P R OG RA M M I N G

Space Planning
The form of a building’s structure and enclosure affects the
character of the spaces within. Space planning involves the
efficient and productive use of these spaces, fitting living
patterns to the architectural patterns of the space.

The term “space planning” is often used to refer to the

specific task of planning and designing large-scale spaces
for commercial and retail businesses. In this narrow sense,
space planners program client needs, study user activities,
and analyze spatial requirements. The results of such
SPACE ANALYSIS planning are then used in the architectural design of new
construction or for negotiating the leasing of existing
[ ] Document existing or proposed space. commercial spaces.
• Measure and draw base plans, sections, and
interior elevations.
• Photograph existing space.

[ ] Analyze space.
• Orientation and site conditions of space
• Form, scale, and proportion of space
• Doorway locations, points of access, and the
circulation paths they suggest
• Windows and the light, views, and ventilation they
afford
• Wall, floor, and ceiling materials
• Significant architectural details Communication Movement Adjacencies
• Location of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical
fixtures and outlets
• Possible architectural modifications
• Elements for possible reuse, including finishes
and furnishings

DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

[ ] Determine required dimensions for space and

furniture groupings.
• Each functional grouping of furniture
• Access to and movement within and between
activity areas
• Number of people served
• Appropriate social distances and interaction

Furniture requirements and arrangements

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 P R O G RA M M I N G

In a broader sense, all interior designers are involved in

the planning and layout of interior spaces, whether small
or large, residential or commercial. Once a design program
has been outlined and developed from an analysis of the
client’s or users’ needs, the design task is to allocate
the available or desired interior spaces properly for the
various required activities.
Site context Architecture
Area requirements can be estimated from an analysis
of the number of people served, the furnishings and
equipment they require, and the nature of the activity
that will go on in each space. These area requirements
can then be translated into rough blocks of space and
related to each other and to the architectural context in a
functional and aesthetic manner.

Space utilization

Analysis of User Requirements + Existing or Proposed Spaces… Integration

Proportions

Dimensions

Shape
and
significant features

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P R OG RA M M I N G

DESIRED QUALITIES DESIRED RELATIONSHIPS

[ ] Determine appropriate spatial qualities [ ] Determine desired relationships between:

compatible with client’s or users’ needs or • Related activity areas
wishes. • Activity areas and space for movement
• Feeling, mood, or atmosphere • Room and adjacent spaces
• Image and style • Room and the outside
• Degree of spatial enclosure
• Comfort and security [ ] Determine desired zoning of activities.
• Quality of light • Organization of activities into groups or sets
• Focus and orientation of space according to compatibility and use
• Color and tone
• Textures
• Acoustical environment
• Thermal environment
• Flexibility and projected length of use

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 A C T IV IT Y R EL AT I ON S H I P S

Whether collaborating on the design of a new building

or planning the remodeling of an existing structure, the
interior designer strives for a proper fit between the
demands of activities and the architectural nature of the Which activities should be closely related?
spaces that house them.

Certain activities may need to be closely related or

adjacent to each other, while others may be more distant Which activities can be isolated by enclosure or distance?
or isolated for privacy. Some activities may require
easy access, while others may need controlled entries
and exits. Daylighting and natural ventilation may be
priorities for some areas, while others may not need to be
located near exterior windows. Some activities may have What degree of accessibility is required?
specific spatial requirements, while others may be more
flexible or be able to share a common space.

Are there specific proportional requirements?

Do activity relationships suggest a spatial pattern?

Can any activities share the

same space?

Which activities require daylighting and ventilation?

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FI TTI N G TO THE SPACE

As interior areas are organized—on the basis of

considerations developed during programming, along
with considerations of the building site and adjacent
structures—the architect will begin to develop the
shape and form of a new building.

Whether a space is situated within an existing structure

or is contemplated in a newly designed building, it usually
provides clues for the interior designer as to how it can
best be utilized. The entries into a space may define a
pattern of movement that divides the area into certain
zones. Some zones may be more easily accessed than
others. Some may be large enough to accommodate
group activities, while others are not. Some may have
access to exterior windows or skylights for daylighting
or ventilation; others may be internally focused. Some
may include a natural center of interest, such as a view
window or a fireplace.

Possible paths of movement Accessibility of zones

External outlook Internal focus

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 F IT T IN G T O T H E S PA C E

The zoning of a space may be suggested by the shape of

its enclosure or by the architecture. Doorways suggest
paths of movement and establish access to certain
zones. The daylighting afforded by windows or skylights
should influence the placement of activities. An external
outlook or an internal focus might suggest how a space
could be organized.

Divisions suggested by room shape or by the architecture

Size and proportion of zones Available daylight

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P LA N A RR A N G E ME NTS

From the preceding activity and space analyses, one can

begin to match the space requirements of each activity
to the characteristics of the available spaces. The design
task then shifts to selecting furnishings, finishes, and
lighting and arranging them into three-dimensional
Activity areas patterns within the given spatial boundaries. These
arrangements of shapes and forms in space should
respond both to functional and aesthetic criteria.

Existing or proposed space Function

• Activity-specific grouping of furniture
• Workable dimensions and clearances
• Appropriate social distances
• Suitable visual and acoustical privacy
• Adequate flexibility or adaptability
• Appropriate lighting and other building services

Flexibility

Functional groupings

Dimensions and distances Spatial definition and privacy

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 PLA N A R RA N G E M E N T S

Scalar relationship to space

Aesthetics
• Appropriate scale to space function
• Visual grouping: unity with variety
• Figure-ground reading
• Three-dimensional composition: rhythm, harmony,
balance
• Appropriate orientation toward light, view, or an
internal focus
• Shape, color, texture, and pattern

Figure-ground patterns

Grouping and orientation

Objects in space or merging with space

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P LA N STR ATE G IE S

Tight Fit
Plan arrangements can be generally classified into two
broad categories—tight fit and loose fit—according
to how each uses the available space. The first exhibits a
close correspondence between furniture and equipment.
This may be particularly appropriate when space is at a
premium or when functional efficiency is important. It is
important that a tight-fit arrangement be laid out with
great care for its intended use; however, it may not be
readily adaptable to other uses.

A tight-fit arrangement usually employs modular or

unit furniture components that can be combined in a
number of ways to form integrated, often multifunctional,
assemblies. Such assemblies utilize space efficiently
and leave a maximum amount of floor area around them.
A tailored arrangement of modular furniture can also be
used to define a space within a larger volume for greater
privacy or intimacy.

Carried to an extreme, a tight fit arrangement can be

built in place and become a permanent extension of a
room’s architecture. Like modular and unit arrangements,
built-in furniture utilizes space efficiently, conveys an
orderly and unified appearance, and mitigates visual
clutter in a space.

Tight-fit or tailored arrangements require careful study

and analysis of functional relationships.

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 P LA N S T RAT E G I E S

Loose Fit
A second, more common type of plan arrangement
exhibits a looser fit between function and space. Loose-
fit arrangements are desirable for the flexibility and
diversity they afford.

Most rooms with a loose-fit arrangement can

accommodate a variety of uses, especially if the furniture
used can be easily moved and rearranged. This inherent
flexibility in adapting to changes in use or circumstance
makes a loose-fit arrangement the more common method
for laying out furniture in a space. It also offers the
opportunity for a greater mix of furniture types, sizes,
and styles to be selected over time to suit almost any
design situation.

Loose-fit arrangements require thoughtful composition

of three-dimensional forms in space.

Modular furnishings are flexible

and utilize space efficiently.

Loose-fit arrangements can reflect changes in use or circumstance.

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