2 FACTORS DETERMINING LIFE SPACE, ERGONOMICS IN HOUSE PLANNING

Rymala Mathen

Introduction

Life space in psychology as defined by Nugent, Pam.(2013), is a representation of the factors affecting an individual’s life. These factors include environmental, biological, and social factors which have an effect on the individual.”Maximum utilization of minimum space is the crux of space planning. The needs and functions of the room/space, are taken into consideration while problem areas and difficult spaces are dealt with to make it into useful spaces. Thought and sensitivity is required since it is the foundation of the home in terms of decor and design. Goal of life space planning is to accomplish this beautifully, comfortably, tastefully, and gracefully so that the placement of all the objects in the room seems both obvious and surprising.

As opined by Roheena Nagpal , 2013, before beginning with the planning, first think of the functions of the room, needs, wants and ideas for the room as well as use of it.. Plan your private spaces first and then go for the public ones. Some tips for space planning are:

Make your space comfortable first, and then think of aesthetics.
While planning, unnecessary passages can be avoided.
Home must be an extension of the lifestyle of the inmates and must enable the desired lifestyle.
Try to avoid edges in compact spaces, the smooth flow of traffic is easy with ovals and circular forms of spaces.

Functions of the room:

Today rooms are multifunctional and allotment of rooms for specific utilities are a luxury. Usage of one room for many purposes or having one space sectioned to collaborate different usages are the trend today. For example, a drawing space connected to dining and kitchen and partitioned by wooden artwork stands are common now. So, first decide the use of the space and then we should make creative decisions and designs to make it functional and aesthetic.

Number of users for the space and its purposes.

It will help us to determine the furniture type and numbers, accordingly design the areas practically.

Type of furniture to be used.

A good space planning includes the reutilization of old furniture. So, prepare a list and think where all can you save and spend. Sometimes old furniture can be used instead of new purchases.

Type of mood we want to create:

According to the taste of the inmates, and depending on the surroundings a room can be made to feel, space-wise – open and airy, cozy, and minimal, and serene.

Lighting needs:

The provision of natural light and full utilization of it is a must. But at times it acts as a hindrance in planning and does not seem feasible and so, designer needs to make the most of it or decide the type and kind of lighting according to the preference of the users.

Taking advantage of the focal points of the room :

Decide the center of attraction of the space and it will help us to manage to design better than otherwise. In some cases, we need to create new focal points which add story or interest to the spaces in order to raise the design value.

Balance and symmetry, or the unexpected, or a combination of design principles.

Although being in harmony is classic but today, everything in designing is a personal justification and interpretation so make the most of it as per the users’ interest.

Common spaces in our homes are entrance lobby, living room and the powder room which essentially are meant for guests and the semi-private spaces like dining room and entertainment room, and finally private spaces such as the bedrooms.

Bedroom

Essentials of the room should be, planned first . In bedroom bed should be placed in such a way that no windows are blocked and have enough space to walk. Side tables should be of a size enough to house your needs and desires. Passage and walkways must be of the minimum size from 2’6” to 3’0”. Don’t crunch on spaces that are used very often. Wardrobes must be placed against a wall with enough place for their shutters to open, and should be able to stand and access it with ease. Sliding wardrobes can be designed in case of space constraints. Armchairs can be placed near the windows in such a way that reading is possible with natural light during the day.

The dimensions of the bed should be as per standard size, and always keep in mind the volume of the room while finalising the sizes and designs of furniture. Using a queen-size bed in a large room may look as inappropriate as a king-size in a compact room.

Living room

The most important factor when planning the living room, is the family size and the number of guests expected often. The seating in the room must be planned in such a way that it should be able to accommodate both family members and guests.

According to the experience which the family would like to share with the guests in the living room. Should be considered like watching TV or listening to music while having a conversation. If so, plan the space in such a way that it can accommodate a music system and TV too. Instead of side tables, use one large centre table is enough to cater to the functional needs of the number of seats accommodated. The space between the couch and the table should be enough for one person to be able to walk past because any less would make it look cramped. In case of smaller spaces, use round or oval tables as they will enable smoother movement around them.

What is Planning of Space in Interior Design?

Space planning is a fundamental element of the interior design process. It starts with an in-depth analysis of how the space is to be used. The designer then draws up a plan that defines the zones of the space and the activities that will take place in those zones. The space plan will also define the circulation patterns that show how people will move through the space. The plan is finished by adding details of all the furniture, equipment and hardware placement.

Points to consider when deciding how to layout your room

Structure of the room, and the main focal points – think about what you can add to the space to help balance the structure of the space Remember that the human eye is drawn to focal points, and will scan a space when entering it.
Perception of space is based on body size. Different size spaces suit different size people:
Think about the space in terms of volume, ensure that the space is not overfilled.
Create both a prospect and a refuge in each room so feeling of enclosed can be created, but also have a view beyond to the outside or natural world.
Using Prospect and Refuge theory in a space will make it more comfortable for the human experience. A shelter (refuge) with a view (prospect), make humans have their field of vision to the front (prospect), therefore needing some sort of protection from behind (refuge).”
Plan your furniture with a scale drawing of your room and ensure that the circulation passageway through a room follows an easy and economic pathway from the door to all the other main activity areas.
Since clutter closes down space, avoid clutter as it will block both circulation and reducing the perceived size of a room.
Large or long spaces, can be sub divided into different activity zones which gives definition to each part of the room.
For planning decoration and lighting, think of the principles that vertical lines draw our eyes up and horizontal lines draw them across to extend or reduce the proportions of a room.
Wallpaper with a square grid or tiling a room in squares will give the impression that it is bigger than it is – the smaller the grid, the larger the room appears.
For ensuring an uninterrupted view of the outside world, borrows space from outside. and by using the same flooring materials it is possible to ‘borrow’ space from adjoining rooms also.
In case of furnishing small rooms, the edges of the room can be blurred to break up the lines between floor and walls; draw furniture a little way away from the walls; and choose furniture with legs to give the illusion of more space.

Let us see how we can create a space plan?

There are two steps. Diagramming and Space Planning: Space planning begins when programming is completed and the site or the existing building is analyzed. ‘Diagramming’, takes place at the pre-design phase Diagramming involves diagrams as analytical tools and techniques for space planning. First make a bubble plan and then make a detailed Scale plan.

The Bubble Plan–To start a space plan first make a rough drawing a map of the space and creating a bubble plan. A bubble plan is a simple diagram of freehand drawing of circles that shows the type of activities done in the space and the relationship between these activities. In this, functions are analyzed, interpreted, and arranged through their space needs and relationships.

You can see the Bubble plan diagram now—-

An open plan of a house have 3 or more bubbles, 1 showing the kitchen, the other showing the dining area and another for the living area and one for bedroom and bathroom each. Using bubbles we can define these spaces and its positions. When it is clear about where the activities are going to happen in the space, then a scale plan can be created.

Adjacency diagram – Another technique in diagramming is the ‘adjacency diagram’ (or, relationship diagram) which represents adjacency and proximity relationships between spaces with graphic elements such as arrows. Adjacency diagrams describe the common needs of functions, working spatial relationships, and arrangement of access and circulation between spaces. For instance, when adjacency is considered, the meeting room at your office is planned and diagrammed ‘close to’ workspaces and ‘distant to’ the break room.

For instance, the break room and office yoga at your office have similar needs as ‘private’ employee spaces but also different requirements because one is a loud space, the other quiet.

A detailed Scale Plan

In scale plan, each space are drawn to scale including windows, doors, built in cupboards/shelves, and lighting placements. All the fixtures and features on the plan can be included. A list of everything needed in the space to be made. Today, it is possible using computer soft wares, where free online tools can be used that will help you plan your space.

Use of Ergonomics in Space planning

Ergonomics- the science that seeks to adapt work or working conditions to suit the worker has become a recent concept in the design of space (Agnihotri, 2003). Ergonomics the human factor engineering is a multidisciplinary science that uses knowledge of human capacities and capabilities to assist in the design of work places, equipment and products (Eastman Kodak company1997).Efficiency and use of satisfaction in the use of work space are the overall aims of ergonomics.(Jones and Phillips, 1993). Ergonomically speaking, it is often desirable to adjust the working height to suit the physique of the person. The knowledge of reaching heights is essential for positioning of shelves, storage surface and hand grip. As we live in a designer world, and the interior design industry in India has revolutionized much that it provides the power to shape the house into a dream home.

Space planning depends upon the relationships of the following three aspects.

Activity
Space and
Equipment

Activity is the task that is going to be performed in the given space.a designer will design within a given space and if the activity space is inadequate, then the activity should be squeezed within the given space without affecting the efficiency of the activity. Railway compartments, aeroplanes are good examples and it is a challengr for a designer.

Space –the given space is always fixed. Area and dimensions cannot be changed when the area is small, minimum area should be given for circulation or movement of the people

Equipments: to perform any activity, within a given space, some furniture or equipment is required. Based on the available space and number of persons to be accommodated, the size and shape of the furniture and equipment should be decided.

In a house, areas where ergonomics can be applied in design for smart functional and storage friendly are Kitchen, bathroom and other rooms/ areas where aspects like grip or holders for old and persons with disabilities are fixed.

Bathroom Creating a functional and storage-friendly bathroom may be the need of a home.

Good bathroom planning requires an understanding of ergonomic principles which involves anthropometrics (measure of human characteristics and function). Generally an ergonomic design will be one that can be described as user friendly. Ergonomic design focuses on maximizing the comfort for the maximum number of people.

Basic principles are (1) Clearance, (2) Reach and (3) working height.

Clearance involve the consideration of minimum spatial tolerance required to give a person access in constrained circumstances. Example, when bending down to open a cupboard door in a passage way.

Reach looks at maximum spatial tolerance and is concerned with work space envelope or the 3D volume of space which a body can comfortably occupy in a given position and situation.(distance a standing person can reach overhead).

Bathrooms must be designed for the people who are to use them although this is not always possible when the physical characteristics of the future users are not known.The principle of universal design are helpful in such situations.

Working height : is one of the most important measurements in kitchen or bathroom design for both sitting and standing activities. If the work surface is too high, for the person and the job, the worker’s elbow and arm will be in a strained position. If it is too low, the person may adjust his or her whole body downward resulting in poor posture. An appropriate design solution is somewhere in between at which neither shoulder nor back are subjected to excessive postural stress. Functionality is key for a bathroom. Bath rooms can easily lead to unwanted clutter, so make sure that only design elements that are functional are used.

In bathroom, a working height 50-100 mm below the flexed elbow is generally recommended.(HIA guide to Kitchen and bathroom construction). Details of application of ergonomics in Kitchen designing will be learned separately.

Colour : Use neutral colors to make your bathroom feel calm and aesthetically pleasing.Utilize textures and patterns in neutral tones to add creativity and depth. Remember that the color white is associated with cleanliness.

Storage Principles: The basic storage principles are importance,(most important items in terms of performance or safety should be stored in most advantageous position or location) frequency of use (Most frequently used items should be in the easiest to access locations),. function (Items concerned with similar function should be grouped together) and sequence of use(Items commonly operated in sequence should be grouped together . practical space planning with storage located at the point of use will ensure the sequence of use.

The most important principles to consider in space planning are frequency of use and sequence of use. For safety reasons, medicines and cleaning items should be stored in locked cabinets or out of reach of children.

Adaptable design: In an aging society, it is becoming more and more important for designers to plan adaptable spaces that allow people to stay in their homes as they age. Design for adaptability does not mean that designing for a disabled person or a person with special needs. Fixing of grab rails in the bathroom may not help the client at the age of 35 but a designer should be aware that at a later stage, they may be required.
Universal design: The term Universal design is used to refer to design which taken into account the majority of people regardless of age and ability. The principles are based on simplicity and flexibility and the idea that we do not need to design for specifics of an age group or a disability.
By using the principle of Universal design special modifications will no longer be a necessity (although there may be individual situations where modification is needed).Using the principle of Universal design, will not necessarily be obvious when the new bathroom is completed but will ensure flexibility in the future. Example, will allow aging occupants to stay in their home for a longer time.
Safety is also an important aspect of life space designing and as aesthetics and need to be considered at the planning stage. Majority of accidents occur due to slippery surfaces, protruding accessories ,failure or lack of grab rails, poorly located taps and outlets and poor storage of dangerous materials. Planning improvements and proper construction methods can effectively minimize the hazards associated with accidents.

Conclusion:

For a good space planning design, there is a need to coordinate ergonomic principles, good taste, colour sense , adaptable and Universal designs and safety aspects in a most effective way. Planning life space and Application of ergonomics in houses, offices or institutions will enable the individuals to be independent and lead a comfortable life.

Adaptable design and Universal designs are becoming trendy and are accepted widely by designers. So let us all joi together and create a life space for all people irrespective of age groups.

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References

Eastman Kodak company1997, Ergonomic Design for People at Workplace, Equipmentand EnvironmentalDesignand Information Transfer, California, Lifetime LearningPublications, www.amazon.co.uk
Agnihotri, A. 2003). Finishing touches, sheltering in style, ‘the hindu’ May 11 P.CL
Jones I and Phillips C, 1993 Commercial Housekeeping and Maintenance, Great Britain, Stanley Thornes Publishers P.83
Marina Resto May 8, 2015
Nugent, Pam M.S. April 7, 2013 LIFE SPACE
Read more: http://freshome.com/small-bathroom-ideas/#ixzz4pWO8ufTP
Sanjeev Sarkar,2009; Interior design and Decoration, Arise publishers and Distributors, New Delhi;ch.5 P.47-62)
Roheena Nagpal , May 2013- space planning
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