Using temporary premises

Text A: an original contemporary practice extract.

While its usual room was repaired, a community homework club hired an empty shop unit. The plan suggested that twelve tables would fit. When the tables arrived, two support columns broke up the floor, a low radiator blocked one wall and the only sockets were beside the front window. In the afternoon, glare across that window made two of the planned places difficult to use.

Volunteers tested the arrangement before inviting pupils in. They turned the tables into four small groups, moved equipment to one powered station and reduced the number of bookings. Instead of one crowded session, they offered two shorter sessions and sent families new arrival times. The club opened as planned, although fewer pupils could work there at once.

Text B: an original contemporary practice extract.

An advice service used a side room in a public building while its office was redecorated. The booking description called the room spacious, but fixed display cases narrowed the centre and the door opened into the area intended for waiting chairs. Staff also found that the weak mobile signal interrupted calls and that conversations at the front desk could be heard from the seats.

Before opening, they tried several layouts. They placed the desks at opposite ends, added a portable screen and left longer gaps between appointments. Some visitors were offered telephone appointments from another office. The temporary room remained in use, but the number of face-to-face appointments each morning was reduced.

These extracts describe organisers trying to make temporary rooms suitable for a service.

What similarities can you find between the difficulties they face? Use evidence from both texts to support your answer.