Anthropometrics and Proxemics Study Quiz

Anthropometrics

• The study of human dimensions
• Static anthropometry refers to the measurement of the human individual at rest
• Functional anthropometrics is the measurement of abilities related to completing tasks
• Ergonomics is the science of making the work environment safer and more comfortable for workers using design and anthropometric data
• Anthropometrical data is used to determine the size, shape and/or form of a product, making it more comfortable for humans to use and easier to use
• The shoulder of a man is 2 heads long
• The full length of both arms is equivalent to the height of a man
• "Furnicube" is derived from the words "furniture" and "cube", aims to find a formula for comfortable height for individuals

Proxemics

• Proxemics is the study of the distance individuals maintain between each other in social interaction
• Personal distance is used for interactions among good friends or family members
• Informal people's personal space travels around with them, determining the personal distance among people
• The Kinesthetic Factor deals with the proximity of participants to touching, including physical contact, and body part positioning
• Personal space ranges from 2 to 4 feet and is used among friends and family members
• Physical territory refers to the arrangement of space, such as desks facing the front of a classroom rather than towards a center isle
• Proxemics can be used to convey attitude or personality, for example a manager speaking with an employee side by side at a table, rather than from behind a large desk
• Edward Hall introduced the term 'Proxemics'
• Intimate space ranges out to one foot and involves a high probability of touching
• Semi-fixed-feature space comprises movable objects, like mobile furniture, while fixed-furniture is a fixed feature

Design Phases

• Schematic design phase outlines an ideal set of relationships among elements within an architect's control focusing on high-level design
• During Design Development Phase, individual attention is given to each aspect, space, and detail
• The Construction document phase shifts from design to communicating the design and providing all information necessary for construction
• The Design Process includes additional spatial requirements for mechanical rooms, structural columns, storage, circulation space, wall thicknesses, and other aspects not anticipated during the initial building program

Architectural Movements

• Critical Regionalism aims to counteract the plainness of Modern Architecture by using contextual forces to create a sense of place and meaning
• Late Modern or Structural Expressionism emerged in the 1970s and incorporates elements of high-tech industry and technology into building design
• The Salk Institute complex in La Jolla, California is an example of Modern Architecture
• New York Palace is an example of Eclecticism
• Deconstructivism, characterized by fragmentation, manipulation of surfaces, and non-rectilinear shapes, is a movement that emphasizes distorting architectural elements
• Constructivism, derived from the wider constructivist art movement and Russian Futurism, utilizes geometric forms and industrial materials
• Roger Stevens Building at the University of Leeds is an example of Brutalism
• Rationalism is based on architectural theory and Vitruvius' principles, focusing on the rational comprehension of architecture as a science
• Functionalism states that architectural design should be based on the function of the building
• Futurism is a social movement that emphasizes themes associated with the future

Pioneer Architects

• Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe referred to his buildings as "Skin & Bone"
• Frank Lloyd Wright is the architect of Fallingwater

Elements of Form

• A Point indicates a position in space
• A Plane defines the limits or boundaries of a volume
• A Horizontal Line represents stability of the ground plane, the horizon, or the body at rest
• A Line is a mark on the surface that describes a shape, outline, or edge
• A Vertical Line expresses equilibrium with the force of gravity
• An Oblique Line is a derivation from the vertical line falling or the horizontal line rising
• A Void is a space contained and enacted by a plane
• A Line is characteristically taut, bold, and graceful
• Points occur where several planes come together
• A Solid is a space displaced mass

Primary Elements of Form

• A Line is the product or result of two intersecting planes
• A Point has no direction and is static
• A Line can show direction
• The floor plan of a house is considered the Base Plane
• A Line is used in linking or joining two visual elements in architectural design
• We do not manipulate the Base plane, Overhead plane, or Wall plane in architectural design
• A square becomes a volume when given length and direction
• A Volume has three measurements
• A room, floor plan or house is space defined by walls, floors, and ceilings
• Lines can represent elements that define space, such as a colonnade, railing, or post

Basic Principles of Design

• Movement is the basis of rhythm
• Character is not a type of character in architecture
• The Golden Section is a perfect rectangle
• The three types of balance are Symmetrical, Asymmetrical, and Gravitational
• Hierarchy implies that real differences exist among the forms and spaces in architectural compositions
• Scale refers to how we perceive the size of a building
• Surface is not a principle of design composition
• Types of contrast include contrast of tone, contrast of line, and contrast of size
• Proportion refers to the harmonious relationship between parts and the whole
• Character suggests expressiveness in a design

Anthropometrics/ Ergonomics

• Anthropometry comes from the Greek words "Anthropos" and "metron"
• The height of a man is approximately 7.85 or 8 heads