24.

0 ANTHROPOMETRY
Exploring Human Body Measurements

WHAT’S ANTHROPOMETRIC?
- Anthropometry in architecture is the study of
human body measurements and proportions to
design and layout spaces, furniture, and other
elements. It is important to create environments
that are comfortable, functional, and cater to the
needs of occupants. KINDS OF ANTHROPOMETRY
- Anthropometry in architecture considers cultural
differences in body size and shape, ensuring STRUCTURAL
diverse backgrounds and characteristics are
- (often called as Static Anthropometry) deals with
evaluated.
simple dimensions of the stationary human being.
BRIEF HISTORY
e.g. Weight, stature and the lengths, breadths, depths
Alphonse Bertillon, son of the and circumferences of particular body structures.
physician and founder of the
Society of Anthropology of Paris, is
credited as the father of
anthropometrics based on his
classification system known as the
“anthropometric system” or
“judicial anthropometry”.

ANCIENT ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS

- The ancient civilizations of Rome, Greece, and
Egypt primarily used anthropometric
measurements for cultural purposes (e.g., FUNCTIONAL
artwork) to represent beauty, power, and other
- (Dynamic Anthropometry) deals with compound
desirable attributes of the human form. Symmetry
measurements of the moving human being.
was particularly desirable, and units of
measurement often consisted of the “width of a e.g. Reach and the angular ranges of various joints
human hand” or length of a human foot”.

BRIEF HISTORY

Anthropometrics Measurements during the renaissance

- Artists during the Renaissance applied

anthropometric measurements to artistic works by
applying human proportions.
IMPORTANCE OF ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA
VITRUVIAN MAN (Canon of Proportion/Proportion of Man)
- Anthropometrics is a type of architecture design
Leonardo da Vinci – 1487 that attempts to make everyone as comfortable as
possible. This means that the room’s dimensions
- It is accompanied by notes based on the work of
must be acceptable, with high ceilings, broad
the famed architect, Vitruvius Pollio, depicts a
doorways and hallways, and so on.
male figure in two superimposed positions with his
arms and legs apart and simultaneously inscribed - Anthropometry is used extensively by ergonomists
in a circle and square, stored in the Gallerie to design tools, equipment, plants, manufacturing
dell'Accademia in Venice, Italy. lines, clothes, shoes, and the like to ensure the
proper fit to the person. Therefore, to achieve
- The proportional relationship of the parts reflects proper fit, it is important to have details on the
the universal design. And a "medical" equilibrium dimensions of the appropriate body part.
of elements ensures a stable structure. In the late
1480s, this theme of the artistic microcosm
emerged as one of the great unifying principles of
his thought. This architectural application is not
the end of the matter, however; it only represents
the beginning of a concept which had a literally
universal application.
APPLICATION IN ARCHITECTURE

ERGONOMIC DESIGN

- In architecture heavily relies on anthropometry,

which helps create products and environments
that accommodate the physical needs and
capabilities of users. It determines appropriate
dimensions for furniture, workspaces, and seating
to accommodate diverse body sizes and provide
optimal comfort. Anthropometric measurements
inform the placement of objects and controls
within reach zones, ensuring accessibility for CIRCULATION
people with varying mobility levels. - Circulation and flow in architecture refer to the
movement of people within a space and the layout
to ensure efficient navigation. Anthropometric
applications include optimising circulation
patterns, creating pathways, and designing spaces
that accommodate diverse dimensions and
movements. It is also crucial in designing
corridors, doorways, staircases, elevators, traffic
flow, retail store layouts, healthcare facilities,
theatres, auditoriums, museums, exhibition
spaces, outdoor pathways, and residential flow to
create user-friendly, inclusive, and conducive
spaces. This approach enhances the overall
MOVEMENT functionality and experience within built
environments.
- Anthropology architectural design ensures that
built environments are tailored to the physical
dimensions, movements, and comfort of
individuals. Anthropology informs furniture design
and placement to create comfortable and
functional spaces, ergonomic workspaces, and
inclusive environments for all. It guides spatial
planning for intuitive navigation, ensuring easy
movement through spaces. By integrating
anthropometric considerations, architects
contribute to a positive and user-centric
experience within the built environment. DIGITAL ANTHROPOMETRY

- Digital anthropometry is a digital approach that

uses 3D scanning, virtual reality (VR), augmented
reality (AR), and computational tools to collect,
analyse, and apply anthropometric data in
architecture. It allows for a precise understanding
of human dimensions and integrates them into
design. This digital transformation also enhances
precision, interactivity, and customisation, leading
to more user-centred and responsive built
environments. By incorporating digital
anthropometry into architectural design,
architects create more user-centred and
SPATIAL PLANNING responsive environments that cater to diverse user
groups.
- Spatial planning in architecture involves
optimising the arrangement of spaces and
elements to meet users’ diverse needs and
physical characteristics. Anthropology helps
determine the appropriate scale of furniture,
equipment, and other elements for different users,
ensuring comfort and efficiency for various tasks.
Anthropology is a cornerstone of spatial planning,
allowing architects to design environments that
are visually appealing, functional, and
comfortable, ensuring that the spaces they create
cater to the needs of the people who will inhabit
and use them.
STANDARD ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS KITCHEN COUNTER TOP

1. Human Height: 1620 for filipino 1520 for filipina. - Work performed on kitchen counters, i.e. slicing,
2. Shoulder Width: Around 600 mm. chopping, stirring, must be done at or slightly
3. Seating Height: Typically 450 mm. below elbow height. For this, it is practical to
4. Seat Depth: Generally 450 mm. design kitchen counters such that the shortest
5. Legroom: Recommended at least 300 mm. possible person would be able to work
6. Standing Space: Minimum clearance of about 600 mm. comfortably.
7. Aisles and Passageways: Typically 600 mm or more for - Thus, the standing height is 89 cm. Four
comfortable passage of a single person. centimeters is added for footwear allowance.
8. Clearance for Doorways: Standard doorways are The ideal kitchen countertop would be 93 cm.
usually around 600 mm, while accessible doorways from the floor
should be about 800 mm wide.
9. Work Surface Height (Sitting): Approximately 750 mm.
10. Work Surface Height (Standing): About 860-910 mm.
11. Reach Zones: Typically between 380 mm and 1,220
mm above the floor.

HALLWAY STANDARD SIZE

BED SIZES

- The relevant body dimensions are standing height

for length and hip width or shoulder width for
width. The greatest values are to be used in order
to fit the tallest and stoutest Filipino user --
standing height is 178 cm while the greatest width
FILIPINO ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA is 54.80 cm. Adding 2 cm clothing allowances,
the minimum acceptable bed dimensions are 180
DINING TABLE x 56.80 cm.
- The average Filipino will fit in a Single Bed which is
- The major consideration here is table height.
75 x 39 in. (190 x 99 cm) in U.S. standards.
Length and width may depend on many factors
SMALL SINGLE BED 30”/76cm x 75”/191cm
such as how many people to fit in the table.
TWIN BED 38"/97cm x 75"/191cm
- The ideal table height is the seat height plus thigh
clearance height. The established seat height is 45 TWIN XL BED 38"/97cm x 80"/203cm
cm. The greatest thigh clearance height is 16.50 FULL BED 54"/137cm x75"/191cm
cm. Thus, ideal table height is 75 cm. FULL XL BED 54"/137cm x 80"/203cm
QUENN BED 60"/152cm x 80"/203cm
KING BED 76"/193cm x 80"/203cm