Minimum Distance for Office Chairs

The minimum distance between desks and chairs in office settings should be determined based on the specific layout type. The standards for the spacing between workstations in open-plan offices differ from those for chair spacing in meeting scenarios, as detailed below:

Minimum Distance Between Desks in Open-Plan Offices
The layout of workstations in open-plan offices must meet the needs of personnel movement and activities. There are differences in the minimum spacing requirements between international general standards and domestic regulations. According to international general office environment design standards, the minimum passageway distance between workstations should be 1 meter. This distance can accommodate normal single-person passage and brief stops, preventing collisions or obstructions caused by cramped spaces. In contrast, China's "Design Code for Office Buildings" (JGJ67-2006) imposes stricter requirements on the spacing in open offices, stipulating that the minimum distance between adjacent workstations should be ≥1.5 meters. This value not only considers passage needs but also takes into account the comfort of employees when operating equipment (such as turning around to retrieve items or stretching their arms), as well as avoiding visual interference or privacy breaches due to excessively close workstations. In actual design, if the office has a high personnel density, the international standard of 1 meter can be prioritized as the basic passageway width; if enhancing space quality or meeting special functional requirements (such as setting up file cabinets or green plants) is necessary, the domestic standard of 1.5 meters should be followed.

Chair Spacing in Row-Desk Meeting Venues
In meeting scenarios, the spacing between chairs must balance space utilization and attendee comfort. According to regulations, the spacing between chairs in row-desk meeting venues should be arranged to be 15-20 centimeters. This range is based on ergonomic design. A spacing of 15 centimeters can meet the minimum interval required for adjacent attendees to place their arms naturally, avoiding physical contact; 20 centimeters provides a more spacious area to accommodate different body types or those wearing thick coats. In actual arrangements, if meetings are frequent and have a large number of attendees, chairs can be compactly arranged at the minimum value of 15 centimeters to save space; if meetings are long or emphasize comfort (such as high-end business meetings), a spacing of 20 centimeters is recommended to reduce the sense of confinement during prolonged sitting.

Summary
The spacing between workstations in open-plan offices should be selected as either 1 meter or 1.5 meters based on passage and operational needs, while the spacing between chairs in meeting scenarios should be flexibly adjusted within the range of 15-20 centimeters. During design, it is essential to consider the specific usage scenario, personnel density, and functional requirements, prioritizing compliance with relevant regulations to ensure efficient space utilization and adherence to human comfort standards.