REGULATION: 2013 YEAR: 2018

UNIT V
COMPONENTS OF INTERIOR SPACE:
FURNITURE

AR 6005 INTERIOR DESIGN

SEMESTER: VI
TOPICS:
• FURNITURE DESIGN ------------------------------------------------------------------ 02/11
• ERGONOMICS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 02
• DESIGN CONSIDERATION --------------------------------------------------------------- 02
• FURNITURE MATERIALS ---------------------------------------------------------------- 03
• CHANGING TREND AND LIFESTYLES ------------------------------------------- 04/14
• METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION ---------------------------------------------------- 06/15
• COMPONENTS OF INTERIOR SPACE ------------------------------------------------- 13
• FURNITURE LAYOUT GUIDELINES -------------------------------------------------- 21
FIG 5.01 INNOVATIVE FURNITURE DESIGN
FIG 5.02 OFFICE FURNITURE
FIG 5.03 OFFICE FURNITURE

FIG 5.04 DISPLAY FURNITURE

FIG 5.05 BATHROOM FURNITURE

FIG 5.06 BEDROOM FURNITURE

FIG 5.07 LIVING SPACE, KITCHEN & DINING FURNITURE
FURNITURE DESIGN & ERGONOMICS

Ergonomic furniture should be designed to facilitate task performance, minimize fatigue and
injury by fitting equipment to the body size, strength and range of motion of the user.

Office furnishings, which are generally available, have adjustable components that enable the
user to modify the workstation to accommodate different physical dimensions and the
requirements of the job. Ergonomically designed furniture can reduce pain and injury,
increase productivity, improve morale, and decrease complaints.

Design objectives should support humans to achieve the operational objectives for which they
are responsible. There are three goals to consider in human centred design.

1. Enhance human abilities

2. Overcome human limitations

3. Foster user acceptance

To achieve these objectives, there are several key elements of ergonomics in the office to
consider.

1. Equipment video display terminals

2. Software design, system design and screen design for greater usability

3. Workstation design chairs, work surfaces and accessories Environment space planning, use
of colours, lighting, acoustics, air quality and thermal factors

4. Training preparing workers to deal with technology

ERGONOMIC CHAIR

1. Chair has wheels or castors suitable for the floor surface

2. Chair swivels

3. Backrest is adjustable for both height and angle

4. Backrest supports the inward curve of the lower back

5. Chair height is appropriate for the individual and the work surface height

6. Chair is adjusted so there is no pressure on the backs of the legs, and feet are flat on the
floor or on a foot rest

7. Chair is adjustable from the sitting position

8. Chair upholstery is a breathable fabric

9. Footrests are used if feet do not rest flat on the floor

MONITOR

1. Top surface of the keyboard space bar is no higher than 2.5 inches above the work surface

2. During keyboard use, the elbow forms an angle of 90-100 with the upper arm almost
vertical, the wrist is relaxed and not bent, wrist rests are available

3. If used primarily for text entry, keyboard is directly in front of the operator

4. If used primarily for data entry, keyboard is directly in front of the keying hand

5. Top of screen is at eye level or slightly lower

6. Viewing distance is 18-24 inches

7. Screen is free of glare or shadows

8. Images on the screen are sharp, easy to read and do not flicker

Human factors and ergonomics (commonly referred to as HF&E), also known as comfort
design, functional design, and systems, is the practice of designing products, systems, or
processes to take proper account of the interaction between them and the people who use
them. The field has seen some contributions from numerous disciplines, such as psychology,
engineering, biomechanics, industrial design, physiology, and anthropometry. In essence, it
is the study of designing equipment, devices and processes that fit the human body and its
cognitive abilities. The two terms "human factors" and "ergonomics" are essentially
synonymous.

Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding
of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that
applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human wellbeing
and overall system performance.

FIG 5.08 ERGONOMICS

COMPONENTS OF INTERIOR SPACE
Furniture includes objects such as tables, chairs, beds, desks, dressers, or cupboards. These
objects are usually kept in a house or other building to make it suitable or comfortable for
living or working in.

Single seat

Chair, Lift chair , Bean bag , Chaise longue , Fauteuil , Ottoman , Recliner , Stool , Bar Stool,
Footstool or ottoman , Tuffet , Fainting couch

Multiple seats
Bench, Couch, also known as a sofa or settee, Accubita, Canapé, Davenport, Klinai, Divan,
Love seat

Sleeping or Lying

Bed, Bunk bed, Canopy bed, Fourposter, bed, Murphy bed, Platform, Waterbed, Daybed,
Futon, Hammock, Headboard, Infant bed (crib, cradle), Mattress, Sofa bed

Entertainment
Billiard table, Chess table, Entertainment center, Gramophone, Hi fi, Jukebox Pinball
machine, Radiogram, Television set, Radio receiver, Video game console.

Tables

Changing table , Desk , Davenport desk , Drawing board , Computer desk , Writing desk ,
Kotatsu , Korsi , Lowboy , Monks bench , Pedestal , Table , Coffee table , Dining table ,
Drop leaf , table , End table , Folding table , Gate leg table , Poker table , Trestle table , TV
tray table , Wine table , Washstand

Storage
Baker's rack , Bookcase , Cabinetry , Bathroom cabinet , Chifforobe, Cupboard , Curio
cabinet , Hutch , Hoosier cabinet , Kitchen cabinet , Pantry , Pie safe , Chest of drawers or
dresser , Chest , Cellarette , Hope chest , Coat rack Drawer (furniture) , Hall tree , Hatstand ,
Filing cabinet , Floating shelf , Nightstand , Ottoman , Plan chest , Plant Stand , Shelving ,
Sideboard or buffet , Safe , Umbrella stand , Wardrobe or armoire , Wine rack

Sets
Bedroom set (group), Dinette (group), Dining set, Vanity set, Patio set

Types classified by materials

• Wooden furniture
• Bamboo furniture
• Wicker or rattan furniture
• Metal furniture
• Plastic furniture (a.k.a. acrylic furniture)
• Glass furniture
• Concrete furniture
CHANGING TRENDS AND LIFESTYLES

Design Trends Periods and styles are freely mixed, and traditional furnishings are far
more likely to be sprinkled among contemporary choices rather than to entirely define a
space.
By Darrell Schmitt

The times have definitely been ’changing’ in interior design over the past few years. In my
early days I invested much energy in the study of historical architecture and design, in order
to be prepared for a clientele which defined elegance in very traditional terms. Rooms were
either English or French, and the higher up the food chain a client might be, the greater the
expectation that a designer’s interpretation of traditional design should be authentic and
literal: proper crown mouldings and other period details combined with antiques and high
quality reproduction furnishings from particular periods and styles were the norm. The
standard to be emulated remained the established look of the East Coast rich, steeped in
traditional European historical styling. Modern design, introduced after World War I
simultaneously in Europe and America by innovative architects, artists, and designers, was
considered far too radical for mass appeal. Modern design was still generally an indulgence
for the adventurous up through the 1950’s, but gained ground in the 1960’s, even considering
the explosion in construction following World War II which included the pervasive spread of
the “ranch house” (invented in California and then spread ubiquitously across the country) in
suburban settings, along with multi-family housing developments.
The biggest change, in our experience, is a pervasive change in thinking among our clients
that goes way beyond design concerns. People expect to move frequently in their lives in
order to accommodate changing jobs and interests, and often aspire to live in multiple places
for the sake of absorbing differing environments. Children move across the country in pursuit
of careers.
Periods and styles are freely mixed, and traditional furnishings are far more likely to be
sprinkled among contemporary choices rather than to entirely define a space. Traditional
Design for interiors, then, is no longer Traditional Design. Even those who cherish ages-old
images of hearth and home and cosiness, want these images to be imbued with personality
and zest, and an eye toward fashion and “the new.” We find ourselves designing for the
young today, and for people who want to continue to feel young. Today our work reflects
these changing values, embracing new ideas, influences, and styling with an eye toward the
future rather than the past.
FURNITURE TYPE AND CONSTRUCTION
Bed
A bed is a piece of furniture which is used as a place to sleep or relax.
Most modern beds consist of a soft, cushioned mattress on a bed frame, with the mattress
resting either on a solid base, often wood slats, or a sprung base. Many beds include a box
spring inner sprung base, a large mattress sized box containing wood and springs that provide
additional support and suspension for the mattress. Beds are available in many sizes, ranging
from infant sized bassinets and cribs, small beds for a single child or adult, to large queen and
king size beds designed for two adults. While most beds are single mattresses on a fixed
frame, there are other varieties, such as the Murphy bed, which folds into a wall, the sofa bed,
which folds out of a sofa, and the bunk bed, which provides two mattresses on two tiers.
Temporary beds include the inflatable air mattress and the folding camp cot.

FIG 5.09 BUNK BED & CANOPY BED

Bench

A bench is a long seat on which several people may sit at the same time. Benches are
typically made of wood, but may also be made of metal, stone, or synthetic materials. Many
benches have arm and back rests; Some have no back rest and can be sat on from either side.
In American public areas, benches are often donated by persons or associations, which may
then be indicated on it, e.g. by a small plaque. Benches are used both outdoors and indoors.
 FIG 5.10 BENCH

Table

A table is an item of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, used as a surface for
working at or on which to place things. Some common types of table are the dining room
table, which is used for seated persons to eat meals, the coffee table, which is a low table
used in living rooms to display items or serve refreshments and the bedside table, which is
used to place an alarm clock and a lamp.

FIG 5.11 DOMESTIC COFFEE TABLE IN RESIDENTIAL SETTING

Marcel Breuer's Wassily Chair

The Wassily chair, also known as the Model B3 chair, was designed by Marcel Breuer in
1925-26. This stylish, stark and sleek design is supported on tubular metal runners. The
design of the chair is most interesting in that it is a symmetrical abstraction of wafer thin,
geometric planes that appears to be suspended in space. This modernist creation is perhaps
one of the most iconic furniture designs of all times.
 FIG 5.12 MARCEL BREUER'S WASSILY CHAIR

Eileen Gray Side Table

Designed in 1927 as a bedside table for a guest room , in the home Eileen Gray designed for
herself (and Jean Badovici) in Cap Martin, France, the asymmetry of this piece is
characteristic of her “non-conformist" design style in her architectural projects and furniture.
Notably, this piece also has specific utility, as it can be adjusted such that one can eat
breakfast in bed on it.

FIG 5.13 EILEEN GRAY SIDE TABLE

Barcelona Chair

The Barcelona chair has come to represent the Bauhaus design movement. Many consider it
to be functional art, rather than just furniture. Designed by Mie’s Van Der Rohe and Lily
Reich in 1929 for an international design fair in Barcelona, it is said to have been inspired by
both the folding chairs of the Pharaohs, and the 'X' shaped footstools of the Romans, and
dedicated to the Spanish royal family.
 FIG 5.14 BARCELONA CHAIR

Noguchi Coffee Table

Noguchi table was designed by Isamu Noguchi. He was a sculptor, architect, furniture and
landscape designer. He is famous for his organic modern forms. The Noguchi table has
become famous for its unique and unmistakable simplicity. It is refined and at the same time
natural, it is one of the most sought after pieces associated with the modern classic furniture
movement.

FIG 5.15 NOGUCHI COFFEE TABLE

Poker Table

A poker table or card table is a table specifically designed for playing card games. The
modern poker table is a form of card table which is often covered with baize (a type of felt)
or speed cloth (a Tefloncoated fabric) to help the cards slide easily across the surface. It is
either an actual table or a foldout table top surface.
 FIG 5.16 POKER TABLE

Loveseat

A loveseat is a couch or sofa designed for seating two persons, and it typically has two
cushion seats. A proper loveseat has the two parties facing parallel to each other.

FIG 5.17 LOVESEAT

Billiard Table

A Billiard Table, Billiards Table, Or Pool Table Is A Bounded Table On Which Billiards
Type Games (Cue Sports) Are Played. In The Modern Era, All Billiards Tables (Whether For
Carom Billiards, Pool Or Snooker) Provide A Flat Surface Usually Made Of Quarried Slate,
That Is Covered With Cloth (Usually Of A Tightly Woven Worsted Wool Called Baize), And
Surrounded By Vulcanized Rubber Cushions, With The Whole Elevated Above The Floor.
More Specific Terms Are Used For Specific Sports, Such As Snooker Table And Pool Table,
And Different Sized Billiard Balls Are Used On These Table Types.
 FIG 5.18 BILLIARD TABLE

Computer Desk

The computer desk and related ergonomic desk are furniture pieces designed to comfortably
and aesthetically provide a working surface and house or conceal office equipment including
computers, peripherals and cabling for office and home, office users.

FIG 5.19 COMPUTER DESK

On-board display system – Types

➢ Notice boards

➢ Aluminium folding display

➢ Display boards

➢ Display / signage

➢ Dry wipe boards

➢ Expandable display systems

➢ Free standing displays

 ➢ Glass boards

➢ Multi-function displays

➢ Notice boards lockable

➢ Paper hanging

➢ Poster frames

➢ Projection screens

➢ Projector trolleys

➢ Shield ranges

➢ Signage

➢ Table top displays

Furniture Layout Guidelines

Furniture layout design falls under the umbrella of space planning, a sub-field of interior
design that deals with the allocation of spatial resources

An effective furniture layout must address both functional and visual criteria. The functional
criteria evaluate how well the layout supports the human activities that take place in the
space, such as conversation, rest, or movement. The visual criteria concern the perception of
the layout as a visual composition.

FIG 5.20 LAYOUT

Functional Criteria

Functional criteria for furniture layout are based on the constraints imposed by human
physiology and the effects of spatial layout on human behaviour. The study of statistical
distributions of human physical characteristics, such as body sizes and shapes, is known as
anthropometrics. This study establishes guidelines for the necessary clearance around objects
and for the proper distances and angles between objects.

Clearance

Many furniture items need open space around them to be accessible and functional. Beds
need open space beside them, chairs and bookshelves need space in front of them, and dining
room tables need space around their entire perimeter.

Circulation

An effective furniture layout must support circulation through the room and access to all of
the furniture. To evaluate circulation, we adopt the methodology developed for robot motion
planning and compute the free configuration space of a person on the ground plane of the
room.

Pairwise relationships

Human physiology affects how objects should be positioned with respect to each other. For
example, a coffee table should be placed within reach of a seat.
FIG 5.21 LAYOUT BASED ON FUINCTION