INTR 1502

To find the FIT between Humans and the Built Environment

Functional, Environmental, Psychological, Cultural

30" is typical

42" is typical

36" is typical

18" is typical

18" typical

The study of human body measurements, especially on a comparative basis

1. Height

2. Weight

3. Sitting height

4. Elbow to elbow breadth

5. Hip breadth

6. Thigh clearance

7. Knee clearance

8. Popliteal height

9. Buttock-popliteal length

10. Buttock-knee length

Accommodate the 5th-95th

1. Cognition

2. Vision

3. Hearing and speech

4. Body function

5. Arm function

6. Hand function

7. Mobility

Age, gender, race, socio-economic factors (nutrition)

(Roman writer, 1st cent. B.C.) studied the proportion of the body & utilized these dimensions in design of buildings

1. Inch: Thumb breadth

2. Foot: 12”

3. Palm/width of hand: 3”

4. Length of hand: 4”

5. Forearm: 18”

1. Navel is the center

2. Hands and feet extended = circular outline and square figure

A sequence of numbers in which each number is the sum of the preceding two. Also known as the Golden Ratio

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8

The study of workplace equipment design or how to arrange and design devices, machines, or workspace so that people and things interact safely and most efficiently.

Derived from the Greek ergon (work) + nomos (laws)

reduced stresses, fewer mistakes, increased comfort, people can do things more quickly and easily

1. A process in which the body's internal environment is kept stable

2. We are comfortable when the body does not have to work to maintain homeostasis

1. environmental descriptions

2. judgement of beauty

3. emotional reactions

4. environmental meaning

5. risk of safety

1. place identity

2. sense of place

3. place of attachment

the possession and defense of a space based on social rules

1. Normal speaking voice at a distance of one meter

   1. 30-60 dB Whisper

   2. 60-65 dB Quiet to Normal Conversation

   3. 65-75 dB Speaker at a Conference

   4. 70-80 dB Delivery of a Lecture

   5. 80-86 dB Loud Shouting

Edward T Hall describes the subjective dimensions that surround humans and the physical distances one tries to keep from other people, according to subtle cultural rules.

0-18 inches

1'-6"-4'-0"

4'-0"- 12'-0"

12'-0"- 25'-0" +

Universal Design

is a complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person's body and features of the society in which he or she lives

ADA prohibits discrimination in access to: employment, places of public accommodation, services and programs, public transportation, telecommunications

varied number of people in a fixed space

fixed number in different sized spaces

strategic planning

Situations can bring about a change in Abilities

the creation of settings and equipment that can be used by everyone, whether or not they are able-bodied and sensory-acute

the design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities

The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

the design is easy to understand and use regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills or current concentration level

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

is provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use regardless of user's body size or mobility

1. Perceiving visual detail clearly

2. Focusing on objects close up and far away

3. Separating objects from a background

4. Perceiving contrasts in colour and brightness

5. Tracking moving objects

6. Judging distances

poor lighting, high noise levels, adverse weather conditions, wearing bad shoes, being in a place where you don't speak the language, Result of an accident, Aging, Illness, Pregnancy, Eye drops after an eye test, Sudden sickness, Carrying many packages, Travelling with a small child, Accompanying a disabled person

(subjective) refers to feeling physically constrained & that others are interfering with them.

(objective) ratio of people to space

The study of human behaviour and well-being in relation to the socio-physical environment.

1. Subjectively (personal preference & desires)

2. Objectively (disinterested perspective)

it is flexible: changes with the environment, mood and social relationships

spacing mechanisms help maintain an individual's sense of privacy.

In architecture: walls, windows, statues, columns, varying floor elevations.

In interior design: end tables, armrests on chairs, potted plants, table size.

the tendency for people to behave differently when they know they are being studied

An ecological approach to perception

Texture-perspective, Size-Perspective, Linear Perspective, Binocular perspective, Motion-perspective, Aerial perspective, The perspective of blur

Spaces where people can see without being seen

Physical aspects focus on FORMAL aesthetics:

• Dimensions: shapes, proportion, scale, novelty, illumination

• Enclosure: spaciousness, density, mystery \n • Complexity: visual richness, diversity, rate of environmental stimuli \n • Order: unity & clarity

Psychological (symbolic) aesthetics sources include:

1. Naturalness

2. Upkeep

3. Intensity of use

4. Style

has psychological as well as biological responses measured in the change of blood pressure, appetite, or heart rate:chromo-dynamics.

User Comfort (remember personal zones)

User safety (for ALL)

1100mm (43")

The process of using spatial and environmental information to navigate to a destination.

paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks

(picture-based) representations

(data-based or map-like) representations

a method we use to construct and accumulate spatial knowledge, allowing the "mind's eye" to visualize images in order to reduce cognitive load, enhance recall and learning of information.

-Sight lines to destinations

-Objects that help us maintain orientation \n -Intuitive location of entrances and exits \n -Lighting \n -Sounds or acoustical qualities

-Signs

-Directories

-Colour-coding

-Literal tools that help guide the user

Behavior is influenced by social context or environmental factors (not just psychological factors)

consider the setting where behavior takes place: There are set patterns of behavior (rules, expectations) in particular settings

see the environment as stimulating ie: adding sensory data

perceptions of position and parallax

1. Acquire

2. Process

3. Reassess

4. Recall

5. Respond to different stimuli and objects

We experience space 3-D, but recall space 2-D

1. Occupancy

2. Occupant load

3. Egress design

4. Interior finish requirements

5. Fire separations

6. Ventilation and sanitary requirements

perception drives action: world is perceived not only in terms of object shapes and spatial relationships but also in terms of object possibilities for action (affordances).

1:12

Comes from the Latin word confortare, which means to strengthen or console

Eighteenth century

In the Middle Ages individuals started not living and working in the same buildings

required the experience of privacy and intimacy

The lower level of the home was considered a part of the public street, and the upstairs is where the home begins, and shoes are

Attitude and misperception

Rococo was the first style developed for interiors exclusively

• Padding to prevent pressure on bones

• The chairs front rail needs to be lower than the cushion

• Back support/angle of the backing

Comfort first appeared in the drawing room

The Rococo Period

Went out of fashion at the end of the nineteenth century

Louis Sullivan