PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 2
ASSIGNMENT 1:
ANTHROPOMETRICS AND
ERGONOMICS
SUBMITTED BY:
HEINRICH GEOFF E. JARANILLA
BSAR – 1A
SUBMITTED TO:
AR. KENT N. JANABAN
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 2 JANUARY 23, 2024
Assignment 1: Anthropometrics and Ergonomics
I. Definition of Anthropometrics and Ergonomics:
INTRODUCTION
Behind every design of a product released commercially is an efficient
application of ergonomics and anthropometric data. Architects and designers do
not create designs without a strong foundation and supervision of the two
disciplines. The principle is to guarantee a comfortable fit between the user and
his environment/the product used. This would later on determine the overall
experience of the users, allowing them to maximize productivity.
ANTHROPOMETRICS
Anthropometric measurements are said to be non-invasive and quantitative
measurements of the body. In the medical field, it is used by pediatricians to
study the general health of a patient. A subject’s health records are compared to
the existing patterns of normal growth measurements for health assessment. In
architecture, it guides a type of design that works to formulate models that
provide the utmost comfort for every client by utilizing anthropometric data.
Through anthropometrics, designs are capable of catering to their most basic
routines, as well as every component of the living space that they interact with.
The application of anthropometrics is a challenge itself to architects. The
main goal is to build everything with regards to the existing dimensional data of a
human body. The architect must consider both static and dynamic
measurements. This means that the design must not only be comfortable for
when the body is at rest but also for the times that it is in action. The real
difference in question, however, is the accuracy of data, since clients may vary in
gender, age, race, and other socio-economic factors.
ERGONOMICS
As mentioned in the introduction, ergonomics aims to provide a better-
functioning work system by manipulating the quality of machine/environment to
user interactions. Going back to the subject of simple machines, work is said to
be more efficient when less input is translated into greater output. Therefore, an
ergonomic design model is not only comfortable but also efficient for function.
II. Importance in Architecture:
In architecture, anthropometrics and ergonomics work hand in hand to
facilitate comfort, performance, and the safety of a utilitarian space. In this
context, ergonomics is an application of the existing anthropometric data. Based
on the data supplied, it works on developing products and environments which
are of the most optimal shape, form, size, and dimensions achievable.
In an architectural model, users must be able to carry out tasks and proceed
with their routines without the required efforts overloading the sustaining
processes and capabilities of the body, causing fatigue or injury.• Investigate
and articulate the significance of Anthropometrics and Ergonomics in
architectural design.
III. Human Body Measurements:
Human body measurements for different age groups:
This image shows the Anthropometric proportions of the human body.
Toddler
Kid
Teenager
Young Adult
IV. Human Factors in Ergonomics:
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is often applied to determine how particular environmental
factors, for instance, those within a utilitarian space, can be improved and
altered, to facilitate client comfort and satisfaction. The psychological nature of
ergonomics focuses on how individuals interact with their environment. This
particular point in study is key to understanding behavior. As for designers,
architects, and similar fields, this information will be necessary to work on
improving the setting to maximize function.
In the physiological sense, ergonomics is applied in the workplace to reduce
risks of damaging the physical state of individuals. This is crucial in developing a
workplace which is curated to facilitate basic human biomechanics. This covers
humans’ comfort in static state, as well as when applying dynamic effort.
At work, it is ideal that ergonomics also works to promote functional
relationships between individuals. In the social context, promoting relationships
helps to ensure the health of a working environment, without of course
sacrificing other key factors that individuals need to work, such as privacy and
space. This particular focus, when applied properly, may improve the workers’
interest to engage at work.
V. Ergonomic Considerations in Different Residential Spaces:
a. Bedroom –
In designing bedrooms, the size and the layout of the room can be
decided with respect to the following considerations:
The clients’ preference in size: small/medium/large, and the
presence of a built-in comfort room.
The type of bed and other furniture to be included in the design.
The standard clearances between elements should also be observed
so that comfort is sustained within the bedroom.
b. Kitchen –
In the kitchen, we give emphasis to the amount of time and effort spent
within the area. With this in mind, there is a careful consideration in the
selection of furniture, appliances, and the overall layout.
Arrangement
Traffic
Storage
Working Surface
c. Toilet & Bath
When designing a bathroom, it’s essential for the designer to be aware of
the typical activities that take place in the space, such as:
1. Washing of hands, face and hair.
2. Elimination and grooming.
3. Hand laundering and infant care.
4. Often used as dressing room.
Therefore: one must consider:
Convenience
Arrangement
Illumination
Ventilation
Sound control
Materials
Facilities
Storage
Accessibility
REFERENCES:
Fajardo Jr., M. B. (2002). Planning and Designers Handbook (2nd ed.). 5138
Merchandising.
LinkedIn. (2023). What are the psychological and social aspects of ergonomics skills?
LinkedIn. [Link]
ergonomics-skills-ergonomics
Ergonomics: Definition & Overview of Human Factors. (n.d.). [Link].
[Link]
Ergonomics. (n.d.). Physiopedia. [Link]