Samenvatting

This report outlines key findings generated from evidence-based research examining the impact of spatial planning on facility management performance within the Dutch pavilion at the World Expo Osaka 2025. It addresses the recurring neglect of facility management considerations in design and construction processes and highlights the importance of integrating operational needs early in pavilion planning. Through application of relevant theoretical frameworks, it provides an employee-oriented perspective on functional comfort to support job performance.

The research was conducted to support the operational needs of Van Der Linde Catering, the hospitality company responsible for facility management at the Dutch Pavilion and the commissioning party for this study. The study was motivationed by the rising concern of poor alignment between design and back-of-house operations, leading to operational challenges.

The case study involved a 10-week on-site data collection, preceded by preliminary interviews and assessment of organizational documents including architectural drawings, construction and planning procedures. On-site observations, surveys, and personal interviews identified employee movement, space utilization, space requirements, and operational bottlenecks.

This study aims to contribute to future World Expo pavilion planning by formulating evidence-based spatial considerations to support facility management performance to guiding future design processes, designers, and organizers. By applying these considerations to the Dutch Pavilion at Osaka 2025, the study demonstrates how a facility management–involved design can improve operations and mitigate spatial and organizational challenges.