A Research Assignment Discussing the Basic Principles of

Living & Dining Planning & Design

Submitted by:
Go, Carson T.

AR 2100 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 03 (MW 2:30-6:30 PM)

Submitted to:
Ar. Marsha Presas
Principles & Different Types of Living and Dining Configurations
In designing a space for living and dining within a residence, there can be differing
components and inclusions that are not common in other homeowners’ living and dining spaces
because each person has their personalities, lifestyles, and preferences; nevertheless, the design
process for living and dining spaces all have similar considerations and principles that one should
always remember as stated by Constantine Interiors Inc (n.d.) and Sina Architects (2017):

1. Lighting
The semi-private spaces must have a good source of natural light in order to make the
space more open and inviting, especially when inviting visitors over during the day; At the end of
the day, having a warm mood lighting will set a cozy ambiance, good for informal social
gatherings. A dimmer is also another option that is good for living and dining spaces in order to
control the lighting ambiance the room requires for a particular gathering.

2. Focal Point & Function

A designer must take into consideration what the focal point of a particular living and
dining space is best for the preference of the clients. This focal point may not be at the center of
the room (e.g. fireplace), but it does influence the main function and ambiance the living and
dining intends to have. In the design of living and dining spaces, the same paint color is usually
used throughout both spaces, but accent walls may also be to emphasize focal points within these
spaces.

3. Location, Privacy & Flow

As the semi-private area of the residence, the location of the living and dining areas
have to be placed on the appropriate location, fit for a semi-private area near the entrance of the
home. This location then on will influence the flow of spaces.
The living and dining open spaces should not have designs and interiors that would
clash with the design of adjacent rooms in order for the house to be cohesive and also for easy
navigation. The flow of these spaces also influences the allowance of noise and privacy that each
of the zones for living and dining will have, since it is the most active space inside the residence.
This location will ultimately separate your private (bedrooms) and semi-private (living, dining
and kitchen) spaces in the residence.

4. Layout, Scale, and Style of Furniture

Lastly, the use of furniture is essential in these spaces because balance is important in
order to provide proper circulation and aesthetics that are fit for the room. Overcrowding of
furniture may obstruct circulation and interaction within the space, causing it to lose its focal
point and functional zones. On the other hand, the lack of these needed furniture may also cause
the spaces to lack the appeal and mood that a living and dining space aims to achieve.
Most importantly, the layout of these furniture must be well-thought-of in order to
achieve a homy and accommodating feel, perfect for lounging around, relaxing, and even
accommodating guests during small gatherings.
There are many configurations incorporated into living and dining spaces that would
offer a smooth flow of zones in terms of function and circulation. Listed below are some of the
configurations and design choices that should be thought of in the design of a living and dining
space (Modsy, 2020):

OPEN PLAN LIVING AND DINING SPACE WITH A KITCHEN

Example of an Open Plan featuring a Living, Dining, and Kitchen Space

Retrieved from https://blog.modsy.com/home-design-tips-guides/layout-guides/living-and-dining-room-layout-designs/

In this configuration, there are several focal points that have to be addressed within
one space, since it is an open plan. This is perfect for easy access to the different areas for
leisure, dining, and cooking. The large space also offers more space for guest accommodation
since the three areas are incorporated into one large space. To add to the openness of this layout
are windows that allow for natural light to enter. Ultimately, this plan distinguishes the different
areas by placing each of them at a distance from each other which serves as a transition between
these spaces.

LONG AND NARROW OPEN LIVING AND DINING ROOM

Example of a Narrow Living, Dining, and Kitchen Space

Retrieved from https://blog.modsy.com/home-design-tips-guides/layout-guides/living-and-dining-room-layout-designs/

Perspective of Narrow Living, Dining, and Kitchen Space

Retrieved from https://blog.modsy.com/home-design-tips-guides/layout-guides/living-and-dining-room-layout-designs/
 In this configuration, the spaces are distinguished by arranging the different areas
along a line to accommodate the narrow form of the plan. Another technique to distinguish these
spaces is the play of wall and ceiling depth, allowing the eyes of users to perceive these spaces to
be different from one another without the use of a solid wall. The transition and arrangement
between the areas have to be logical and easy to understand, from the leisure and conversational
area up to dining area and the kitchen including the different work zones.

HIGH CEILING, OVERSIZED LIVING AND DINING SPACE

Example of a High Ceiling, Oversized Living and Dining Space

Retrieved from https://blog.modsy.com/home-design-tips-guides/layout-guides/living-and-dining-room-layout-designs/
 Perspective of High Ceiling, Oversized Living and Dining Space
Retrieved from https://blog.modsy.com/home-design-tips-guides/layout-guides/living-and-dining-room-layout-designs/

When designing an oversized living and dining space, it is easier for the designer to
define each space as separate zones to accommodate large groups of people. In this large space,
different forms of furniture may also be played with and used in the design of the space such as
large couch pieces and even different art pieces (sculptures and paintings). The usual direction in
designing oversized and high ceiling living areas is to play with natural light, fenestrations, and
hanging light fixtures in order to give the space more character.

SPLIT-LEVEL OPEN LIVING AND DINING SPACE

 Perspective of Split-level Living and Dining Space
Retrieved from https://blog.modsy.com/home-design-tips-guides/layout-guides/living-and-dining-room-layout-designs/

A split-level open living and dining space is another way to distinguish different areas
found within the same open space. The difference between depths in walls and ceiling is a subtle
way of distinguishing these spaces, but for smaller spaces, a clear distinction between these
spaces can be achieved by different floor levels connected through steps or an inclination. Accent
walls also help capture the focal point of the combined space as shown in the example above.
Furniture, Accessories, and Sizing
Conversation, seating, access to entertainment (tv or instruments), and dining are important in
the design of living and dining spaces. In order to achieve these particular functions within the space,
the furniture to be placed must be functional and coherent with one another.
For the living space area of the open plan, furniture good for different clusters of seating for
different conversation groups have to be thought of in order to achieve a holistic accommodation
within the space (Admin, 2009).

Furniture & Accessories: Dimensions may vary from given standard

1. Sofas
a. Single-seater – 0.90 m x 0.90 m
b. Two-seater – 1.40 m x 0.80 m
c. Three-seater – 2.10 m x 0.90 m
2. Armchair – 0.60 m x 0.70 m
3. Sofa-cum-bed / Divan couch – 0.90 m x 2.10 m
4. Coffee Table / Center Table
a. Rectangular – 0.40 m x 0.60
b. Circular – 0.60 m diameter
5. Side table
a. Square – 0.45 m x 0.45 m
b. Circular – 0.50 m diameter
6. TV and Audio Unit Setup – 1.50 m length and 0.45 m width
7. Card Table – 0.90 m x 0.90 m
8. Grand Piano – 2.75 m x 1.50 m maximum dimension
9. Rectangular Piano – 1.50 m x 0.60 m
10. Lamps
11. Rugs
12. Bookcase

In the same way, the dining room also requires a number of pieces and furniture to make the
space more accommodating despite the open space; though the number of required furniture are lesser
than that of the kitchen and living spaces, the dining area still influences the impact of the space as a
whole (Treffinger, 2016).
 Furniture & Accessories: Dimensions may vary from given standard
1. Dining Table
a. Rectangular (2.40 m for 6 people up to 3.50 m for maximum 12 people)
b. Circular (1.00 m radius for 4 people up to 1.80m radius for 10 people)
2. Long Table/ Buffet Table (Advisable to accommodate social gatherings in open plans)
3. Chairs (0.60 m x 0.60 m seat)
4. Cabinetry and Shelves ( For books, decorative china, ceramics and other silverware)
5. Multiple levels of lighting fixtures
a. Pendant Lights
b. Chandeliers
c. Sconces (1.30 m from finished floor line)

Cabinetry and Other Storage Units in Dining Areas

When there is a lack of storage space for trinkets, books and other small materials inside the
residence, the dining area may be the best place to place these cabinetry and shelves, which will also
help the dining room build more character into its space. There is a variety of ways to place storage
and cabinetry into these single function dining rooms as stated by Homestratosphere (2019):

China Cabinets: Seeing a collection of china and tea sets on cabinets will bring more
character in the dining room. Glass, metal screens, or chicken wire
may be used in these types of cabinetries.
Larder-Style Cupboard: For more spacious dining areas, larder-style cupboards could be used
for storage, and a place for keeping condiments, tissues, and even
wine coolers or microwaves for deeper bespoke cabinets.
Hostess Cart / Food Trolley: Another storage idea for transferring dishes and other materials from
the kitchen to the dining room, also known as a Butcher Cart
Bench with Storage: Multipurpose storage piece fit for small pieces such as small boxes
Buffet Table Cabinets: Below the long buffet tables, cabinets and drawers may be added to
place utensils, placemats, linens, and other materials
Serving Table / Credenza: Similar to buffet cabinet tables, but with a more casual look fit to
display glassware
Shelves: Storage for accent pieces
Curio Cabinets: Glass display case to present figurines and collections
Built-in Counters & Shelves: A sleek modern cabinetry technique often with indirect lighting used
to outline the shelves
Wine Cabinet/Cooler Storage for wine and sparkling water for occasions
Design Standards for Living Room Furniture and Fixture
In designing the living room of the residence, there is much freedom for the designer to place
different types of furniture into the space, much more when the living space is open in plan. The
dimensions of furniture also vary in size, depending on the preference of the home owners, as long as
these furniture fit into the minimum design standard.
Moreover, these considerations must be acceptable to building code requirements in the
National Building Code of the Philippines and other design standards as well, some of which are
stated in the Time Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning and in other design
standard references (Admin, 2009; Palermo, 2019).

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Ceiling Height for Naturally Ventilated Rooms 2.70 m
Minimum Area of Rooms for Human Habitation 6.00 sqm.
Minimum Dimension of Rooms for Habitation 2.00 m
Minimum Window Openings as Related to Floor Area for Rooms Not
10%
Provide with Artificial Ventilation
Absolute Minimum Area for Window Opening in Habitable Rooms 1 sqm
Minimum Clearance of Window Openings, Eaves or Canopies to Side
750 mm
and Rear Property Lines.
Minimum Width and Height for Window Openings Intended to Be Used 820 mm X 1000mm
as Emergency Exits. resp.
Minimum Bottom Openings for Windows Intended to Be Used as
820 mm
Emergency Exits.

OTHER DESIGN STANDARDS FOR PROPER CIRCULATION AND ERGONOMICS:

Clearance for Comfortable Human Passage 0.80 m - 1.20 m
Distance Between Opposite Sofas for Comfortable Conversation 1.50 m – 1.80 m
Minimum Space for Circulation Between Tall Furniture 0.60 m
Minimum Space for Circulation Between Low Furniture 0.45 m
Distance Between TV and Seating for Comfortable Viewing 1.50 m
Seating Arrange Around a Circle for Comfortable Group Conversation 3.00 m diameter
Distance Between Sofa and Coffee Table 0.45 m – 0.50 m
Distance Between Rugs and Wall 0.30 m – 0.60 m
Preferrably, the length and width of the room added together in feet
should equal the diameter of the chandelier in inches.
REFERENCES:
Admin. (2009, March 10). DESIGNING A LIVING ROOM: An Architect Explains. Retrieved
September 22, 2020, from https://architectureideas.info/2009/03/design-of-a-living-room/
Constantine Interiors Inc. (n.d.). Principles of Living Room Design. Retrieved September 22, 2020,
from http://constantineinteriors.com/principles-living-room-design/
DeChiara, J., Panero, J., & Zelnik, M. (2000). Bathrooms. In Time-saver standards for interior
design and space planning (pp. 100-148). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Homestratosphere. (2019, September 06). 11 Useful Dining Room Storage Ideas (Photos and
Concepts). Retrieved September 22, 2020, from https://www.homestratosphere.com/dining-
room-storage-ideas/
Modsy. (2020, April 7). A Complete Guide to Living and Dining Room Layout Designs. Retrieved
September 22, 2020, from https://blog.modsy.com/home-design-tips-guides/layout-
guides/living-and-dining-room-layout-designs/
Palermo, P. (2019, July 03). How to Space Furniture in Your Room. Retrieved September 22, 2020,
from https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2019/02/how-to-space-furniture-in-
your-room/
Sina Architects. (2017, August 16). 9 Things To Consider When Planning Your Living Room - Sina
Sadeddin. Retrieved September 22, 2020, from
https://www.sinaarchitecturaldesign.com/2017/08/9-things-consider-planning-custom-home-
living-room/\
Treffinger, S. (2016, May 05). How to Maximize Your Dining Room Layout. Retrieved September
22, 2020, from https://www.onekingslane.com/live-love-home/dining-room-ideas-layout-
guide/