Key Concepts in Architectural Design and Space Planning

Activity/Space (A/S) Model

A formal representation of building requirements and standards used in product modeling.

Anthropometrics

The measurement of the size and proportion of the human body. This data is used in design to create spaces suitable for human use.

Articulation (Space)

The way in which different parts of a building or space are joined and defined, creating visual relationships and hierarchy.

Base Plane

A horizontal plane that defines a field of space. It can be elevated above, depressed below, or at ground level.

Brief

A written document outlining the client's requirements and expectations for a building project.

Depressed Base Plane

A base plane lowered below ground level, defining a space through its surrounding vertical surfaces.

Elevated Base Plane

A base plane raised above ground level, creating a clear separation between its field and the ground.

Ergonomics

The science of designing and arranging workspaces and objects to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

Formal Requirements

Specific, measurable requirements related to the physical aspects of a building, including its form, space, and function.

Optical Illusion

A visual perception that differs from reality, often used in design to manipulate the perceived size, proportion, and mood of a space.

Overhead Plane

A horizontal plane situated above the ground, defining a volume of space between itself and the ground plane.

Product Model

A digital representation of a building containing all relevant information about its design, construction, and operation.

Proxemics

The study of how humans use and perceive space, particularly the distances between individuals in different social and personal interactions.

Space Perception

The cognitive process through which humans and other organisms perceive the relative positions of their bodies and objects in their environment.

Territoriality

The tendency of individuals or groups to claim and defend a specific physical space as their own.

Space Articulation

The method of shaping and joining architectural elements to create visual clarity and emphasis, revealing the relationship between parts and the whole.

Kinesthetic Experience

The sensations and perceptions associated with physical movement through space, influenced by factors like circulation patterns, spatial transitions, and sensory cues.

Circulation

The movement of people through a building or space, typically guided by designated pathways and spatial arrangements.

Traffic Flow

The patterns and dynamics of people's movement within a given space, often analyzed to optimize efficiency and user experience.

Behavioral Stress

A change in an individual's typical behavior in response to a stressor, which can be influenced by environmental factors like crowding, noise, or lack of personal space.

Stressor

Any stimulus or event that triggers a stress response in an organism, potentially affecting physical, emotional, or cognitive well-being.

Pattern Language

A collection of design principles and recurring solutions that address human needs and activities within the built environment.

Transformation

The alteration of an architectural concept or structure through a series of manipulations while maintaining its core identity.

Intimate

0 - 1.5

Personal Space

1.5 - 4

Social Space

4 - 12

Public Space

12 - 25