THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND SPATIAL PLANNING

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING SCIENCE
P. 0 . Box 52428-00200 Haile Selassie Avenue
Tel: +254 (020) 343672, 2249974, 2251300, 251822, 2250522 Fax: +254(020) 2219689

B.ARCH 2 : ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024 Semester I

EAAQ 2199 : ARCHITECTURAL STUDIO 2A

PROJECT 1 : ANTHROPOMETRICS/ERGONOMICS

STUDIO MASTERS:
1. Matole
2. Adejumo
1. INTRODUCTION:
The study of human body measurements on a comparative basis is called anthropometrics.
Anthropometrics help the designer to comfortably fit the human body around various components of
space. There are many theories defining the origin of anthropometrics. During the 19th century, many
scholars were trying to come up with methods of describing races using techniques of measuring the
physical attributes of people, a practice known as anthropometry, while others were trying to come up
with scientific techniques of measuring the impact of 'improved' way of life on body's physical attributes
of the body. Throughout the history of architecture, there have been various theories on
anthropometrics e.g., the golden section, the renaissance man, the modular system, etc.

Ergonomics, on the other hand is the science of designing machines, products, and systems to
maximize the safety, comfort, and efficiency of the people who use them. Ergonomists draw on the
principles of anthropometry to adapt the design of products and workplaces to people’s sizes and
shapes and their physical strengths and limitations. Ergonomists view people and the objects they use
as one unit, and ergonomic design blends the best abilities of people and machines. An ergonomically
designed system provides optimum performance because it takes advantage of the strengths and
weaknesses of both its human and machine components.

2. RELEVANCE:
Apart from their use in the design of space, anthropometry/ergonomics is also used to develop
standards human clearances and maneuvering space between pieces of furniture and equipment.
Proper design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can
lead to long-term disability.

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Although for purposes of design, the architect should use average human dimensions, the statistical
sizes of people vary with age, sex, physique and possibly disability. People sizes also vary significantly
for different nationalities and over time the average sizes of people change. Importantly, the relevant
target group may be significantly different to the general population. For example; designing for children
or people with disability would require that their special needs be taken into consideration, hence
deviation from the average.
NB: The body and reach characteristics of people have a direct influence on design. The average
characteristics of some important body characteristics on men and women will be shown on
PowerPoint.
3. STUDIO EXERCISE/OBJECTIVE:

Students are required to prepare at least 10 comprehensive anthropometric studies of human anatomy
showing male, female and disabled human characters in different postures giving their reach
dimensions e.g. width of both arms stretched sideways, Shoulder width, Standing height, Eye level,
Shoulder height, Knee height, Arm length, Foot length, Body height from seat position etc. Thereafter,
you will be required to do 40 ergonomic sketches of male, female and disabled human characters
interacting with space and furniture in the following areas considering the size of the people who will
use the designs, activity and Senses:
a) Kitchen: To show interaction with counters, shelves, etc.
b) Bedroom: To show lying and sitting positions on a bed and room.
c) Office: To show interaction with office furniture for seated and standing workers.
d) Corridors, stairs and pedestrian ramps: To show space clearances for one person and a group
of people in a corridor, staircase and ramp.
e) To show clearance and interaction of human figures with toilet facilities and spaces.

You are required to do research to understand the dimensions of the figures and spaces you are
drawing and competently using selected model(s) use the elements of design i.e. line, point, plane,
volume and variables such as shape, form, texture, value and colour etc. All sketches should be
freehand and should seek to explore the various modes of presentation skills introduced in the first year
of study.
NB: You are required to present in not less than four (5) A3 sheets in the final presentation.

4. PROGRAM: 1& ½ WEEKS:

Commencement Date: 8th September 2023 (Issuance of Brief)

12th September 2023 (Crit)

15th September 2023 (Presentation)

Final Presentation: 19th September 2023 (Marking/Introduction of new Brief)

REFERENCES:

1. Ernest Neufert; (1980) Architect’s Data 2nd Edition

2. Joseph De’Chiara & John Callender; (1980) Time savers standards for Building types 3 rd
Edition
3. David Adler (ED); (1999) Metric Handbook Planning and Design Data
4. Robert W. Gill; (1973) Rendering with pen and Ink

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@B. Arch. II Studio 2023 -Brief 01