Exploring Architectural Design: Understanding Space Functions and Standards

Introduction:

Architectural design is a multifaceted discipline that goes beyond mere aesthetics; it's about creating spaces that serve specific functions while adhering to established standards. From residential homes to commercial complexes, every building is a carefully orchestrated interplay of form and function. In this article, we delve into the realm of architectural design, exploring the significance of space functions and the importance of adhering to standards to ensure both functionality and user satisfaction.

Understanding Space Functions:

Space functions lie at the heart of architectural design. Before laying down a single brick, architects must meticulously analyze the intended purpose of each space within a building. Whether it's a living room, office cubicle, or laboratory, each area serves a distinct function that influences its design and layout.

Residential Spaces:

In residential architecture, spaces are tailored to meet the needs and lifestyles of the occupants. The living room, for example, serves as a social hub for family gatherings and entertainment, thus requiring ample seating and open layouts conducive to interaction. Bedrooms, on the other hand, prioritize privacy and relaxation, with considerations for comfort, lighting, and storage solutions.

Commercial Spaces:

Commercial buildings, such as offices, retail stores, and restaurants, must cater to the needs of employees and customers alike. Office spaces are often designed to promote productivity, with layouts that facilitate collaboration while providing private areas for focused work. Retail environments prioritize customer experience, with strategic layouts, lighting, and signage to guide shoppers through the space efficiently.

Public Spaces:

Public buildings, such as libraries, museums, and civic centers, are designed to serve the community at large. These spaces must be accessible, inclusive, and adaptable to accommodate diverse user needs. Libraries, for instance, offer a range of spaces for reading, studying, and community events, each tailored to different user preferences and activities.

Importance of Standards in Architectural Design: Standards play a crucial role in architectural design, providing guidelines and benchmarks for various aspects of building construction and operation. These standards encompass a wide range of considerations, including building codes, accessibility requirements, environmental sustainability, and ergonomic design principles.

Building Codes:

Building codes set forth regulations governing the design, construction, and occupancy of buildings to ensure safety and structural integrity. These codes cover aspects such as fire safety, structural design, plumbing, electrical systems, and occupancy loads. Adhering to building codes is essential to obtain permits and approvals from regulatory authorities.

Accessibility Standards:

Accessibility standards aim to ensure that buildings and spaces are usable by people of all ages and abilities. This includes provisions for wheelchair accessibility, ramps, elevators, handrails, signage, and tactile indicators for visually impaired individuals. Designing with accessibility in mind not only fosters inclusivity but also helps comply with legal requirements.

Environmental Sustainability:

With growing concerns about climate change and resource depletion, architects are increasingly embracing sustainable design practices. Standards such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) provide frameworks for designing environmentally friendly buildings that minimize energy consumption, reduce waste, and promote indoor air quality.

Ergonomic Design:

Ergonomic design principles focus on creating spaces that are comfortable, efficient, and conducive to human well-being. This includes considerations for ergonomic furniture, lighting, acoustics, and spatial layouts that support natural movement and reduce strain on the body. By prioritizing user comfort and health, architects can enhance the overall quality of the built environment.

As previously discussed, 3 main components are essential in Architectural Design namely: SPACE, FUNCTIONS, AND STANDARDS

On this page, we will explore the first component which is the SPACE

SPACE  is defined as a continuous area or expanse that is free, available, or unoccupied.
In architecture, we can set the boundaries of space. Space can be exclusive or it can be shared. The main element that can be considered to define the boundaries of space is the human body. The space can then be measured by the measurement of size and proportion of the human body - this is called Anthropometrics. This enables us to properly size items, including system interfaces, to "fit" the user.

the Anthropometrics

From the illustration above we can formulate a minimum length, width, and depth of a space dedicated to the human body's reachability. This is the human space. Observe from anthropometrics, starting from a standing position with arms stretched sidewards, length is established. As the arm moves upward or downward,  with a corresponding size, radius, and reachability of human body movement, you as a designer can now start determining the required size of a particular space dedicated to the end user's activity.

a. Activity - After defining the space according to its size, we can now determine its activity. How are we going to define space for human activities? Going back to a simple residence, how are activities classified in each of the user's activities? 

In this exercise, we can now define which one is private, public, semi-private, and semi-public.

This will introduce you to the functionality of the space. The boundaries that define the space are also considered to make it private or public. There are spaces in between that relate to the functionality of the adjacent space. like the dining and kitchen. The living and dining, The hallways and the bedrooms, the bedroom and toilets. 

Identifying these activities and their interrelationships of functions, you can group them in a bubble form. This is a good starting point to see how these spaces interact with one another.

b. Function -  The Balloon diagram is your guide to determine the groupings of each space according to function. In a bigger house design scope, all spaces are under one roof. But all are divided accordingly according to function and consider the next principle which is accessibility. The space hierarchy can start from a public space to a private space. In between, you can play around with how you, as the user, will move in and out of each of the spaces. 

The Functionality will consider the safety, ease of access between spaces, and the visibility of each space. 

Conclusion:

In the realm of architectural design, space functions, and standards serve as guiding principles for creating buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, safe, and sustainable. By understanding the unique requirements of different spaces and adhering to established standards, architects can design environments that enrich the lives of occupants and contribute positively to the built environment