Planning Considerations PDF

**Objectives** **PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS** ***[IMPORTANCE OF CONSIDERING]*** At the end of the discussion, the students shall: Understand the different planning considerations in construction. Incorporate sound planning practices in designing one-story residence **[DISCUSSION:]** A concep...

**Objectives** **PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS** ***[IMPORTANCE OF CONSIDERING]*** At the end of the discussion, the students shall: Understand the different planning considerations in construction. Incorporate sound planning practices in designing one-story residence **[DISCUSSION:]** A conceptual plan is a visual presentation of conceptual ideas supported by mathematical calculations aimed at giving convenience and comfort to the users or occupants. A good plan is judged **based on its functionality and economy** adhering to the principles of ***"Form Follow Functions".*** ***\"Form follows function\"***. This principle suggests that the design of an item should be dictated by its use and functional requirements, rather than aesthetic considerations alone. **[DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION] DISTRIBUTION** Refers to the placement, location and arrangement of each room in relation with each other **CIRCULATION** Circulation and movements of the occupants inside the building should not be hampered by any obstacles nor be detoured as a result of poor planning. ***[DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION]* 1. Efficient Use of Space:** **Optimizes Layout:** Proper planning prevents overcrowded areas and unused spaces, leading to a more organized and functional layout. **Maximizes Flow:** Good circulation design allows for smooth movement through the space, reducing travel time and improving accessibility. **2. Enhanced Functionality:** **Supports Activities:** The design of circulation routes and distribution points (like doors, hallways, and elevators) directly impacts how well different activities and functions can be carried out. For example, in an office, efficient circulation routes improve workflow and productivity. **Facilitates Operations:** In commercial or industrial settings, efficient distribution systems ensure that goods, equipment, and people can move seamlessly between areas, enhancing operational efficiency. **3. Operational Efficiency:** **Maintenance and Service:** Well designed circulation routes make it easier to maintain and service different areas of a building. **4. User Experience:** **Comfort and Convenience:** Thoughtful circulation design improves the overall user experience by making navigation intuitive and convenient. **Aesthetic Appeal:** Well considered circulation can also contribute to the aesthetic quality of a space, making it feel more open and inviting. **5. Functional Zoning:** **Separation of Functions:** Effective distribution helps in zoning different functions or departments, reducing interference between incompatible activities **Logical Flow:** Ensures that related areas are grouped together in a logical manner, facilitating ease of access and interaction. **6. Improved Accessibility and Safety:** **Inclusive Design:** Ensure that all areas are accessible to individuals with disabilities, adhering to accessibility standards and regulations. **Emergency Egress:** Well-planned circulation routes are crucial for safe and efficient evacuation in emergencies, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with safety codes. **7. Compliance with Regulations:** **Building Codes:** Adhering to building codes and regulations related to circulation and distribution is essential for legal compliance and ensures that the design meets safety and functionality standards. **Zoning Laws:** Proper planning aligns with zoning laws that dictate the use and arrangement of spaces within a building or property. In summary, distribution and circulation are vital in planning because they influence how effectively a space functions, how easily people can navigate it, and how well it meets safety, accessibility, and operational needs. Thoughtful design in these areas contributes to the overall efficiency, comfort, and success of any built environment. **[LIGHTS AND VENTILATION ]** There is no substitute for a good daylight and fresh natural air entering and circulating inside the building. Artificial lighting and ventilation is very costly. ***[IMPORTANCE OF CONSIDERING LIGHTS] A[ND VENTILATION]*** **Light** 1\. **Natural Light:** o **Health and Well-being:** Natural light improves occupants' well-being, productivity, and mood. o **Energy Efficiency:** Maximizing natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting, leading to energy savings and lower utility costs. 2\. **Artificial Lighting:** o **Functionality:** Adequate artificial lighting is essential for performing tasks effectively. o **Aesthetics:** Lighting design can enhance the visual appeal of a space, highlighting architectural features, artwork, and textures. o **Flexibility:** Incorporate adjustable lighting systems that allow for changes in lighting intensity and color temperature to suit different activities and times of day. 3\. **Lighting Controls:** o **Automation:** Implement lighting controls such as dimmers, timers, and motion sensors to optimize energy use and adapt to user needs. o **Daylight Harvesting:** Use sensors to adjust artificial lighting based on the amount of natural light available, reducing energy consumption. **Ventilation** 1\. **Indoor Air Quality:** o **Health Benefits:** Proper ventilation removes indoor pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory issues. o **Comfort:** Adequate airflow helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment by regulating temperature and humidity levels. 2\. **Natural Ventilation:** o **Design Strategies:** Utilize natural ventilation by strategically placing windows, vents, and openings to promote cross-ventilation and passive cooling. o **Building Orientation:** Consider the orientation of the building to take advantage of prevailing winds and optimize natural airflow. 3\. **Mechanical Ventilation:** o **System Integration:** In buildings where natural ventilation is insufficient, incorporate mechanical systems such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units, exhaust fans, and air purifiers. o **Efficiency:** Design mechanical ventilation systems to be energy efficient and properly sized for the space to ensure effective air distribution and minimize energy use. 4\. **Ventilation Design:** o **Zoning:** Different areas may require different types of ventilation. o **Code Compliance:** Ensure that ventilation systems comply with local building codes and standards, which may specify minimum ventilation rates and other requirements. In summary, thoughtful consideration of light and ventilation in planning ensures a healthy, comfortable, and energy efficient environment. By integrating natural and artificial lighting with effective ventilation strategies, you can enhance both the functionality and sustainability of a space. **[AREAS, SIZES AND SHAPE]** All design is intended for human use and therefore should be planned according to human scale. Good design always provides ample areas to accommodate furniture, appliances, and other related facilities including the most critical and important lanes or pathways for routinary movements inside the house. The shape as to plan and elevations should be strictly functional, not fancy in character. ***[IMPORTANCE OF CONSIDERING AREAS,] S[IZES AND SHAPE]*** ***Areas*** 1\. **Functional Requirements:** o **Purpose-Driven Design:** Determine the specific needs of each area based on its intended use. For example, residential spaces need living areas, bedrooms, and kitchens, while commercial spaces might require offices, meeting rooms, and break areas. o **Space Allocation:** Allocate sufficient area for each function, ensuring that spaces are neither overcrowded nor underutilized. 2\. **Human Factors:** o **Comfort and Accessibility:** Design areas to accommodate the number of people who will use them comfortably. Consider factors like circulation space, seating arrangements, and ease of access. o **Safety Regulations:** Ensure that areas comply with safety regulations, including emergency exits, fire-rated zones, and accessible design standards. 3\. **Flexibility:** o **Adaptability:** Plan for flexible spaces that can serve multiple functions or be reconfigured as needs change over time. For instance, a conference room might also be used for social events or additional office space. ***Sizes*** 1\. **Proportionality:** o **Space Efficiency:** Size areas appropriately relative to their function and the overall building. For example, a kitchen in a residential home should be adequately sized for cooking and storage, without being unnecessarily large or small. o **Ergonomics:** Consider human scale and ergonomics to ensure that spaces are functional and comfortable. For instance, workstations should be sized to allow for efficient movement and use. 2\. **Compliance with Standards:** o **Building Codes:** Adhere to local building codes and standards that dictate minimum sizes for various types of spaces, such as room dimensions, ceiling heights, and clearance requirements. o **Accessibility:** Ensure that sizes meet accessibility standards, such as those outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or similar regulations, providing adequate space for wheelchair access and maneuverability. 3\. **Proportional Relationships:** o **Visual Balance:** Ensure that the sizes of different spaces within a building are proportionate and visually balanced. This helps in creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing design. ***Shapes*** 1\. **Functional Efficiency:** o **Layout Optimization:** Choose shapes that enhance the functionality of spaces. For example, rectangular rooms are often more practical for arranging furniture and equipment compared to irregularly shaped spaces. o **Space Utilization:** Optimize the shape of rooms to make the best use of available space and minimize wasted or awkward areas. 2\. **Aesthetic Considerations:** o **Design Appeal:** The shape of rooms and spaces can contribute to the overall architectural style and aesthetic appeal of a building. Consider how shapes align with the desired design theme. o **Natural Light and Views:** Design shapes to maximize natural light and views. For example, angled walls or large windows can frame desirable outdoor vistas and enhance daylight penetration. 3\. **Structural and Functional** **Constraints:** o **Structural Integrity:** Ensure that shapes support the building's structural integrity. Some shapes may be more challenging to construct or may require additional support. o **Acoustic Considerations:** The shape of a space can affect acoustics. For instance, curved walls might help with sound diffusion, while rectangular rooms might require acoustic treatments to manage sound quality. By carefully considering areas, sizes, and shapes during the planning process, you can create spaces that are functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing while adhering to regulatory requirements and enhancing overall usability. **[ORIENTATION]** **Orientation** is a critical aspect of planning and design that affects various elements of a building or space. It involves positioning and aligning a structure relative to its surroundings and environmental factors to optimize its functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. ***[IMPORTANCE OF CONSIDERING] [ORIENTATION]*** By carefully considering orientation in planning, you can create spaces that are more energy-efficient, comfortable, and well-integrated with their surroundings, ultimately enhancing both functionality and user experience. **[ZONING LAWS]** **Zoning laws** are critical in the planning and design process as they regulate land use, development, and the physical characteristics of buildings and properties. Understanding and adhering to these laws is essential for ensuring that projects comply with legal requirements and contribute to orderly and harmonious development within a community. ***[IMPORTANCE OF CONSIDERING ZONING] [LAWS]*** **Zoning laws** play a crucial role in shaping the development and design of properties. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you can ensure that your project is compliant, functional, and harmonious with its surroundings, contributing to orderly and sustainable community development. **[ELECTRICAL, WATER, AND SEWERAGE] [FACILITIES]** In the planning and design of any building or development, electrical, water, and sewerage facilities are essential elements that require careful consideration to ensure functionality, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. ***[IMPORTANCE OF CONSIDERING] [ELECTRICAL, WATER, AND SEWERAGE] [FACILITIES]*** **1. Electrical Facilities** Determine the power requirements based on the building's intended use, equipment, and appliances. Plan for the layout of electrical panels, circuits, and wiring to efficiently distribute power throughout the building. Adhere to local electrical codes and standards to ensure safety and legality. This includes proper grounding, circuit protection, and installation practices. **2. Water Facilities** Assess the water supply needs based on the building's occupancy and usage patterns. Ensure the supply system can meet current and future demands. Design the plumbing layout to ensure efficient water distribution and minimize water wastage. This includes the placement of pipes, fixtures, and valves. Follow local plumbing codes and regulations for installation and maintenance. **3. Sewerage Facilities** Ensure the sewerage system can handle the anticipated load, including peak usage times and potential future expansions. Plan the design of sewage collection and disposal systems, including the layout of pipes, drains, and septic systems or connections to municipal sewers. In summary, **electrical, water, and sewerage facilities** are integral to the successful planning and operation of any building. Proper consideration ensures functionality, safety, compliance with regulations, and sustainability, ultimately contributing to a well-designed and efficient built environment.