Best Control Room Layouts for Small Spaces

When it comes to designing a control room, bigger isn’t always better. Many organizations—especially in public safety, utilities, and transportation—operate in facilities where square footage is limited. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance, comfort, or functionality.

In fact, with the right layout and furniture strategy, even the smallest control rooms can be transformed into efficient, ergonomic, and future-ready workspaces. 

Here are some examples of control room layouts for small spaces to help you make the most of every square foot.

1. Linear Layout: Simple, Streamlined, and Space-Saving 

A linear layout places all operator consoles in a single row, typically facing a shared video wall or bank of monitors. This setup is ideal for narrow rooms or facilities with limited depth. 

Why it works: 

• Maximizes wall space for displays 

• Keeps cabling and infrastructure centralized 

• Easy to scale by adding more stations along the line

Example Installation: 

A row of operator consoles arranged side-by-side in a narrow control room, designed for efficient communication and visibility.

Case Study:

The goal in this project was to upgrade our client’s control room with modern dispatch consoles that met a comprehensive set of strict requirements, including the use of heavy-duty technical furniture specifically engineered for mission-critical environments, provided by vendors with at least 20 years of experience in the field. The project demanded full compliance with ANSI/BIFMA x5.5-2021 certification standards, robust support and servicing capabilities, and advanced cable management solutions to minimize downtime. Additionally, the consoles needed to feature height-adjustable work surfaces with safety stop collision sensors, ergonomic finishes with Greenguard-certified materials, and integrated storage solutions for both IT equipment and personal belongings. Learn more. 

2. Cockpit Layout: Immersive and Operator-Centric 

The cockpit layout places consoles in a U or corner configuration, wrapping around the operator. This design is ideal for single-user or dual-user control rooms where multitasking and quick access to multiple systems are critical. 

Why it works: 

• Reduces operator movement 

• Enhances situational awareness 

• Makes use of corner space efficiently 

Example Installation:

Caption: A compact control room using a corner-based cockpit layout, allowing the operator to access multiple systems with minimal movement.

Case Study:

In a notable case study, our team successfully executed a comprehensive project aimed at revolutionizing the Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC). The initiative involved the conceptualization, design, and manufacturing of a cutting-edge PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) center. Central to the design were five robust consoles, meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate cable management solutions while boasting dual worksurfaces with adjustable heights to accommodate a diverse range of body sizes and operator preferences. Learn more. 

Need help maximizing your existing space for a control room? Contact us. 

Small control rooms come with big challenges—but also big opportunities. With the right layout and furniture strategy, you can create a space that’s not only functional but also future-proof.

At Sustema, we specialize in designing control room furniture for mission-critical environments of all sizes. Whether you're working with 100 square feet or 1,000, we can help you maximize your space without compromising on performance. 

Want to see more examples? Contact us to request a portfolio of small-space control room installations.