completed within a couple of days of receiving a request.
Buildings not using the Aruba network will be included in a future version of the tool.
How do I determine the status of a particular building?
We are in the process of updating this documentation. In the meantime, you can submit a ticket to [email protected] with your query.
How do I request access?
Submit a ticket to [email protected] with the following information:
- Employee Name
- Employee ID
- Department Name
- Manager Name
- Building and Floors
This information will be sent to Campus for review and approval. If approved, you will receive a follow up email with your login information and instructions on how to get started.
Have questions?