2c11a93e-5896-49cf-8bdc-094a25c3b6b5-Exercise 6

Exercise 6: Anthropometry in Architecture

Importance of Anthropometry

• Architecture accommodates a wide range of entities: people, animals, art, furniture, and various atmospheres.

• The primary content in architecture is humanity, as humans possess:

  • A visible physical form

  • Emotional responses to spatial changes

• Despite individual variations, human dimensions fall within a restrictive range:

  • Height and mobility have consistent patterns, impacting architectural design.

Understanding Geometries in Design

• Anthropometry: This is the measurement of the human body, distinct from the conventional four-directional geometry of spaces.

• There are three geometrical factors at play:

  1. Anthropometry (human measurements)

  2. Four-directional geometry of external spaces

  3. Personal spatial geometry (positioning of individuals in a space)

'Goldilocks' Principle

• The Goldilocks principle emphasizes that design elements (like beds) must be appropriately sized:

  • Example from Exercise 2: Improperly sized beds for manikins illustrated conflicts between body size and architectural scale.

  • Real buildings cannot accommodate such compromises; they must frame human activities comfortably.

• Architectural elements like beds, doorways, and seats require careful dimensioning:

  • Not too big, not too small, but just right.

Case Study of Human Scale

Example of Prison Accommodation

• A legal case in January 2011 highlighted inadequacy in prisoner accommodation:

  • A prisoner deemed 'a giant' compared to standard cell sizes faced challenges with space limitations:

    • Bed Dimensions: 770mm (2'6") wide x 1960mm (6'5") long

    • Prisoner's Size: 1000mm (3'3") wide x 2070mm (6'9") long

• This scenario exemplifies how architectural dimensions often fail to cater to the entirety of human scale.

Design Principles in Public Spaces

• Principles for stairs, doorways, and seated areas must adhere to comfortable dimensions:

  • Stairs: Proper rise and going are essential to prevent discomfort or accidents.

    • High risers or narrow goings lead to uncomfortable experiences, violating the Goldilocks principle.

• Example of Scottish Parliament Offices:

  • Designed window seats accommodate a variety of positions for occupants to foster contemplation.

Key Measures in Space Related to Human Bodies

Exploring Relationships with Different Components

• Key measurements for design can emerge through practical exercises:

  • Create models to explore how dimensions apply to everyday structures (e.g., steps, tables, doorways).

  • Assess relationships to find harmonic dimensions for specific human interactions.

• Doorway dimensions typically mirror the dimensions of a single bed, emphasizing proportionality in design.

• Consider the relationship of eye level to window heights to maintain an intuitive spatial experience.

Reflecting on Common Dimensions

• It is vital for architects to familiarize themselves with standard dimensions:

  • Chairs, tables, doorways: typically adhere to commonly accepted sizes.

  • Shallow steps are generally used in public buildings due to functional design as compared to private homes.

Measurement Techniques and Practical Applications

Visualizing Human Measure in Design

• Notebook Exercises: Recording and drawing building elements related to human dimensions:

  • Use body part metrics to inform design (e.g., measuring seats against lower leg length).

  • Develop an appreciation of scale through practical measurement.

Importance of Scale in Experience

• Architectural scale influences human comfort and emotional response:

  • A gentle stair pitch can enhance the experience of ascending and descending.

  • Room heights and widths should provide comfort and functionality, avoiding awkwardness and discomfort.

• Example of Charlotte Perriand's 'le refuge tonneau': This design illustrates how human scale can sometimes be overridden for concept, yet user comfort remains paramount.

Cultural Contexts

• Spaces often reflect the size and status of occupants:

  • Examples like traditional Japanese tea-house doorways (nijiriguchi) reinforce equality among users by necessitating crawling to enter.

Conclusion

• The careful manipulation of architectural elements to fit human proportions is fundamental to creating spaces that resonate positively with their users. The interplay of human dimensions and design is crucial to extending emotional comfort and aesthetic appeal.