Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Although presented as a linear series of steps, the design
lyze
process is more often a cyclical, iterative one in which a Ana
sequence of careful analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of
available information, insights, and possible solutions is
repeated until a successful fit between what exists and
what is desired is achieved.
ize
Eva
hes
te
lua
Steps in the Design Process Sy
nt
• Define Problem
• Formulate Program
• Develop Concept
• Assess Alternatives
• Implement Design
The design problem is first defined. The ability to define Define Problem
and understand the nature of the design problem is an
essential part of the solution. This definition should [ ] Identify client needs.
specify how the design solution should perform and what • Who, what, when, where, how, why?
goals and objectives will be met.
[ ] Set preliminary goals.
• Functional requirements
• Aesthetic image and style
• Psychological stimulus and meaning
39
A NA LYSIS
[ ] What exists?
• Collect and analyze relevant information.
Observations
• Document physical/cultural context.
• Describe existing elements.
[ ] What is desired?
• Identify user needs and preferences.
• Clarify goals.
• Develop matrices, charts, and adjacency
diagrams.
[ ] What is possible?
• What can be altered…what cannot?
Hypothesis
• What can be controlled…what cannot?
• What is allowed…what is prohibited?
• Define limits: time, economic, legal, and technical.
Predictions If not
consistent,
modify
hypothesis
If consistent,
formulate
theory
40
SYNTHESIS
41
E VA LU ATI ON
42
IMPL E M E N TAT I ON
Implement Design
43
G OOD A N D BA D D ESIGN
44
D ES IG N C RI T E RI A
45
HU MA N DI M E N S I ON S
49
H U M AN D IME N SI ONS
50
° lim
it o
f vi
sua
l fie
30°
high
ld
eye
mov
eme
nt
26–35 (660–889) 27–39 (685–990)
10–14 14–20 14–20
(254–355) (355–508) (355–508)
0° standard sight line
e
al sight lin
–10° norm
48–62 (1219–1574)
nt
eme
7–12 (177–305)
ov
30–38 (762–965)
ye m
28–34 (711–863)
e
° low
–30
72–86 (1829–2184)
56–75 (1422–1905)
56–68 (1422–1727)
38–47 (965–1193)
eld
al fi
17–24 (431–609)
visu
4–7 (101–177)
it of
34–46 (863–1168)
20–25
(508–635)
43–51 (1092–1295)
28–36 (711–914)
30 (762)
27 (686)
us
radi
ing
turn
um
mi nim
24)
8 (203)
(15 48 (1219)
60
50
PER S ON A L S PA C E
Per 8 (4
18–
Soci
son 57–
contract our sense of personal space. The invasion of a
4
48– l zone
al s 121
144 (
pac 9)
an individual’s personal space can affect the person’s 1219
e
–3 658
feelings and reactions to everything around him or her. )
Intimate Zone
• Allows physical contact; invasion by a stranger can
result in discomfort.
Personal Space
• Allows friends to come close and possibly penetrate
inner limit briefly; conversation at low voice levels is
possible.
Social Zone
• Appropriate for informal, social, and business
transactions; conversation occurs at normal to raised
voice levels.
Public Zone
• Acceptable for formal behavior and hierarchical
relationships; louder voice levels with clearer
enunciation are required for communication. Space for movement varies from 30–36 (762–914)
for a single person to 72–96 (1829–2438) for three
people walking abreast.
51
F U NC TION A L D IME NSIO NS
vv
26–28 (660–711)
3 (76)
Plan arrangements for seating
24–30
(609–762)
Plan Arrangements
84–104 (2134–2642) 30–36 (762–914)
16 14–18 24–36 14–18 16
(406) (355–457) (609–914) (355–457) (406)
2’-0”
15–17 28–33 (711–838)
14–17 (355–431)
14–17 (355–431)
(45
18– –609
(381–431)
7
24 )
16–24 17–18 )
(406–609) 57
( 31–4
4
Distance zones affect furniture arrangements. Passage Lounge chair
Unless otherwise specified, dimensions are in
inches, with their metric equivalents in millimeters
(shown in parentheses).
52
F U N C T IO N A L DI M E N S I ON S
30 (762)
19 (483) maximum
9–12 (228–305)
48 (1219) minimum
24–30 8–18
(609–762) (203–457)
(203)
8
27–30 (685–762)
(431)
17
Dining
53
F U NC TION A L D IME NSIO NS
Corner
Corner
Corner
9 (228) 14 (355) Countertop configurations
16 42–48 Varies 18–24 15 Varies 12
(406) (1066–1219) (457–609) (381) (305)
24 (609)
24 (609)
68–72 (1727–1828)
32–36 (812–914) 18 (457)
36–42 (914–1066)
24–30 (609–762)
36 (914)
3 (76)
3–6 (76–152)
30 (762)
44 (1118) maximum
28–36 (711–914)
48 (1219)
Accessible reach at counters
Kitchen Layouts
54
F U N C T IO N A L DI M E N S I ON S
(762–914)
30–36
30–36 (762–914)
16–22 48–60 (1219–1524)
18–22 18–22 Office layouts 34–36 60–96
(457–559) (457–559) (863–914) (1524–2438)
(406–559)
60–72 (1524–1829)
(660–762) (381–457)
50–58 (1270–1473)
26–30 15–18
29 (736)
(381–457)
15–18
Workstations
55
F U NC TION A L D IME NSIO NS
Tub WC
18 (457)
60–66 (1524–1676)
Lavatory
12 18
(609–914)
24–36
(305) (457)
36 (914) minimum
38 (812) 20–36 28–48 19–24
(508–914) (711–1219) (482–609)
Walls
59 (1499) minimum
as a hand-held shower
18
12 42 (1066) 19–24 28–48 (457)
(305) (482–609) (711–1219)
(812–914)
32–36
34 (864) maximum
27 (686) minimum
29 (737) minimum
9 (229) minimum
11 (279) minimum
Accessible lavatory
17 (432) minimum
Accessible tub
30 (762) minimum
15 (381) minimum
19 (483) maximum
93 (2362) minimum 48 (1219) minimum
56
F U N C T IO N A L DI M E N S I ON S
King
Queen
Double
76 (1930)
60 (1524)
Single
54 (1371)
75 (1905) 39 (990)
80 (2032)
84 (2134)
58 (1473) Thermostat
55 (1397) See over
42 (1067) Handrail
30–36 42–45 (1067–1143) Bar height
(762–914)
40–48 (1016–1219) 24–28 36 (914) Countertop; doorknob
to bed (609–711) 31 (787) Lavatory rim
29 (736) Desk height
60–68 (1624–1728)
58–66 (1473–1676)
68–72 (1727–1828)
Sleeping Heights
57
S E AT I N G
General Considerations Chairs for older users and people with mobility problems
should have sturdy arms, relatively high seats, and stable
bases. Bariatric seating accommodates very large people,
and may perhaps also be shared by an adult and a child.
Children’s furniture has its own dimensional constraints.
95°–105°
20–30 (508–762)
(355–508)
12–16
14–20
324
U PHO LS T E RY FA B RI C S
(203–254)
7–11 (177–
16–24 (40
in sunlight. Typically, only residential use.
8–10
Rayon Manufactured from wood pulp. Viscose 279) Adjustable tilt and seat
rayon blends well with other fibers and height are desirable.
6–609)
(355–457)
15–18
Acrylic Mimics silk or wool. Accepts dyes well, may
14–18
(381–457)
pill. Outdoor use.
Vinyl Simulates leather or suede. Durable, easy to
clean. Not sustainable material. Residential Office Chair All dimensions are in inches, with their metric
and commercial use. equivalents in millimeters (shown in parentheses).
Polyester Wrinkle resistant, abrasion resistant,
dimensional stability, crease resistant.
Commercial use. Provide headrest for high
backs or backs more than
30° off the vertical.
Special Fabrics
Elastomeric fibers (spandex) return to 95°–105°
their original shapes after being stretched. Provide lumbar support.
Commercial use.
Arm rest 8" to 10" (203
7–11 4 (406–6
(406–457)
resistant. 15–18
16–18
(381–457)
Easy Chair
325
TA B LE DI M E N S I ON S
29–31 (736–783)
8
Desk width:
30–36 (762–914)
Work surface should be free of glare.
Desk length: 60–72 (1524–1829)
26–27 (660–686)
8
331
TA B LE STY L E S A N D USES
332
TA B LE S T Y LE S A N D US E S
Restaurant tables
Selected for durability, style, number
of seats, and fit in space. Center post
support; tabletops can be custom or
stock. Rectangular “deuces” (tables
for two) can be combined for larger
Dining tables
parties, circular tables are often used
for large groups, and square tables
can be oriented on diagonal.
Conference tables
Large single tables with many seats,
or smaller tables designed to be
reconfigured for conference and
seminar rooms. Selected for capacity,
flexibility, and appearance.
Boardroom tables
Large tables designed for prestige
and style. May have built-in data and
communications equipment.
Hotel guest room tables and desks
Similar to residential pieces in style,
but with commercial quality for
durability.
Conference tables
333
W OR KSTATI ON S
334
S Y S T EMS F URN I T URE
335
BEDS
Headboards, footboards, and A bed can rest on a platform A bed built into a corner or alcove
canopies define the volume of space base, emphasizing the takes up less floor space, but it may
occupied by a bed. horizontality of the setting. be difficult to make.
A bed can be integrated into a wall Bunk beds utilize vertical space to Sofas and armchairs that convert
storage system at the head or foot stack sleeping levels. Storage and desk into beds offer convenient short-term
of the bed, or both. surfaces can also be integrated into sleeping arrangements.
the system.
336
S T OR AG E
16–24 (406–609)
36–48 (914–1219)
340
S T ORA G E
Built-in storage
341
B U I LT- IN STORA G E AND CASEWO RK
Drawing unit
Hardboard backing
Base Cabinet
342
C O UN T E RT OP S
343
S T OR AG E U N I TS
A wall storage system may be a freestanding assembly or be placed into a wall recess.
344
S T O RA G E UN I T S
Offices
Back storage units or credenzas are designed for storing
documents, supporting equipment, and displaying work in
progress. They eliminate clutter on the desk by containing
box drawers, file drawers, doors with shelves, pullout
equipment shelves, or bar units.
Lateral files are two to five drawers high and are usually
30, 36, or 42 inches (762, 914, or 1067 mm) wide and 15
or 18 inches (381 mm or 457 mm) deep.
Vertical file
Lateral file
345
2 Basic design data
David Adler
• Certain dimensions are crucial to individual use and health importance to architects as the ultimate basis of the design of most
• Satisfying the average situation is unlikely to help the majority buildings must be the size of the people using them. Average
910
790
1 INTRODUCTION
595
In this chapter will be found basic data which are needed for the 325
design of most types of buildings. However, some basic matters
245
160
495
• Eating andanddrinking
440
595
2 ANTHROPOMETRICS 1090
2.01
Anthropometrics is the science concerned with the measurement of
humankind. Inevitably it is bound up with statistics, as people vary
780
1790
465
1740
1630
1425
1740
360
755
720
1605 705
395
1610
1610
370
1505
1505
1310
1310
620
850
740
555
235
155
480
500
400
570
2.2 Mean average (50th percentile) dimensions of adult British
960
females
2.3. This shape is totally definable by the two parameters, mean 1000
and standard deviation (SD). The mean (in this case) is the average
already discussed. For the purposes of the architect, the standard
deviation can be taken as the difference from the mean within 750
which 84 per cent of the population are included. The percentage
included is called the ‘percentile’, and it has become accepted
(with certain exceptions) that designers generally seek to accom- 500
modate those within the band between the 5th and 95th percentile
– that is, they do not attempt to satisfy the last 10 per cent of the point corresponding
people. In each case it is the job of the architect to decide whether 250 to 64% of men
70 below this height
in fact this will be acceptable.
standard
Table II gives the principal dimensions as shown in 2.4 for men deviation
and women, for the 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles.
When a survey of a non-cohesive group (such as of mixed-age 1740 heights
mean
adolescents, or men and women together) is taken, a normal
distribution curve is not obtained. We cannot predict the percentile 2.3 Normal distribution ‘bell’ curve. The y-axis plots the
dimensions for these populations, and this is why the tables here numbers of men (in this example) in a group who are the
and elsewhere segregate populations into groups. Within these height given on the x-axis (within certain limits). In a normal
groups the dimensions are calculable given the mean and the SD, distribution the average, the mean and the median are all
using the formula: equal
Basic design data 2-3
Men Women
Percentiles Percentiles
Standing
1 Stature 1625 1740 1855 1505 1610 1710 95th: minimum floor to roof clearance; allow for shoes and headgear in
appropriate situations
2 Eye height 1515 1630 1745 1405 1505 1610 50th: height of visual devices, notices, etc.
3 Shoulder height 1315 1425 1535 1215 1310 1405 5th: height for maximum forward reach controls worktop height (see para. 302)
4 Elbow height 1005 1090 1180 930 1005 1085 controls worktop height (see para. 302)
5 Hand (knuckle) height 690 755 825 660 720 780 95th: maximum height of grasp points for lifting
6 Reach upwards 1925 2060 2190 1790 1905 2020 5th: maximum height of controls; subtract 40 mm to allow for full grasp
Sitting
7 Height above seat level 850 910 965 795 850 910 95th: minimum seat to roof clearance; may need to allow for headgear
8 Eye height above seat level 735 790 845 685 740 795 50th: height of visual devices above seat level
9 Shoulder height above seat level 540 595 645 505 555 610 50th: height above seat level for maximum forward reach
10 Length from elbow to fingertip 440 475 510 400 430 460 50th: easy reach forward at table height
11 Elbow above seat level 195 245 295 185 235 280 50th: height above seat of armrests or desk tops
12 Thigh clearance 135 160 185 125 155 180 95th: space under tables
13 Top of knees, height above floor 490 545 595 455 500 540 95th: clearance under tables above floor or footrest
14 Popliteal height 395 440 490 355 400 445 50th: height of seat above floor or footrest
15 Front of abdomen to front of knees 253 325 395 245 315 385 95th: minimum forward clearance at thigh level from front of body or from
obstruction, e.g. desktop
16 Buttock – popliteal length 440 495 550 435 480 530 5th: length of seat surface from backrest to front edge
17 Rear of buttocks to front of knees 540 595 645 520 570 620 95th: minimum forward clearance from seat back at height for highest seating
posture
18 Extended leg length 985 1070 1160 875 965 1055 5th (less than): maximum distance of foot controls, footrest, etc. from seat back
19 Seat width 310 360 405 310 370 435 95th: width of seats, minimum distance between armrests
23 Men Women
Shoe height 25 mm 45 mm
Hat height 75 mm 100 mm
•
19
Table V Statures (or equivalents) for Britons in various age groups
22
Percentiles
Boys/men Girls/women
Percentiles Percentiles
3 ERGONOMICS
3.01
This is the discipline that deals with the dimensions of people at
2.4 Key dimensions listed in Table II. These figures are based work, including activities not directly connected with earning a
on surveys of unclothed volunteers, and in using them living. Such matters as the space required by people using
allowances should be made for the wearing of clothes and shoes motorcars, flying aeroplanes and operating machinery come under
(see Table III). Dimension references marked • are most this heading. Many of the dimensions required for this will be
commonly used found in Table II.
Basic design data 2-5
surprising thing is that 900 mm is uncomfortable for 84 per cent of angle 3° ± 1° 380 – 470
all women! 1000 mm is ideal for most women, but only for 40 per
710 gp
inaccessible
47°
not easily accessible
accessible
easily accessible
620
pull-out base
a Zones of accessibility. unit shelves
450
600
[781,5] [859,5]
5
normal [1075,5]
1300
minimum
distance
4 from screen
400 mm 700 b Frequently needed
character height (mm)
preferred
minimum visual angle articles.
3 distance between 20
from touch
screen and 22 minutes
300 mm
2
1
1900
b Viewing distance
500
1730
reach e
max reach max
1435 1585
–3 sd
shelf max
sd = 97
(hand height)
1520
min 2450
450
1550
700
1350
1220
920
800
1250
600
300
1450
700
650 dia
(800 square min. 600 high × 400 mm wide
preferable)
min 560
to 600
2150
opt
min 1600
840
50°
35°
30°
20°
900 900
380 R
W
max diam40 mm
2150
opt
angle
850
(910 at 0°) 150
Vertical Inclined
angle
recommended for angles 50° to 75° paralleled by steps. Provision for blind people needs to be made in
handrails are required on both sides if risers are not the design of signs, raised letters being preferable to Braille,
left open or if there are no side walls particularly in lifts. Lifts should ideally provide audible as well as
widths: 500 mm to 600 mm with handrails
visual indication of floor level.
600 mm min between side walls
recommended riser 180 mm to 250 mm It is the manually self-propelled chair that is used by most active
tread 75 mm to 150 mm disabled people, and needs to be routinely catered for in buildings.
45 mm diam max for handrail 2.19 gives the dimensions relevant to this type of chair, and 2.20
2.17 Service access: step ladders and 2.21 has dimensions of men and women in such a chair.
4.03 Ramps
The most common provision made for wheelchairs is a ramp.
However, most such ramps are difficult to use, both in mounting
4 DISABLED PEOPLE and in descending. Except for very short ramps (less than 0.5 m)
they should be no steeper than 8 per cent (preferably 6 per cent)
4.01 and unbroken lengths of ramp no longer than 10 m. For a rise of
At any one time about 8 per cent of people in Britain are in one only 650 mm, therefore, a good ramp would take up a considerable
way or another disabled. The principal disabilities of concern to area, 2.22. The use of a chair lift or of ordinary lifts is therefore
the architect are those that mean the person has to use a wheelchair often preferable to a ramp, although these suffer from the need for
for most or all of the time. That person is handicapped by this in adequate maintenance, and problems arise when they break down.
two significant ways: first, the eyes and arms are permanently at Details of lifts designed for use by elderly and disabled people are
sitting rather than standing level, and second, the wheelchair itself given in Chapter 5.
takes up to five times the space needed by an ambulant person.
While people in wheelchairs constitute only about one quarter of 4.04 Width of corridors
one per cent of the population, society has rightly decided that the The other necessity for wheelchair users is adequate width and
design of most buildings should take their needs into account. design of corridors and doorways. The width of a corridor should
There are other forms of disability that are of importance to the not be less than 900 mm for a self-propelled wheelchair, or 1.8 m
building designer. People on crutches can be disadvantaged by if two wheelchairs are likely to want to pass each other, 2.23 to
ramps provided for wheelchairs, and all ramps should normally be 2.26.
Basic design data 2-9
965
710
560
490
1075
435
630
465
1075
2.19 DSS model 8G wheelchair, a common type
shoulder height
595 reach
over low table
elbow level
1330
1220
thigh level at chair
obstruction
1035
690
605
foot height
145
vertical reach
600
1595
1410
420
shoulder
550
elbow reach over high table
1255
thigh
990
690
605
foot height 2.23 Forward movement for
self-propelled wheelchair
165
high reach
oblique reach
800
forward reach
eye height
point of obstruction
575 (erect)
1575
sitting
650 (back)
1465
1295
410
1155
170
475
420
1700
650
900
700
2.28 Wheelchair forward turn through 90°
1700
1800
large chair
2.29 Wheelchair turn through 180°
1500
4.05 Turning space
Most wheelchairs require a space 1.4 m square to turn around. This
determines the minimum size of lift cars and circulation spaces in
rooms.
Turning circles for manœuvering in various ways are shown in
2.27 to 2.29.
4.06 Doorways
Since the minimum clear opening required is 750 mm, the standard
800 mm (coordinating size) doorset is not wide enough (clear
opening 670 mm); a minimum 900 mm set should be used in most
standard chair: buildings. External doors should preferably be 1000 mm, although
front propelling the 900 mm size has a clear opening just wide enough for most
wheels chairs. 2.30 illustrates wheelchairs using doorways.
Where a door opens off a corridor, it may be difficult for a
wheelchair to turn sufficiently to go through a minimum width
doorway unless the corridor is wide enough. 2 . 3 1 indicates
1245
preferred widths of opening for various corridor widths.
Where double or single swing doors are used these can be
difficult for wheelchair users to open. In certain circumstances,
sliding doors can be easiest and are often fitted in housing
converted or specially built for wheelchair users.
In blocks of flats, offices, etc. the entrance doors are frequently
heavy with strong springs to combat the effects of wind. These are
not only difficult for wheelchair users, but often also for elderly,
ambulant disabled and even people with prams. Consideration
should be given to fitting such doors with mechanical opening and
closing systems.
indoor chair: model 1
Other doors often give problems to people in wheelchairs and
front propelling wheels
elderly people with limited strength. The doors to lavatories
2.27 Wheelchair turning circles designed for disabled people can be particularly difficult. As a rule,
2-12 Basic design data
775
clear
775 775
clear clear
1900
1200
1200
1200 1200
1200
775 775
clear clear
1200
1200
500 1000
doorway width The former can usually negotiate most obstacles such as steps and
(clear opening) staircases. However, those who can use only one leg require a
handhold wherever there are steps, even a single step at a building
threshold. There is little need for this to be provided for them on
both sides as two good arms are needed to use crutches. However,
elderly people may also need handholds, and many of these are
only able to use one of their hands.
corridor width clear doorway required Crutch users often find ramps more of a problem than steps.
760 935 Ideally, all wheelchair ramps should be adjacent to supplementary
800 920 steps as in 2.22.
900 885
1000 855 4.08 People with other mobility impairments
1200 785 Dimensions of people using walking sticks and walking frames are
2.31 Width of doorways opening off narrow corridors given in 2.33 and 2.34.
Basic design data 2-13
5 CIRCULATION SPACES
5.01
Many aspects of internal circulation derive from regulations
concerned with fire safety. These are covered in Chapter 42.
Increasingly, others relate to the needs of disabled people.
For lifts and escalators see Chapter 5.
As a guide to assessing space allowances, the areas listed in Table
VII may be used: these include requirements for both the activity
and the associated circulation. Waiting areas are given in Table VIII
and the flow capacities of corridors and staircases in Table IX.
660 Table VII Minimum areas per person in various types of buildings
2
2.33 Stick user Occupancy Area per person (m )
2
Assembly halls (closely seated) 0.46 m (based on movable seats, usually
armless, 450 mm centre to centre; with fixed
seating at 500 mm centre to centre will
2
increase to about 0.6 m )
2 2
Dance halls 0.55 m to 0.9 m
2 2
Restaurants (dining areas) 0.9 m to 1.1 m
Retail shops and showrooms 4.6 m2 to 7.0 m2 (including upper floors of
department stores except special sales areas)
Department stores, bazaars or 0.9 m2 (including counters, etc.)
2
bargain sales areas 0.46 m (gangway areas only)
Offices 9.3 m2 (excluding stairs and lavatories)
2
Factories 7 m
adjustable
800
1200 – 1400
1050 – 1200
2.36 Space requirements between walls allowing 10 per cent for easy movement
2000
750 750 750 875 875 875 1250 625
2.39 Greatest density possible 6
2.38 Pace measurements people per m 2
Basic design data 2-15
900 700
W
250
average
Type L W
Food (small) 600 450
1250
Baggage
2500 800
2.41 Person with baggage (airport, hotel, etc.)
850
1850
550
2.47 Person with luggage trolley
450
1000
1450
450
450
1100
2.43 Person with small child 2.45 Person with pushchair 2.48 Single queue no baggage
2-16 Basic design data
170 100 60
250
4° (101.6 mm)
surface switch
2 gallon (9.1 litres) id.c.i.pipe
remote control gear
extinguisher
(wheel type)
P
P
radiators on wall brackets
600
type P(mm)
door on retainer:
P = door thickness + 80mm 2 column 130
(note furniture on door 3 column 160 250 Automat
= further protrusion) 4column 230 cigarette dispenser
5column 290
765 11 column
7 column 350 975 18 column
3½" hospital (90) 130 1250 24 column
5" hospital (165) 170
7" hospital (180) 230
660
700
830
760
920
vending machines
800
450
height 450 mm
doors 340 each unit
450
pitch line
going
g
riser
r min 240
waist
tread max 165
nosing vertical
depth
soffit stairs: ambulant disabled
θ = angle of pitch
2.51 Preferred form and dimensions of steps for elderly and
2.50 Definitions of staircase terms ambulant disabled people
Basic design data 2-17
* Width in these cases may be encroached by stringers up to 30 mm and handrails up to 100 mm.
This table is constructed on the following bases: Rise r is between 75 mm minimum and 220 mm maximum. Going g is greater than 220 mm minimum. In each box the
figures represent: Twice the rise plus the going (2r + g) between 600 and 660 mm.
–1
The angle of pitch (tan r/g) less than 40° and more than 30°. Shaded boxes indicate pitch angles greater than 35° which are less suitable for elderly and disabled people
16 162.5 605
30.1°
17 158.8 598
29.6°
18 161.1 602
29.2°
Building Regulations allow that twice the rise plus the going and of a design to facilitate proper gripping. It is important,
may be between 550 and 700 mm, and permits rises of up to particularly for users of crutches, that they should extend at least one
220 mm and goings of minimum 220 mm in private stairs. One tread depth beyond the last riser at both top and bottom of each
Continental source recommends that twice the rise plus the going flight. In a multi-flight staircase, the handrails should be as
should lie between 630 and 660 mm. continuous as possible to assist blind people; they will deduce that a
Table X summarises the various statutory requirements for break in the rail indicates a doorway or other way off the stairs.
internal staircases. Table XI covers the design of common types of Where there are likely to be small children, an additional
staircases. External stairs and steps should not be designed to handrail at about 425 mm high may be provided. Care should be
internal standards, as they will often appear to be precipitous. See taken to avoid designs that facilitate climbing over balustrades.
Chapter 6 for these. Open wells should be protected by walls or balustrades at least
2.52 to 2.57 show examples of different types of staircases, and 900 mm high.
2.58 illustrates the moving of a wardrobe up a typical stair.
2800
1680
than 1 m wide they are not mandatory on both sides, but should if
2100
possible be so provided to allow for arthritic hands. The top of the
handrail should be between 900 and 1000 mm above the pitch line, 560
3870
2600 f – f
1360
1590
318
2100
landing
544
2100
2.52 Straight flight staircase
1087
2800 f – f
1719
2275
2100
2520
3000 1150
900
2340
2800 f– f
2100
2100
1400
1260
900 1320
2114
2580
1950
2580
2800
2.54 Staircase with with 90° turn at half-height 2.57 Dog-leg staircase
Basic design data 2-19
6 ACTIVITIES 1200
2.59 to 2.71 illustrate the space requirements of a number of
domestic activities; these are derived from data in Activities and
spaces by John Noble.
800
2000
200 – 250
900
2000
2.58 Moving a double wardrobe up a staircase, showing
minimum headroom, clearance, handrail height. Going 215 mm,
rise 190 mm
500 – 550
500 550
650 – 700 900 500 900 650 – 700
2.59 Passing between two 2.60 Passing between two
items of furniture, each items of furniture, one
table height or lower table height or lower, the
other higher on the wall
2000
2000
600
people prefer to sit a distance of
2.61 Passing between the more than eight times the height
wall and tall furniture of the picture 2.66 Circulation around twin beds
2-20 Basic design data
500
750
450
600
600 750 600
1400
a
450 – 600
1350
900
600
2.68 Getting a pram ready
1350 460
850
c
1500
600
1350
600 900
d
600 750 600
900 e
coat
1900
750
400
600
1750
850
600
750
950
1850
1350
850 700
850
850
750
c
600
a b
g
500 600 1300
500
500
450
450
7 FURNITURE 8 STORAGE
The sizes of a number of common items of living room furniture The spaces required to store domestic items and materials are
are given in 2.72 . A number of different dining room arrangements shown in 2.76 to 2.88 . Various fuel storage facilities are covered in
are shown in 2.73 . Items of bedroom and kitchen furniture are 2.89 to 2.9 1, and refuse containers are shown in 2.92.
covered in 2.74 and 2.75 respectively.
900
2000
150
a 300
900
deep
900
2000 300
b 300
1370
deep
300
b
600 450
700
1100
1200
400
c
f
200
d e
d 250
2.74 Bedroom furniture: a single bed, b double bed, c bedside
table, d dressing table, e wardrobe, f chest of drawers 2.76 Food storage: a tins and jars, b packets, c vegetable rack,
d bread bin
650 650
480
600
600
600
600 650
a b 550
c
600 600
600
90
1000
600 100
1500
300 f 60
500
or 600
500
g
1360
h
600
60
1000
1650
1000
550 550
plan elevation
450
950 950
plan elevation
1500
300
550 550
plan elevation
husband wife
desirable depth in each case 600mm (min 550mm)
450
950 950
plan elevation
600
600
4p+ = 0.6m2
shelf space
under 4p
= 0.4m2
shelf space
2.80 Optimum hanging space for a family of four 2.83 Airing cupboard for linen including hot water sotrage
cylinder (not heavily lagged)
Basic design data 2-23
450
20 00
800
300
950 950
550 550
plan elevation
plan elevation
2.84 Alternative storage arrangements for household linen for a five-person family
1070.0287 × 380 – 460 wide
990 – 1100
410
970
760
380
790
150
450
2000
1030
1200
240
700
clear space
450
150
2.85 Bicycles 2.86 Prams
2-24 Basic design data
removable
310 cover
750 2500
460
580
690
1350
760 760
Section Plan
2.87 Large toys
capacity: 800 kg of coal and 450 kg of coke
300
2.91 Solid fuel storage
1020
260
540
760
430
height
2.88 Luggage
min 3000
from buildings 3042
3000
1000
1265 2250
2500 litres
1120 o/d
1320
1200
750 2020
1000
1225 litres
1300
1360
1000
2.90 Domestic oil storage tank. This may need a bund in certain
circumstances. The oil flows to the boiler by gravity so the tank
bottom needs to be sufficiently elevated. If this is not possible
the fuel can be pumped, but the boiler must then be a pressure 2.92 Refuse sotrage: a dustbin, b wheely bin, c paladin bin,
jet type d large bin
Basic design data 2-25