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H - Basic Human Dimension Data
H - Basic Human Dimension Data
Designers have traditionally designed sites, buildings, vehicles and furniture with the average-size person in
mind. This statistically-based "average" person has generally been an adult male without disabilities.
The result has been an environment which does not really meet the size and spatial requirements of many,
if not most, of its users. The needs of extremely small or large adults, children, and persons who have physical
disabilities have been overlooked in most of the criteria used to design the built environment. Although it can
serve as only a general guide, this section should provide increased awareness of the spatial requirements
of all people, especially those with disabilities.
As the illustrations on the following pages show, the eye and arm levels of people in wheelchairs are
considerably lower than average, standing adults. This data is particularly significant in determining reach
ranges, work surface heights and maximum heights for storage units, controls and . It is i mportant to
signae
keep in mind that most accessibility guidelines such as , ANSI, and others are based on "average"
AD
UFAS
dimensions for people in wheelchairs. The arm and eye levels of elderly people and children using
wheelchairs can vary widely from those norms, and should also be considered in the design of a barrier-free
environment.
The sources for the anthropomorphic data in this chapter are as follows:
Charles George Ramsey and Harold Reeve Sleeper, Architectural Graphic Standards, eighth edition,
prepared for the American Institute of Architects, John Ray Hoke, Jr., , editor ( New York: John Wiley AI
& Sons, 1 988), pages 2-8.
Julius , , and Martin , , ASID , Human Dimension & Interior Space, A Source
Zelnik
AI
Panero
AI
ASID
Book of Design Reference Standards ( New York: Whitney Library of Design, 1979). Dimensions for
adults are on pages 85-98; dimensions for children are on pages 1 06-110.
42 The template on the page is courtesy of the Barrier-free Design Center of Herman Miller.
precding
AN ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOK
Basic Human
Dimension Data
E
E E
ID
Of tri
.
0
tf
k.
0
tr
0
Of
C
1r-
0
to O E
O
1/1
24 in I I 22 in 1 4 in - 1 8 in 13 in - 1 7 in
610 mm I 1 560 mm 355 mm
1 - 455 mm 330 mm - 430 mm
VIP
30 in up to 48 in 36 in 28 in
760 mm 1220 mm 915 mm 710 mm
Man with Dog Guide Man and Woman on Crutches Man with Walker
43
E
E
0
C E
E c
2
E
Lt1
25 in
635 mm
max
13 in - 1 8 in
330 mm - 455 mm
Ex
25 in
Child's Front Reach Over Counter 635 mm
min
45
Adult's Front Reach Over Counter
36 in
915 mm
min
passage
13 in - 18 in
330 mm - 455 mm
N.
.4,
4,
Adult's Side Reach Over Counter Child's Side Reach Over Counter
46
AN ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOK
60 in for 360 turn
1830 mm
preferred
30 in
760 mm
min
clear floor space
48 in
1220 mm
min
clear floor space
E 01
2
E .c
,
1
1
CC
Manual Motorized
Height: Arms from floor 25 - 31.5 inches (635 - 802 mm) 30 - 35 inches (760 - 890 mm)
Height: Seat from floor 1 7.75 - 20 inches (449 - 510 mm) 20.75 inches (529 mm)
Foot rest: Minimum extension 1 4.5 - 15.75 inches (368 - 399 mm) 1 5 - 18 inches (380 - 455 mm)
Foot rest: Maximum extension 20.75 - 21 inches (529 - 535 mm) 21 - 22.5 inches (535 - 573 mm)
Wheel Diameter: Front 5 - 8 inches (125 - 200 mm) 23.5 inches (598 mm)
Wheel Diameter: Rear 22 - 24 inches (560 - 610 mm) 20 inches (510 mm)
74
42 in 27 in
1065 mm 685 mm
48
AN ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOK