Unit-5
Factors influencing the spatial planning
1. Function and zoning
2. Dimensions and shape of the space
3. Site, orientation, and climate
4. Economy
5. Stretching space
6. Circulation patterns (traffic flows)
7. Storage
8. Permanent fixtures (kitchen and bath spaces)
9. Special needs for elderly or disabled users
10. Emotion and psychology
11. Application of the Principles of Design
12. Application of the Elements of Design
1. Function and Zoning
Typically, homes have four zones: social zones; work zones (kitchen, utility, office); private
zones (bedrooms, bathrooms); and storage zones (cupboards, closets and
cabinets). There are normally functional interrelationships between zones – certain
zones have an adjacency relationship to one another – a kitchen is traditionally sited close
to the dining area and bedrooms are typically grouped around a shared bathroom. Other
zones may overlap – the kitchen-diner or ‘great room’ is an increasingly popular feature of
modern homes. The space-planning process recognises which areas and functions are to
be interrelated; that is to say, in a well-designed space, activities should flow smoothly
and effectively from one zoned area into another.
2. Dimensions and Shape of the Space
The shape of the interior space has both horizontal and vertical dimensions. Rectangular
rooms are the easiest to build and decorate, but are less architecturally interesting than
spaces with curved or angled walls and ceilings, which may create the impression of greater
space and so serve to visually expand the actual dimensions of the interior.
3. Site, Orientation and Climate
The size and shape of the space may be determined by constraints of the site, such as the
size of the building plot, the slope of the site, the location of nearby buildings or the
style of neighbouring architecture.
The orientation of the site (the direction the plot faces) will influence the fenestration and
good design will take full advantage of the solar aspects (the direction of sunshine).
Planning for climate is an important consideration of design. Homes in Finland will have
different planning from those in California, for example, because houses in colder climes
are designed to provide protection from winter cold and residences in hotter climes must
provide respite from the heat from the sun.
4. Economy
Economy is a paramount consideration in space planning. In most cases, the client will
need to impose a maximum spending limit, or a financial limit may
be determined indirectly by the client’s lender. The first economic consideration will be
the amount of space, which directly affects the cost of the building. Two-storey
dwellings are less costly to construct (per square metre of living space) than single-storey
living space, since a single roof and set of foundations can serve all levels, fireplaces can be
stacked and plumbing and electrical systems can be centralized. Attic and basement
conversions can provide an economical expansion of living space.
The volume and shape of the building also affect construction costs. Buildings with high
ceilings cost incur the cost of additional building materials and labour. Square or
rectangular buildings cost less to build (per square metre) than L-shaped, U-shaped or
angular buildings with many gables (roof points) and dormer windows in the roof. Careful
forward structural planning to accommodate possible future extension or remodelling can
prove economical by avoiding major structural changes when the time comes.
5. Stretching Space
A number of structural devices can be employed to ‘expand’ the space:
• Open-plans with few structural walls
• Use of half-walls or transparent walls
• Extensive use of windows and glass in doors
• Vertical space, accomplished with vaulted ceilings, 1.5-storey ceilings or skylights
A number of decorative devices can make small spaces appear larger:
• Light colours appear to recede, making light-coloured walls seem further away
• Smooth textures expand space
• Wall-to-wall floor coverings make the floor area appear larger
• Strong vertical lines direct the eye upwards, making ceilings appear higher
• Floor-length window treatments can make walls look taller
• Use of horizontal holdings can give the impression of greater width
• Small-scale furnishings make the space appear larger
• Mirrors can be positioned (e.g. to reflect a view from a window) so as to expand
space
• Use of small-scale pattern, or no pattern at all
• Use of glass tables and other transparent materials
• Furnishings that show their legs, rather than upholstered skirts
A number of decorative devices can also make large spaces appear smaller:
• Dark colours make space seem smaller
• Heavy textures reduce space
• Furniture can be arranged into a number of functional or conversational groupings
• Area rugs can divide the space into separate areas or emphasize furniture
groupings
• Use of heavy or large-scale furnishings
• Use of large-scale pattern
• Use of furniture that is solid to the floor, or soft furnishings with upholstered skirts
6. Circulation Patterns
Circulation patterns are also referred to as ‘traffic flow.’ Traffic patterns may be
depicted as lines and arrows on a bubble diagram. Direct traffic flow should be hindered
as little as possible.
Some pitfalls to avoid in managing traffic patterns:
• Rooms that act as hallways, providing the only access to other rooms
• Areas too small to accommodate furniture and circulation
• Door locations that force circulation through conversation furniture groupings
• Traffic where private areas or untidy work areas are open to view
7. Storage
Possessions are hard to part with so storage fills up quickly. Storage areas should be
located at the point of first or most frequent use. Storage zones are required in or
near specific locations throughout the home:
• The entrance hall for coats, shoes, scarves, gloves
• The kitchen for food, cookware, crockery, appliances, cleaning products
• The utility or laundry room for washing machine, dryer, mops, brooms, vacuum
• Linen cupboard for towels, bed linen (often housing a hot water tank)
• Bedroom wardrobes and cupboards for clothing
• Bathroom cupboards for toiletries
• Study or home office for books, paper, stationery supplies, computer equipment
• Family room for DVDs, CDs
• Tool shed or outside storage for garden and maintenance tools and equipment
8. Permanent Fixtures
Permanent fixtures are treated as structural components, specified by the architect or
designer, and included on the floor plan. Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms contain
permanent fixtures and other rooms may also contain built-in cabinetry.
A kitchen costs more to outfit in cabinetry, appliances and plumbing fixtures, than any
other room in the home.
Planning an efficient kitchen layout involves assigning work zones to the different activities
involved in food preparation. The three main activity zones, and the traffic flow between
them, are commonly sited to form a so-called ‘working triangle’:
• Refrigerator zone
• Cooking zone
• Sink/clean-up zone
11. Application of the Principles of Design
Effective space planning necessitates careful consideration of the principles of design
– harmony, emphasis, rhythm, balance and scale – in order to create effective and
aesthetically pleasing interiors. The scale and proportion of interiors should always be
related to the scale and proportions of the human frame.
12. Skillful use of the Elements of Design
The objective of achieving a balance between functionality and aesthetics in space
planning is accomplished by manipulating the elements of design
– shape, mass, light, line, pattern, colour and texture.
