Module1 – Architectural Concept & Theory

2.2 User-requirement and Perception of Space

Objective:

The study helps students to develop the skill in synthesizing creative

thoughts when identifying users’ characters with behavior influence by
diversified environment such as physical, socio-cultural, political and
economic conditions. Learning and applying perception of space increase
the students’ competence on design expression using aesthetic principle
that influences space circulation system.

Topic Data:

Architectural Design System accommodates a program wherein user-

requirements set of needs are identified and classified. In the program,
socio-cultural & economic factors, legal restraints, historical and precedent
works influence assessment of user needs.
Steps may be the following in conceptualization of a user-oriented
planning:
 Define and examine the needs of the total user population. There
may be a number of users grouped as primary users as resident of
the place, secondary users…etc. Sequence of time on functions to
satisfy the needs.
 Determine and analyze the various activities that each of users has
to perform on the above group of spaces. Determine from these activities
what furnishings, utilities and support facilities are needed to satisfy
optimum performance.
 Research on active and passive space needs of various users and
the furnishings, utilities and equipment. Analyze alternative arrangement
when called for to create convenient and productive environment.
 Choose an enclosure which is most efficient in performing use and
accessibility of space/s. Decision on appropriate partitioning helps provide
desired environmental control, privacy and security.

 Select arrangement of spaces as to location and access in proper

context to site to be able to capture natural light and air ventilation and
other site potentials.

Consideration on User Populace Characteristics is essential as follows:

 Cultural Factors – variation exists among users due to different
cultural background as to social, religious, political and intellectual & skill
development. Beliefs and attitudes among users influence constraint in
function and behavior in space.
 Body size – Different nationalities vary in physical size/s between
children and adult, or between men and women. These affect space
clearances and reach distances.
 Mobility – the impact of limitation due to varied level of fitness as to
age, sex, culture and physical impairment can affect functional/operational
use of architectural design.
 Strength – Architectural design features must be catered for light and
easy comfortable use by all user population especially with children,
elderly and handicapped users.
 44-45

 Sensory Factors – consideration of limited capacities of the elderly and

handicapped individuals is vital in an architectural design space
especially with regard visual, aural and tactile features.
 Motor Skills – Superior motor skill may be innate or due to submissive
training. Less motor skill is also due to physical impairment. Support is
given to users with less motor skill through architectural features
integrated on design space.
 Cognitive Skills – variation on this skill is due to differences of age,
educational opportunity, and innate mental disability.

As we know that architectural form in space is primarily determined by

function, but its principle lacks the importance of human perception and
the meaning that forms convey to us. Human behavior must be
considered on factors that need evaluation to assist functional/operational
system in architecture where aesthetic supports human perception.
People constantly interact with the many different features of their
environment and use (and often rely on) all of their senses when doing so.
Therefore perception of space should be considered from the following
points of view where problem situations identified can be dealt with:
 Vision – as to visibility, legibility, conspicuousness, and acuity
 Hearing – audibility, acoustic system, noise control and management
 Stability – physical features of the space that is safe, long-lasting and
dependable in its use.
 Mobility – physical movement as to time through sequence from one
space to another.
 Convenience – space relationships as to function and operation helps
efficient use of space/s.

With the three components in the field of architecture, the requirements of

structure as absolute and independent of the perception of the user, the
other two are anthropocentric: utility addresses the physical needs of its
users, aesthetic responds to the psychical needs.
While the structural character provides safety and shelter, and the
utilitarian character allows us to function, the aesthetic character of a
space is what moves us; it establishes a psychical connection with our
external world, and gives us a sense of wellbeing.
In order to meet required psychical needs, issues that have an impact on
how humans perceive and experience their surroundings must be
considered.

The visual form, its dimensions and scale, and illumination are qualities of
space depend on our perception spatial boundaries defined by element of
form. Architecture is about space captured, enclosed, molded and
organized by the elements of form.
To understand the structure of perception, form and space composition
elements are organize into two opposing groups: positive, perceived as
figures, and negative elements which provide background for the figures.
Our perception and understanding of a composition of form depends on
how we interpret the visual interaction between positive and negative
elements within its field (space).
Unity of form and space creates the reality of architecture.
 Line defining the boundary between solid mass and spatial void
 The form of solid mass rendered as a figure
 The form of the spatial void rendered as figure
Universal Design Principle - its purpose is for the design of environments,
products and communications to provide accessibility to all users. This
also serves as guidelines for existing structures so as for all to conform
with the functions of these seven principles as follows:
 Principle 1: Equitable Use
 Principle 2: Flexibility in Use
 Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use
 Principle 5: Tolerance for Error
 Principle 6: Low Physical Effort
 Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and Use

Resources:

Psychology of Perception by M. D. Vermon

7 Principles of Universal Design, working professional group led by
Ronald Mace in the North Carolina State University
Architecture, Form, Space and Order 2nd edition, Francis D.K. Ching

Activities:
 PowerPoint Presentation
 Class Lecture/Discussion
 Quiz
Name: _________________________ Yr. & Sec: ______ Date: ______

Questionnaires:

1. Why is it that function and aesthetics are anthropocentric?

2. Do you think function contributes to comprehension of visual

perception experience on the context of the space? How?

3. What is significant in user populace characteristics that can help in

space articulation?
Name: _________________________ Yr. & Sec: ______ Date: ______

4. Does Universal Design create hindrance in organization of spaces in

architectural design? Mention one problem and create the best solution
in dealing with the situation?

5. How do components of form influence perception of space/s? Give an

example
Name: _________________________ Yr. & Sec: ______ Date: ______

Assignment/Research:
Paste pictures showing the use of the 7 principles of Universal Design with
brief explanation to be submitted next meeting. Make a reflection for your
conclusion of the research topic.