SPACE

space - prime material in the designer’s palette & essential element in interior design.
The geometric elements of point, line, plane, and volume can be arranged to define different types of activity
space.
At the scale of architecture, these fundamental elements become linear columns and beams, and planar walls,
floors, and roofs.
INTERIOR SPACE PLANNING
5 basic types of activities that each require certain types of spaces
Social—involve people from outside the family
Family—involve family members
Individual—involve only one person
Private—require visual & audio privacy
Work—accomplish a specific task
ZONING
Activities divide home into 3 zones
Public zone —where social & family activities occur (LR, DR, Entrance & Power); non-family members are
allowed
Work zone —where work activities that support the household’s lifestyle occur (Kitchen, Laundry & Home
Office)
Private zone —where individual & private activities occur (Bedrooms & Bathrooms)
INTERIOR ZONING CONCEPT
All 3 zones should be present in a floor plan
Interior zones should not be split
Household members should not have to cross through the middle of one zone to get to another

CIRCULATION
Avoid going through middle of rooms
Don’t interfere with good furniture arrangement nor interrupt activities
Don’t interfere with private zone
Don’t go through kitchen work area
Easy access from kitchen to rest of house
Direct access from entrance to clean-up area
Short paths to conserve human energy
OPEN SPACE PLANNING
Where living, dining & kitchen areas are all combined in one large area with no walls separating them:
Advantages:
-reduced construction costs
-reduced time for cleaning & upkeep
-perception of larger spaces
-increase of space available
flexibility
-more effective transmission of air

ORIENTATION
The way a housing unit is situated on the lot
Affects space plan’s efficiency & arrangement
East-west orientation is best
Passive solar heating in winter + snow on driveway melts quicker
Position windows to take advantage of cross breezes
Landscaping to buffer winter winds & provide shade in summer