ARC 414 - INTERIOR DESIGN

LECTURE 2
SPACE PLANNING AND PROPORTION
DESCRIPTION OF SPACE

Space is the boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events have relative
position and direction. It is a volume through which we move, see forms, hear sounds
and feel gentle breezes. It inherits the dimensional sensual and aesthetic characteristics
of those elements in the field. Space is a material substance. It is diffuse and formless.
Space is formed by the relationship between a space and the element as well as among
the elements and by our perception of them.

TYPES OF SPACE IN ARCHITECTURE

(1) Architectural Space - Is defined by the geometric elements of point, line, plane
and volume which become linear columns and beams, planar walls, floors and
roofs organized to give a building form and define its boundaries.
(2) Exterior Space - The immediate site space that surrounds a building structure.
(3)Transitional Space - A space that functions as an interface between interior and
exterior environments. They present a form of either complete isolation, visual or
physical access between two spaces.
(4) Interior Space - The inside of a building or structure that provides a sense of
shelter and enclosure.

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS OF A BUILDING

These are basically:

- The foundation System

- The Superstructure System

(A) The Foundation system is the part of a structural system that supports and anchors the
superstructure of a building and transmits its loads directly to the earth. It forms the base of
a building that anchors the building to the ground and supports the building elements
and spaces above. This is also called the sub-structure.

There are two classifications of foundations in building:

(1) shallow foundations e.g strip or trench fill and pad types and
(2) deep foundations e.g pile which can be driven (displacement) or bored.

Factors to consider in selecting and designing the type of foundation system for a building
include (a) pattern and magnitude of building loads, (b) subsurface and groundwater
conditions, (c) topography of the site, (d) impact on adjacent properties, (e) building
regulation requirements and (f) construction method and risk.

(B) The Superstructure system consists of structural floor, wall, column and roof
which protect and shelter interiors from environmental elements. The force of the walls
pushing down on the floor is exactly balanced by an equal force when the floor pushes up on
the wall. The main structural walls are called load-bearing walls and they're usually built from
solid brick or stone. Knock one of these out and a large chunk of your building will probably
collapse.

TYPES OF LOADS IN BUILDINGS.

(1) Dead load. Dead loads, also known as permanent or static loads, are those that remain
relatively constant over time and comprise the weight of its structural and non-structural
components including any fixed equipment. That means the weight of the structure
itself, and immovable fixtures such as walls, plasterboard or carpet. The roof is also a dead load. A
good example of a static load is the weight of a building acting on the ground.
Another example is a car parked at a carpark.

(2)Live load. This is the weight of its occupants and any movable equipment and
furnishing. This refers to the dynamic forces from occupancy and intended use. They
represent the transient forces that can be moved through the building or act on any particular
structural element. These are the loads that do, or can, change over time, such as people walking
around a building (occupancy) or movable objects such as furniture. Live loads are variable as they
depend on usage and capacity. However, design codes can provide equivalent loads for various
structures.

The total dead plus live loads equal the “gravity load” of the structure. But yet more loads act
upon buildings. 
(3)Dynamic/Imposed load. Where a building is located determines its potential load
from the dynamic forces of wind and earthquakes. Dynamic loads or forces are loads
that have change in either size, position or direction. A good example of a dynamic load is
the weight of a moving car on the road.

Dynamic, working, or lifting load is the force that will be applied to the linear actuator while it is
in motion. Static load, also called the holding load, is the force that will be applied to the linear
actuator when it is not in motion.

Structures can be designed using static analysis but they will have to be overly conservative to
be safe. Hence, dynamic analysis is carried out so that seismic loads are modeled as
accurately as possible and in the process of designing can be carried out with a greater degree
of confidence and economy.

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS AFFECTING THE FUNCTIONAL AND

AESTHETIC DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERIOR DESIGN

i. Stairs

Stairs and stairways are to provide safety on the vertical movement through a
building interior. They are to provide ease of ascent and descent. They should
therefore be wide enough to comfortably accommodate our passage as well as
any furnishing and equipment that must be moved vertically. The width of a stair
provides a visual clue to the public or private quality of the stairway. Landings
provide opportunities for rest and possibilities for access and outlook from the
stairway.

ii. Doors

Doors and doorways allow physical access for us, furnishing and goods in and out
of a building and from room to room within it. Through their design, construction and
location, they control the use of a room. Through their design, construction and
location, they control the views from one space to the next. Through their design,
construction and location, they control the passage of light and sound, warmth and
cool breeze. Doors and doorways influence our pattern of movement.
Special doors including those constructed to have fire resistance, acoustical control or
entrance doors with thermal insulation value.

iii. Furniture

Furniture mediates between architecture and people, offering a transition in form and
scale between an interior and the individual. Furniture makes interior habitable by
providing comfort and utility in the task and activities we undertake. The form, lines,
colour, texture and scale of individual pieces, as well as their spatial organization
establish the expressive qualities of a room. They fulfil specific functions as seating,
sleeping and work top. The nature and way furniture is arranged in a room affects
how a space is perceived, that is, whether it is exquisite, simple, etc.