2 Basic design data

David Adler

KEY POiNTS:
Certaindimensions are crucial to individual use and health
Satisfying theaveragesituationisunlikely tohelp the majority
Each casemust be carefully consideredwithall classes of
users,particularlypeople with different disabilities, in mind

Contents

considerably in most dimensions. Anthropometrics is of crucial

importance to architects as the ultimatebasisofthe design ofmost
buildings must be the size of the people using them. Average
dimensions forBritishadultsare givenin 2.1 and 2.2, but in most
casestheuse ofanaverage dimension will notproduce satisfaction
for the majorityof users.

2.02 Normal distribution

When surveys are taken ofadult males, forexample, they show a
'normal distribution' curve: the traditional statistical bell shape,

1 Introduction

2 Anthropometrics
3 Ergonomics
4 Disabled people
5 Circulation spaces
6 Activities
7 Furniture
8 Storage
9 References
1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter will be found basic data which are neededfor the
design of most types of buildings. However, some basic matters
are dealt with in later chapters, principally the following:

Sanitary provision and activity spaces in Chapter

Requirements for vehiclesin Chapter
Externalandlandscape
design in Chapter6
in

Eatingand drinking

other thandomesticsituations in Chapter

18.

2 ANTHROPOMETRICS
2.01
Anthropometrics is the science concerned withthemeasurement of
humankind. Inevitably itisboundup withstatistics, aspeople vary

465

1790

0
C,)
CD

720

2.1 Meanaverage (50thpercentile) dimensions ofadult British males

2-1

2-2 Basic designdata

in
C
in

0
11)

480

570
960

2.2 Mean average (50thpercentile) dimensions ofadultBritish

females

2.3. This shape is totally definableby the two parameters, mean

and standarddeviation (SD).The mean (in this case) is the average
alreadydiscussed. For the purposes of the architect,the standard
deviationcan be taken as the difference from the mean within
which 84 per cent of the population are included. The percentage
included is called the 'percentile', and it has become accepted
(with certainexceptions) that designers generallyseek to accommodatethosewithin the band betweenthe 5th and 95th percentile
that is,
they do not attempt to satisfy the last 10 per cent of the
people. In each case it is thejob ofthe architect to decidewhether
in fact this will be acceptable.
Table II givesthe principaldimensions as shownin 2.4 for men
and women, for the 5th, 50th and 95thpercentiles.
Whena survey of a non-cohesive group(such as of mixed-age
adolescents, or men and women together) is taken, a normal
distribution curveis not obtained. We cannotpredictthe percentile
dimensions for these populations, and this is why the tables here
and elsewhere segregate populations into groups. Within these
groupsthe dimensions are calculable given the mean and the SD,
using the formula:

point corresponding

to 84%of men

below this height

1740
mean

heights

2.3 Normal distribution 'bell' curve. The y-axis plots the

numbers of men (in this example) in a group who are the
height given on the x-axis (within certain limits). In a normal
distribution the average, the mean and the median are all
equal

Basicdesign data 2-3

Table I Selected p andz valuesfor the
normal distributioncurve

X() = mean + SD x z
where: Xe,) is the value of the dimension for
the pth percentile
z is a factor from Table I

In the tables the standard deviationis not directlygiven, but may

itself be calculated from the values ofthe 50th(or mean) and 95th
percentiles: e.g.

= SD X 1.64 (the value of z for p = 95)

Example: A doorwayis to be designed to accommodate 99.9 per
cent of Britishmen. We see from Table II that the mean stature is
1740mmand the SD is (1855 1740) 1.64 = 70. The heightthat
will fulfilthe 99.9 per cent criterionis thus 1740+ (70 X 3.09) =
1956 mm,a considerable increaseon the value of 1855mm which
X(95) mean

accommodates the 95thpercentile. In both cases the additionof a

further25 mm wouldbe necessary to allowfor footwear (see Table
III).

2.03 Clothing
The tables are all consistent in giving the dimensions of the
unclothed body. Increases due to clothingvary considerably but
Table III gives the normallyacceptable values.
2.04 Other nationalities
Dimensional surveys taken elsewhere show considerable variations.Table IVgivestherangeofstature foundinvariouscountries.
For mostpurposes other dimensions can be approximately derived
by proportionality withTableII, but more accurate figures can be
obtained fromthe References atthe end ofthis chapter.

2.05 Children and adolescents

Statures (or equivalents) for various ages in Britain are given in
Table V. Hereproportionality may not givesufficient accuracy, and
reference should be made to one of the references for other
dimensions.

z
0.001
0.01

0.1
0.5
1
2
2.5
3
4
5
10

20
25
30
40
50
60
70
75
80
90
95
96
97
97.5
98
99
99.5
99.9
99.99
99.999

4.26
3.72
3.09
2.58
2.33
2.05
1.96
1.88
1.75

1.64
1.28

0.84
0.67
0.52
0.25

0
0.25
0.52
0.67
0.84
1.28
1.64
1.75
1.88
1.96

2.05
2.33
2.58
3.09
3.72
4.26

2.06 Elderly people

Peopletendtoshrinkslightly withage. More significantly, the body
tends to be less flexible in regard to adapting to dimensionally
unfavourable situations. It is therefore more important that design
allowsfor elderly people where that is appropriate, accepting that
younger people may be slightly disadvantaged. Table VI gives
dimensions for people between the agesof65 and 80.

TableII DimensionsofBritish adults

Men
Percentiles

5th

50th

1625 1740 1855

1505

1610 1710

1515
1315
1005
690
1925

1405 1505 1610

1215 1310 1405
930 1005 1085
660 720
780
1790 1905 2020

5th
Standing
1 Stature

2 Eye height
3 Shoulder height
4 Elbowheight
5 Hand (knuckle) height
6 Reachupwards

Women
Percentiles

50th 95th

1630 1745
1425 1535
1090 1180
755 825
2060 2190

95th

Sitting

7 Heightabove seat level

8 Eye heightaboveseat level
9 Shoulder height aboveseat level

10 Length from elbow to fingertip

11 Elbow above seat level
12 Thighclearance
13 lop ofknees,heightabovefloor
14 Popliteal height
15 Front of abdomen to front ofknees

850
735
540
440
195
135
490
395
253

910
790
595
475
245
160
545
440
325

965
845
645
510
295
185
595
490
395

795
685
505
400

16 Buttockpopliteal length
17 Rear of buttocks to front ofknees

440
540

495
595

18 Extended leg length

19 Seatwidth
Sitting and standing
20 Forward grip reach

21 Fingertip span
22 Widthover elbows akimbo
23 Shoulder width
24 Chest orbust depth
25 Abdominal depth

455
355
245

850
740
555
430
235
155
500
400
315

910
795
610
460
280
180
540
445
385

550
645

435
520

480
570

530
620

985
310

1070 1160
360 405

875
310

965
370

1055
435

720
1655
865
420
215
220

780 835
1790 1925
945 1020
465
510
250 285
270 320

650 705
1490 1605
780 850
355 395
210 250
205 255

755
1725
920
435
295
305

185
125

95th: minimum floor toroof clearance; allow for shoes and headgear in
appropriate situations
50th: heightof visual devices, notices, etc.
5th: heightfor maximum forward reach controls worktopheight(see para.302)
controls worktop height(seepara. 302)
95th: maximum heightof grasp pointsfor lifting
5th: maximum heightofcontrols; subtract40mm to allowforfullgrasp
95th: minimum seat to roof clearance; may need to allow for headgear
50th: heightof visual devices above seat level
50th: heightaboveseat level formaximum forwardreach
50th: easy reach forward at table height
50th: heightaboveseat ofarmrests ordesk tops
95th: space undertables
95th: clearance undertables abovefloor or footrest
50th: heightof seatabovefloor orfootrest
95th: minimum forward clearance at thigh level fromfront ofbody or from
obstruction, e.g. desktop
5th: lengthofseat surface from backresttofront edge
95th: minimum forward clearance from seat back atheightfor highest seating
posture
5th (less than): maximum distance offoot controls, footrest,etc. from seat back
95th: widthof seats, minimum distancebetween armrests

5th: maximum comfortable forwardreach at shoulder level

5th: limits oflateralfingertip reach, subtract130 mm to allow for full grasp
95th: lateralclearance in workspace
95th: minimum lateralclearance in workspace abovewaist

2-4 Basic designdata

Table ifiAllowance

forclothing

Shoeheight
Hat height

Men

Women

25mm
75mm

100mm

45mm

Table IV Statures ofthe adults ofvarious nationalities

Men Percentiles

WomenPercentiles

5th

50th

95th

5th

50th

95th

US

1625
1640

French

1600

1740
1755
1715

German
Swedish
Swiss
Polish

1645
1630
1535
1595

1745

1505
1520
1500
1520
1540
1415
1480

1610
1625
1600
1635

1710
1730
1700
1750

1740
1690
1695

1855
1870
1830
1845
1850
1845
1795

1640

1740

1590
1575

1765
1670

Japanese

1560
1585
1535

1655

1750

1450

1775

1455

1745

1415

1530
1555
1515

1610

1680
1640

British

Hong Kong Chinese

Indian

1655
1615

Table V Statures (or equivalents)for Britons in various agegroups

Percentiles

New-born infants
Infantsless than

6 months old

Infants 6 months to 1 year old

Infants 1 yearto 18months
Infants 18 months to 2 years

5th

50th

95th

465

500

535

510

600

690

655
690
780

715

745

775
800

840

900

Girls/women

Boys/men

Percentiles
50th

95th

850
910
975

930
990
1050

1010
1070
1125

1025

1110

1195

1015

1100

1070
1140
1180
1225
1290
1325
1360
1400
1480

1170
1230
1280
1330

1270
1320
1380
1435

1070
1125
1185
1220

1390

1490

1270

1430

1535

1490

1620

1310
1370

1550
1630

1430

1480

1555

1690

1510

1610

1710

1620
1640

1730
1750
1760

1700
1780
1825
1840

1160
1220
1280
1330
1390
1440
1500
1550
1590

1520

1620

1720

1860

1520
1530
1520

1720
1710

1475

1620
1620
1620
1615
1610
1595
1570

1400

1515

5th
Children, 2 yearsold
Children, 3 yearsold
Children, 4 yearsold
Children, 5 years old
Children, 6 yearsold
Children, 7 yearsold
Children, 8 yearsold
Children, 9 yearsold
Children, 10 yearsold
Children, 11 yearsold
Children, 12 yearsold
Children, 13 yearsold
Children, 14 yearsold
15 yearsold
16 yearsold
17 years old
18 years old
Aged 1925
Aged 1945
Aged 1965
Aged4565
Aged6585
Elderly people

Percentiles

1660
1640
1635
1625
1610
1575
1515

1760
1745
1740
1720
1685
1640

1860
1880
1860
1855
1830
1790

1765

5th
825
895
965

1515
1505
1495

50th

95th

890
970
1050

955
1045
1135
1185
1250
1315
1375
1440
1510

1570
1630

1670
1700

1720
1715
1710
1695
1670
1630

3 ERGONOMICS
3.01

2.4 Key dimensions listed in Table II. These figures are based
on surveysofunclothed volunteers, and in using them
allowancesshould be madefor the wearing ofclothesand shoes
(see Table III). Dimension references marked are most
commonlyused

This is the discipline that deals with the dimensions of people at

work, including activitiesnot directly connected with earning a
living. Such matters as the space required by people using
motorcars,flyingaeroplanes and operatingmachinery come under
this heading. Many of the dimensions required for this will be
found in Table II.

Basicdesigndata 2-5
ThbleVIDimensionsfor British peopleaged 65 to 80
Men
Percentiles

Women
Percentil es

5th

50th 95th

5th

1575
1470
1280
975
670
1840

1685
1575
1380
895
730
1965

1790
1685
1480
975
795
2090

1475
1375
1190
740
645
1725

1570
1475
1280
810
705
1835

1670
1570
1375
875
760
1950

815
705
520
425
175
125
480
385
210
430
530
305

875
760
570
460
220
150
525
425
280
485
580
350

930
815
625
490
270
175
575
470
350
535
625
395

750
645
475
390
165
115
455
355
325
430
520
310

815
710
535
420
210
145
500
395
295
480
565
370

885
770
590
450
260
170
540
440
365
525
615
430

50th 95th

2 Eye height
3 Shoulder height
4 Elbow height

5 Hand (knuckle) height

6 Reachupwards
Sitting
7 Height aboveSeat level
8 Eye heightaboveSeatlevel
9 Shoulder heightaboveseat level
10 Length fromelbow to fingertip
11 Elbowaboveseat level
12 'l'high clearance
13 Top ofknees, heightabovefloor
14
15
16
17
19

Popliteal height
Front ofabdomen to frontofknees
Buttock popliteallength
Rearofbuttocks to frontofknees
Seatwidth

Sitting and standing

20 Forward grip reach
21 Fingertip span
23 Shoulder width

0
E
00

>

Standing

1 Stature

a)

.0

0
Co
a,
a)

0)
B
C
a)

700 755 805

1605 1735 1860
400 445 485

640 685 735

1460 1570 1685
345 385 380

3.02 Worktop heights

The most commonailmentafter the commoncold is probably the
'bad back'. Manybelieve thatthis can be causedby working on a
surface that is too low, causing stooping. Both when standingand
sitting to work, it is important that the worktop should be as
follows:

For
manipulative tasks involving moderate degrees of both
force
and precision: between 50 and 100mm below elbow
heightof the person concerned
For delicate tasks: between 50 and 100mm above elbow

a)

0.
1000
worktop heights

2.5 Graphsofpercentagescomfortable at each worktop height.

These assumethat the worktop is between 50mm aboveand
100 mm belowelbow height, and that shoes are worn
furtherworsensthe situation. Itisrecommended that sinksurrounds
should befittedat least75mm abovenormal worktop height.
3.04 Serveries
A particular typeofstandingworktop is a counter, 2.6. Thiscan be
in a shop, restaurant or public house, or be a receptioncounter in
an office or a hotel. There is often no goodreason why the same
heightis neededon each side, and it is common for the non-public
sideto be higherthan the other. Detailsof such canbe foundin the
appropriate specialist chapters.

3.04 Sitting worktops

Traditionally, writingdesksare standardin heightat 710mm, 2.7.
Desks for typewriters and word processors (where the working

height
For heavy tasks, particularly those involving downward pres-

sure on the workpiece: between 100 and 300mm below elbow

900 mm
ifmore
than one
person
serving

height.

3.02 Standing worktops

Worktops at whichpeople stand are found in factories and in the
home kitchen. Since women are generally shorter in stature than
men, the heights of these respective surfaces have tended to
reinforce the traditional roles of the sexes: factory worktops at
1050mm being seen as too high for many women and kitchen
worktops at 900mm (or lower) being too low for men. It is
possiblein factories to providesmall moveable platforms to assist
women workers, butthis type ofsolution is notavailablewherethe
worktop is too low for the user.
In 2.5 the percentage comfortable at each worktop height is
plottedassuming that the users are wearing shoes and comfort is
achieved with tops between 50mm above elbow height and
100mm lower. It can be seen that the standardkitchen worktop
heightof 900mm actually seemsto suit no-one. 850mmwouldbe
a good heightwhere onlyelderlywomenare likelyto use it. The
surprising thing is that 900mm is uncomfortable for 84 per cent of
all women! 1000mmis ideal for most women, but onlyfor 40 per
cent of men. The traditional men's height of 1050mmappearsto
satisfy both 76 per cent of men and 84 per cent of women.
3.03 Sink heights
One of the most commondomesticchores is washing up. It is
customary for sinks to besetinto worktops, orfittedwiththeirrims
level withthem. Sincethe effectiveworkingsurface in this case is
the baseofthe sink, usuallyabout 100 mm lowerthan the rim, this

500 mm
ifone
person
only

2.6 Serving counter

2.7 Sitting worktop

2-6 Basic designdata

accessibility
50%

accessibility
83%

______ inaccessible

not easilyaccessible

El

accessible

_____ easilyaccessible

2.9 Accessibility ofstorage:

a Zonesof accessibility.

pull-out base
unit shelves

2.8a Computerworkstation

5- normal
minimum
distance

-ii

4 - fromscreen
400mm

E
E
-C

0)

a)

minimum
- distance
fromtouch

I
I

b Frequentlyneeded
articles.

visual angle
between 20
and 22 minutes

a)
C-)

C)

200

800
400
600
viewing distance (mm)

1000

1200

b Viewing distance

00
I4

surface is the top

of the keyboard) are available 30mm lower.

Chairs for sitting workers are now by legislation required to
providefor vertical adjustment so thateach individual can findthe
right relationship withthe worktop.However, it is important that
the feet remain in contactwith the ground,and where this is not
possible, footrests should

be provided.

3.05 Computer work stations

Many officeworkersnow work withvisualdisplay units (VDUs),
and these introduce further requirements for comfortable and
healthy working. Peopleoftenfind working ata screen tiring to the
eyes. 2.8 gives the recommended dimensions for minimising
fatigue; somepeople may needspecial spectacles. Most VDUs are
placedat or above eye level so that normal bifocalsdo not help.
Opticians arenow usedto supplying 'intermediate'spectacles with
the normalbifocal facilityfor viewing the keyboardand material
on the desk, with the upper part allowing focus on the near
distance. This permits the VDU to be placed between 900 to
1000mm distant from the user.

c Lessfrequentlyneeded
articles higher

d Less frequentlyneeded
articles lower

3.06 Storage
Two ofthe commonest operations at work and in the home is the
stowage and retrieval of items into and from storage. 2.9 showsthe
recommended heights for various storage areas for general use;
2.10 gives particular requirements where elderly people are
concerned.

3.07 Maintenance
Buildings and the services and plant therein need constant
maintenance. Somethingfrequently forgotten is the need for easy
access to certain areas. It is reasonable to assume that people
employed on maintenance work will be sufficiently agile and not
greatly above average size.The dimensions shown in 2.11 to 2.18
are thereforeless than would be required for use by the general
public.

Basic design data 2-7

reachmax

2.10 Accessibilityofstorage used by elderly people:

a Maximum reach overworktop.

b Maximumreach to unobstructedwall-mounted cupboard

mm

2450
to

2.11 Body clearance: maintenance

reach levels

2.13 Body clearances

(800 square
preferable)

mm. 600 high

x 400 mm wide

/.

5O5.

3o

c2O

opt range

300
to 350

mm

or square
2.12 Service accesses

2.14 Service access: catwalk

opt

2.15 Service access: stairs

2-8 Basicdesigndata

900
..,.380

150
Vertical

0)

Inclined

for verticalmovements
from 75to 90 ladderframeshould
extend 900 mm above platform
widths: 380 mm mm, 450 mm desirable
600 mm mm between sidewalls
150 mm toe space
generally suitable

20

-1o
opt range
0

2.16 Service access: ramps

angle
75.0
78.0
80.5
83.0
85.0
87.5
90.0

R(mm)
330
335
340
350
360
370
380 max

W(mm)
1150

1050
1000
950
900
850
800

300 mm
provide backguard over 6000mm high

2.18 Serviceaccess: rung ladders

recommended for angles 50 to 75

haridrails are required on both sidesif risersare not

left openor ifthere are rio sidewalls

widths: 500 mm to 600 mm with handrails

600 mm mm between side walls
angle
5055
5760
6366
6972
7477

W(mm)
1620 1570
1500i450
1370i320
1270i200
1i501050

Q(mm)
880
900
910
920
950

recommended riser 180 mm to 250 mm

tread 75 mm to 150 mm
45 mm diam max for handrail

2.17 Service access: step ladders

4 DISABLEDPEOPLE
4.01

At any one time about 8 per cent of people in Britain are in one
way or another disabled. The principal disabilities of concern to
the architect are thosethat mean the person has to useawheelchair
for most or all of the time. That person is handicapped by this in
two significantways: first, the eyes and anns are permanently at
sitting rather than standinglevel, and second, the wheelchair itself
takes up to five times the space needed by an ambulantperson.
Whilepeople in wheelchairsconstitute only about one quarterof
one per cent ofthe population, societyhas rightly decidedthat the
designofmost buildingsshould take their needs into account.
Thereare other forms of disabilitythat are ofimportance to the
building designer. People on crutches can be disadvantaged by
rampsprovided for wheelchairs, and all rampsshould normallybe

paralleled by steps. Provision for blindpeople needs to be made in

the design of signs, raised letters being preferable to Braille,
particularly in lifts.Lifts should ideallyprovideaudibleas well as
visual indication of floor level.

4.02 People in wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are of three main types:

Manually self-propelled
Propelled by motor
Propelled by attendant

It is the manuallyself-propelled chair that is used by most active

disabled people, and needsto beroutinelycatered for in buildings.
2.19 givesthe dimensionsrelevantto this type of chair, and 2.20
and 2.21 has dimensionsof men and womenin such a chair.
4.03 Ramps
The most commonprovision made for wheelchairs is a ramp.
However, most such ramps are difficultto use, both in mounting
and in descending. Except for very short ramps (less than 0.5 m)
they should be no steeperthan 8 per cent (preferably 6 per cent)
and unbroken lengths of ramp no longer than 10 m. For a rise of
only650mm,therefore, a goodrampwouldtake upaconsiderable
area, 2.22. The use of a chair lift or of ordinary lifts is therefore
oftenpreferable to a ramp,althoughthese sufferfrom the needfor
adequate maintenance, and problemsarise when they break down.
Detailsoflifts designed for use by elderly and disabledpeople are
given in Chapter 5.
4.04 Width of corridors
The other necessity for wheelchair users is adequate width and
designof corridorsand doorways. The widthofa corridorshould
not be less than 900mm for a self-propelled wheelchair, or 1.8m
if two wheelchairs are likely to want to pass each other, 2.23 to
2.26.

Basic design data 2-9

2.19 DSS model 8G wheelchair

a common lype

U)

2.20 Dimensions of different percentilesofadult

male wheelchairusers. These dimensions and
those in 2.21 relate to people who use standard
wheelchairs and have no major impairment of
upper limbs. Figures are givenfor 95th, 50th and
5thpercentilesor two ofthese

2-10 Basicdesign data

900
760

2.23 Forward movementfor

self-propelled wheelchair

2.24 Forward movementfor

2.21 Dimensions ofadultfemale wheelchairusers. Figures are
givenfor 95th, 50th and 5th percentilesor two ofthese

wheelchairwithattendant

1700

2.22 Wheelchairramp ofrise 650mm

2.25 Passing place for two

wheelchairs withattendants

Basic design data 2-11

2.28 Wheelchair forward turn through 90

2.26 Passingplacefor /wo self-propelled wheelchairs

large chair
2.29 Wheelchair turn through 1800

4.05 Turning space

Mostwheelchairs requirea space1.4msquaretoturn around. This
determines the minimum size of lift cars and circulation spacesin
rooms.
Turning circles for manceuvering in various ways are shown in
2.27 to 2.29.

standard chair:

front propelling
wheels

indoorchair:model 1
front propelling wheels

2.27 Wheelchairturning circles

4.06 Doorways
Sincethe minimum clear opening required is 750 mm,the standard
800mm (coordinating size) doorset is not wide enough (clear
opening 670mm); a minimum 900rum set should be used in most
buildings. External doors should preferably be 1000mm, although
the 900mm size has a clear opening just wide enough for most
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. 2.31 indicates
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 entrancedoors are frequently
heavy with strong springs to combat the effects ofwind. Theseare
not only difficult for wheelchair users, but often also for elderly,
ambulant disabled and even people with prams. Consideration
should be givento fittingsuchdoors withmechanical opening and
closing systems.
Other doors often give problemsto people in wheelchairs and
elderly people with limited strength. The doors to lavatories
designed for disabled peoplecanbe particularly difficult. As arule,

2.12 Basicdesigndata

775

cIear
0
0
a,

1200

!:'
1000

2.30 Wheelchairs negotiating various doorways

L:I:1

the force required to open such a door should not exceed 35N
(based on a French standard).

corridor width
760

800
900
1000
1200

doorway width
(clear opening)

cleardoorway required
935
920
885
855
785

2.31 Width ofdoorways opening offnarrow corridors

0
0
U

4.07 People on crutches

2.32 gives generally accepted dimensions for a person using
crutches. However, such people vary greatly. Most people use
them for a short time following an accident, and will be inexpert
in theiruse.Usersfall intotwo broadgroups: thosewho havesome
use ofboth legs and feet, and those who haveuse of onlyone leg.
The formercan usually negotiate most obstacles suchas stepsand
staircases. However, those who can use only one leg require a
handholdwhereverthere are steps, even a singlestep at a building
threshold. There is little need for this to be provided for them on
bothsides as two good arms are neededto use crutches. However,
elderly people may also need handholds, and many of these are
only able to use one of their hands.
Crutch users often find ramps more of a problem than steps.
Ideally, all wheelchair ramps should be adjacentto supplementary
steps as in 2.22.
4.08 People with other mobility impairments
Dimensions ofpeople using walking sticksand walking framesare
given in 2.33 and 2.34.

Basicdesigndata 2-13

S CIRCULATIONSPACES
5.01

Many aspects of internal circulation derive from regulations

concerned with fire safety. These are covered in Chapter 42.
Increasingly, others relateto the needsof disabled people.
Forlifts and escalators see Chapter5.
As a guideto assessing spaceallowances, the areas listed in Table
VII may be used: these include requirements for both the activity
and the associated circulation. Waiting areas aregivenin Table VIII
and the flowcapacities ofcorridorsand staircases inTable IX.

2.32 Crutch user

5.02 Corridors
The propertiesofvariouscorridor widths are shownin 2.35.Some
examplesof space allowances from Germany are given in 2.36 to
2.39. In 2.40 to 2.48 a variety of other corridor users are shown,
and 2.49 details a number of obstructions commonly found in
corridors, and for which additional widthmay need to be allowed
for.

5.02 Internal stairs

Definitions of terms used in relation to staircases are shown in
2.50. The preferred form and dimensions of steps for ambulant
disabled and elderly people are shown in 2.51. The formula for
most staircases of twice the rise plus the going lies between 600
and 630mm will give a suitable relationship. The rise should not
exceed 190mm, and the goingshould not be less than 250mm.
Table VII Minimumareas per person in various types of buildings

2.33 Stick user

Occupancy

Area per person (m2)

Assemblyhalls (closely seated)

0.46 m2 (basedon movable seats, usually

armless, 450mm centre to centre; with fixed
seating at 500mm centre to centre will
increase to about 0.6m2)
0.55 m2 to 0.9m2
0.9m2to 1.1 m2
4.6m2 to 7.0m2 (including upper floors of
department stores exceptSpecial sales areas)
0.9m2(including counters, etc.)
0.46 m2 (gangway areas only)
9.3m2 (excluding stairsand lavatories)
7m2

Dancehalls
Restaurants (diningareas)
Retailshops and showrooms
Department stores, bazaars or
bargain sales areas
Offices
Factories

TableVIII! Area per person to beallowedin various circulationareas

2.34 Person using walking frame

4.09 Large people

Pregnantwomenare not usually greatly disadvantaged exceptthat
stairscan be verytiring.There are a verysmall numberofpeople
who are so large that it is difficult to pass through a narrow
doorway. A single door other than a cupboard should not be
narrowerthan a 800mm doorset with a clear opening width of
670mm. In certainbuildingssuch as football stadia, deliberately
narrow doorways are used to ensure control over entry. In these
cases, and also where turnstiles are used,additionalprovision for
large people should be made.
Problems may also arise where there is fixed seating as, for
example, in a theatre.A very small number of oversize seats or
benches could be provided, or a loose seat of appropriate size
could be used in a position normally occupied by a
wheelchair.

Occupancy

Area per person (m2)

Overall allowance for publicareas in public-handling

buildings
Waiting areas, allowing 50percent seating, 50per
cent standing without baggage, allowing
cross-flows (e.g. airportlounge)
Waiting areas, 25 per cent seating, 75 per cent
standing, withoutserious cross-flows (e.g. waiting
rooms, singleaccess)
Waiting areas, 100 percent standing, no cross-flows
(e.g. lift lobby)
Circulating peoplein corridors, reducedto halt by
obstruction
Standing peopleundervery crowded conditions
acceptable temporary densities

2.3 to 2.8
1.1 to 1.4

0.65 to0.9

0.5to 0.65
0.2
Liftcarcapacities:
0.2m2 (four-person car);
0.3m2 (33-person car)

Table IX Flow capacitiesofcorridors and staircases

Generaldesignpurposes
Peoplemovingat good walking pace (l.3m/s)
People movingat a shuffle (0.4 to 0.9m/s)
People at a standstill due to obstruction

0.8m2 perperson
3.7m2perperson
0.270.37 m2per person
0.2m2 per person

2-14 Basic designdata

900

2.35 Corridor widths, Edging

width: suitable for short
distancesor occasionaluse.

b Oneperson width (750

clearancewouldgive comfortfor
variouspostures).

c Normally used by one person, but

occasionalpassing required.

12001400

10501200

/;

d Two-person use in same

e Two people passing

direction.

375

I625--1

875

2.36 Spacerequirements between walls allowinglOper centfor easy movement

U
I

113
2125

2.37 Space requirementsfor closely spaced groups

xt

xttx

Al

I 1250 1625-I
2.38 Pace measurements

2000

0
0
0

('.1

2.39 Greatestdensity possible 6

people per m2

Basicdesigndata 2-15

875

1800I IioooI

825

1875-I 11000-I

I.8751 1750i 11125--1

2.40 Space for variousbodypositions

250
average

Type
Food (small)

600

450

Railway

1850 1100

Baggage
2500
(airport, hotel, etc.)

2.41 Person with baggage

800

2.46 Personwith trolley

2.44 Person with pram

850

2.42 Person with tray

2.47 Personwith luggage trolley

0
LU

LU

LU

'I

2.43 Person with small child

2.45 Person withpushchair

2.48 Single queue no baggage

2-16 Basic design data

320

260

240

-- 350-
1TJTh

accepted fire hand

appliances:
45.720reel (150ft)

accepted fire hand

appliances:
22.860reel (75 ft)

accepted fire hand

appliances:
30.500reel (100 ft)

fire bucket

IL
00

4 (101.6 mm)

2 gallon (9.1 litres)

id.c.i.pipe

extinguisher

surfaceswitch
remote controlgear
(wheel type)

racators on wol brackets

type

door on retainer:
P-door thickness+8Omm
(note fsniture on door
further protru
non)

IP

2column
3column
4cdumn
5column
lcolunm

P(mm)

130
160

230

290

350
_____
3/t
hopitoI (90) 130

5
7

60 litre milk

hospital (165)

Fl250 24column

70

hospital (l8c 230

400 portion hot and

cold food dispenser

600 cup capacity

hot and cold liquid
dispenser

dispenser

8304

Automot
ctqorette dispenser

height 1750

760H

0
0

ii
920

vending machines
800

0
I)
height 450 mm
each unit

doors 340
wide

check possbleobstnction
a) desinq unwatd ceninq
b)bottom-hunq inwardcperinq c) vertical pivotted:,.
d)horizontally puvotted (niqht andfull ventiktion)

baggage lockers

windows

2.49 Obstructions in corridors

line
pitch
N
oin

mm

tread
nosing

vertical
depth

soffit

= angleof pitch

2.50 Definitions ofstaircase terms

240

165

stclrs:anulant csabIed

2.51 Preferredform and dimensions ofstepsfor elderly and

ambulantdisabledpeople

Basicdesigndata 2-17
Table X Regulations for internal steps and staircases

Building
Regulation

Maximum

Minimum
rise

pitch

Minimum
going
(mm)

Maximwn

(mm)

rise
(mm)
220
200
180

220
223
250

260
300
340

180

280

340

170

250

190
190
190

250
250
250

K1.3

Private stair

42

Kl.3
B3.15
Kl.3
B3.l5

Institutional or assembly building with

floor arealess than lOOm2
Institutional and assembly stair

35.7

155
165
135

32.7

135

M2.21

Buildings in which provision for

disabledpeopleis mandatory
Common stair
Common stair also afirefighting stair
Other

34.2

B2.30
B2.30
K1.3

37.2
37.2
37.2

Maximum

150
150
150

going

(mm)

320
320
320

Minimumclear
width (mm)

Maximum rise

800 for50 people

900 for 100people
1100for 220people
plus 5nsm per person
more than220

16 risers

1000

1800nun

per flight

1000k

1100

Width inthese casesmay be encroached by stringers up to 30mm and handrails up to 100nun.

Table XIDesign ofstaircases

This table is constructed on thefollowing bases: Rise is between75nun minimum and 220mmmaximum. Goingg is greaterthan 220mmminimum. Ineach box the
600and660mm.
figures represent: Twice the rise plus the going (2r+ g)between
The angle ofpitch (tan-1 r/g) less than40 and morethan 30. Shaded boxes indicatepitchangles greaterthan35 which are less suitable forelderlyand disabledpeople

Floor-to-floor

No of
risers

riser

Goingg
220

2500

2600

13

192.3

14

178.6

15

166.7

13

200.0

14

185.7

230

240

250

260

270

615
40.0

625

635
37,6

645
365'

655
35.5

607
35.5

617
34.5

2700

173.3

16

162.5

14

192.9

601

2800

180.0

16

168.8

17

158.8

14

200.0

15

186.7

616

2900

175.0

17

164.7

15

193.3

603

617

400
16

3000

181.2

17

170.6

18

161.1

15

200.0

16

187.5

17

176.5

18

166.7

627
33.5

637
32.5

647
31.6

657
30.8

603
31.7

613
30.8

623
29.9

640
39.8

650
38.7

660

611

621

36.6'

631
35.5

641
34.5

651
33.6

661
32.6

597
34.7

607
33.7

617
32.7

627
31.8

637
30.9

647
30.0

660
31.0

37.7'

37.6'

626
38.8

636
37.7'

646
36.5

656
35.5

600
36.9

610
35.8

620
34.7

630
33.7

640
32.7

650
31.8

598
33.0

608
32.0

618
31.1

628
30.2

598
29.6

391
16

300

605
30.1

400
15

290

35.9'
15

38.7'

280

640
39.8

650
38.7

660

613
37.9

623
36.8

633
35.7

643
34.7

653
33.7

600
35.0

610
33.9

620
32.9

630
32.0

599
32.4

609
31.4

619
30.5

37.6

640
31.1

627
38.8

637
37.7

647
36.6

657

602
37.1

612

622
34.9

632
33.9

642
32.9

652
32.0

601
33.3

611
32.3

621
31.4

631
30.5

35.9'

650
30.3

356

602
29.2

605
39.2

640
39.8

650
38.7

660

615

625
36.9

635
35.8

645
34.8

655
33.8

603
35.2

613
34.2

623
33.2

633
32.2

643
31.3

603
31.7

613
30.8

623
29.9

38.0'

37.6

653
30.5

2-18 Basicdesigndata

Building Regulations allow that twice the rise plus the going
may be between 550 and 700mm, and permits rises of up to
220mm and goings of minimum 220mm in private stairs. One
Continental sourcerecommends that twice the rise plus the going
should lie between630 and 660 mm.
Table X summarises the various statutory requirements for
internal staircases. Table XI coversthe designofcommontypesof
staircases. External stairs and steps should not be designed to
internal standards, as they will often appearto be precipitous. See
Chapter6 for these.
2.52 to 257 showexamples ofdifferent types of staircases, and
2.58 illustrates the movingof a wardrobe up a typical stair.

and of a design to facilitate proper gripping. It is important,

particularly forusersofcrutches,thattheyshould extendatleastone
tread depth beyond the last riser at both top and bottomof each
flight. In a multi-flight staircase, the handrails should be as
continuous aspossibleto assistblindpeople;they willdeducethat a
breakin therailindicates adoorwayorotherway offthe stairs.
Where there are likely to be small children, an additional
handrail at about 425 mm high may be provided. Care should be
taken to avoid designs that facilitateclimbingover balustrades.
Open wells should be protectedby walls or balustrades at least
900mm high.

5.03 Handrails and balustrades

All staircases and stepsshouldhavehandrails. Ifthe staircase isless
than 1 m wide they are not mandatory on both sides, but should if
possible be so provided to allow for arthritic hands. The top of the
handrail shouldbe between 900 and 1000mmabovethe pitchline,

2.55 Staircasewith short Ls at top and bottom

$/ ?1J

2.52 Straightflightstaircase

0o
0)

-i

544

c'.J

0)

0o 0
00)

3000

00)

f1150

1-gool

2.56 Staircasearounda square well

2.53 Staircasewith a short L at the top

LEEJ

*rr7

I_LflJ

1
00

9004-1320-4

258O-f

00)

III I III

to

L
2.54 Staircasewith with 900 turn at half-height

2.57 Dog-leg staircase

-i

Basicdesign data 2-19

6 ACTIVITIES
2.59 to 2.71 illustrate the

1200

space requirements of a number of

domesticactivities; these are derived from data in Activities and
spaces by John Noble.

500

2.63 Dressing infront ofwardrobe

350400

350400

900

F'

1-

0
0
0

ci

.200250

264 Making singlebed

2.58 Moving a double wardrobe up a staircase,showing

minimum headroom, clearance,handrail height. Going 215mm,
rise 190mm

______

II

500
2.59 Passing between two
items offurniture, each
table heightor lower

2.65 Making double bed

550
2.60 Passing between two
items offurniture, one
table heightor lower; the
other higher on the wall

2000
600

2.61 Passing between the

wall and tallfurniture

2.62 Watching television. Most

peopleprefer to sit a distanceof
more than eight times the height

ofthepicture

2.66 Circulation aroundtwinbeds

2-20 Basic design data

r5070r-1-1
I

750

1600

450600

2.67 Sitting at a dressing

table

..

0
0

2.68 Gettinga pram ready

600

..:..

........

1350

1 460

..........................

0
0

It

0
0

1350

L..

TE

-600--I 750 1600e

2.69 Putting on coat

2.70 Helping on with

coat

1900

rEI___
f

1_600

1800

2.71 Gettingin andout ofcars

IILL

1I

<H

4-5004

II
F

'P

110
d

I
I',
r

6:75g0_1

600

1_1300_1

2.73 Dining spaces: Two peoplefacing.

2.72 Living space: a 3-seater sofa, b easy chairwith arms,

c easy chair without arms, d occasionalchair e televisionset,
f coffee table

b Two people side by side. c Three people on

banquettes. d Threepeople on chairs. e Four

people. Sixpeople and sideboard.g Six

people and round table. h Serving trolley

Basicdesigndata 2-21

7 FURNITURE
8 STORAGE
The sizes of a numberof commonitems of livingroom furniture The spaces required to store domestic items and materials are
aregivenin2.72.Anumberofdifferentdiningroomarrangements shown in 2.76to 2.88.Various fuel storage facilities are coveredin
are shown in 2.73. Items of bedroom and kitchen furnitureare 2.89 to 2.91, and refuse containers are shown in 2.92.
coveredin 2.74 and 2.75 respectively.
900

MflI E

2000

300

deep
900

a
2000

300

j__

300

deep

f450-4
I

LJ

f-450-j

f600f

11)1

-450-f
I
I
I
I
I

[I
IC

IT
10
10

IFS

I_I

2.74 Bedroom furniture: a singlebed, b double bed, c bedside

table, d dressing table, e wardrobe, chest ofdrawers

f650j

'ooi;
lo

t6501

o[

6O04
d

I
I

2.76 Food storage: a tins and jars, bpackets, C vegetable rack,

d bread bin

IT
C
10
(0
JL

60O--650_

t-6001

IrilT
I L_J 1
III
I

I...?..

2.77 Wine storage: a metal rackfor 75 bottles

e
I

__

600-4

I4
lee
_O

-j300-

II
I

TTa
lee

Ioc

IiO_
h

2.75 Kitchen: a cooker bfridge-freezer, c dishwasher,

d washing machine, e sink with singledrainer sink with
double drainer,g large storage cupboard, h wall-hung storage
cupboard

2.78 Wardrobefor long coats and dresses

I2S
=I kJi

2-22 Basicdesigndata

RI
__ ___ 20C=

__252
225

lb

__ __25
ro ____
25-e=

3I]fll
41

250

25-

10000

-1-5504

4sso---

elevation

plan

2.79 Half-height hangingforjackets etc.

IWi1I
LLJbdI
_________
D
I-iiLi
Iflfil
I

45OIHLj'oo
UQ
4_I
plan

_______

gso

________

-206

__________

qso
elevation

2.81 Alternative storage arrangementsfor mens's clothing

1100mm desirable

1500mm desirable:

of which 400mm

thoutd be full Ienqtli

hanqinq and 700mm
maybehalfknqth_-

(mei width

ITJ

oaB00miT

cfi1 IL1
I

-1-5504

__

plan

husbond
desirable depth in each case

rn

wife

600mm

(mm

550mm)

I
DJ

lThcn1)Q

4S0 I

JLJJJ.t

.4_N-a

qso 4

plan

2.82 Alternative storage arrangementsfor women's clothing

600

6bJ
4p '0bm3

shelfspace
under4p

=04m

shelf space

chiki(lO-14)

2.80 Optimum hangingspacefor afamily offour

2.83 Airing cupboardfor linen including hot water sotrage

cylinder(not heavily lagged)

Basicdesigndata 2.23

IL:
[L if

-1j

if

L1LJLI4

______

_____rir145O

L1'rn

39
L

LJLIaiW

4qso

4-550-4

pon

p'an

4-

elevation

2.84 Alternative storage arrangementsfor householdlinenfor afive-personfamily

U)

0
(0

660 690 diameter

0
(0

C)

(0

00

c.'1

N-

150

0
0
c'1

150
2.85 Bicycles

2.86 Prams

2-24 Basic design data

removable

cover

2500

-i-40

760
Plan

Section

2.87 Large toys

capacity: 800 kg ofcoal and450 kg ofcoke

2.91 Solidfuel storage

540dia

II

2.88 Luggage

mm

3000

from buildings

700

1065

960
150

1000

2.89 Domestic gas storagefor ruralarea (propanegas).

Cylinders may now be buried tfdesired

1620

1120%

60
a

2.90 Domesticoil storage tank This may need bund in certain

circumstances. The oilflows to the boiler by gravityso the tank
bottom needs to be sufficiently elevated. If this is notpossible
thefuel can be pumped, but the boiler must then be a pressure
jet type

2.92 Refuse storage: a dustbin, b wheely bin, C paladin bin,

d large bin

Basicdesigndata 2-25

9 REFERENCES
Official publications
The Building Regulations 1991, approveddocument B,fire safety,
HMSO, 1992
The Building Regulations 1991, approved document K, stairs,
rampsand guards, HMSO, 1992
The Building Regulations 1991, approved document M, access
andfacilitiesfor disabledpeople, HMSO, 1992
British Standards
BS 4467:1991 Guide to dimensions in designing for elderly
people,BSI, 1991
BS 5459Specification forperformancerequirements and testsfor
officefurniture:
Part 1:1977 Desksand tables, BSI, 1977
Part 2:1990Office seating,BSI, 1990
BS 5619: 1978 Code ofpractice for design of housing for the
convenience ofdisabledpeople, BSI, 1978
BS 5810: 1979 Code ofpractice for access for the disabled to
buildings, BSI, 1979
BS 6180:1995 Code of practice for barriers in and about
buildings, BSI, 1995
BS 7179: Part 5:1990 Ergonomics of design and use of visual
display terminals in offices, specifications for VDT workstation,
BSI, 1990

Otherpublications
PD 6523: 1989 Information on accesstoandmovement within and
around buildings and on certain facilities for disabled people,
London,BSI, 1989
Jane Randolph Cary, How to Create Interiorsfor the Disabled,
New York, Pantheon Books, 1978
Niels Diffrient, Alvin R. Tilley and Joan C. Bardagjy, Humanscale
1/2/3, a portfolioofinformation, Cambridge Massachusetts, MIT
Press, 1974
Henry Dreyfuss, The MeasureofMan,HumanFactors in Design,
2nd edn, New York, Whitney Library of Design, 1967
Selwyn Goldsmith, Designing for the Disabled,3rd edn, London,
RIBA, 1976
Ernest J. McCormick and Mark S. Sanders, Human Factors in
Engineering and Design, 5th edn, New York, McGraw-Hill,
1982
JohnNoble, Activities and Spaces, Dimensional DataforHousing
Design, London,The Architectural Press, 1983
Julius Panero and MartinZelnik, HumanDimension and Interior
Space, A Source Book ofDesignReference Standards,NewYork,
Whitney Libraryof Design, 1979
Stephen Pheasant, Bodyspace, Anthropometry, Ergonomics and
Design, London,Taylor and Francis, 1986
Stephen Pheasant, Ergonomics, standards and guidelines for
designers,London, BSI, 1987
Peter Tregenza, The Design ofInterior Circulation, People and
Buildings, London,CrosbyLockwood Staples, 1976