Space Planning for Commercial and Residential Interiors

Chapter 3
SPACE PLANNING AND DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS
by Sam Kubba
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GENERAL OVERVIEW

The hallmark of a good space planner/interior designer is the ability to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. As discussed in the previous chapter, the design process is usually very methodical and often extremely time consuming, with frequent infusions of creativity.

The designer/space planner proceeds from a basic idea to a final solution,beginning by studying the space to be designed. Where existing floor plans can be found, all well and good; where none exist, a survey needs to be conducted and the relevant areas drawn to an appropriate scale.

For a small project such as...

FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS

Design Process and Investigation Techniques

Most buildings are designed for people, and since people’s needs change with the times, location, and tradition, the criteria for designing a home, office, restaurant, or commercial space will vary as well. This is particularly true when it comes to planning interior spaces. In the Middle East, for example, space standards are generally more generous then those of the United States and Europe. As discussed in the previous chapter, the first step in the design process is to determine the client’s precise needs....

AESTHETIC ASPECTS
The aesthetic aspects of space planning and interior design consist essentially of Principles (Unity and Harmony, Balance, Proportion, Scale, Rhythm, Emphasis,Variety and Contrast), and Elements (Space, Form, Line, Texture, Pattern, Light, and Color). These two fundamental design ingredients are essentially the same as those of many other design disciplines, particularly architecture and painting, and have changed little over the years. Each contributes in one way or another to the perception and success of the overall design; the whole equals more than its individual components. Most designers today would agree that no matter how aesthetically pleasing a design is, the real and final test is how well it functions.

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Unity and Harmony
We are surrounded by both unity and discord. In nature we find mostly unity; in man made objects, mostly discord. Every design requires a unifying theme to hold it together. When choosing furnishings, colors, and materials, you should be consistent and try to make certain everything blends. Elements should not appear to be a mere afterthought.
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Balance
When we talk about balance in space planning and interior design,we are mainly concerned with visual weight (as opposed to actual weight), coordinated in such a way so as to create a sense of equilibrium. Equilibrium is a fundamental force in everyone. This sense of equilibrium produces a psychological impact on our brain cells. Thus, how important or heavy a form appears to be, as opposed to its actual weight, is what concerns us. Generally speaking, and with all other things being equal:
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Symmetrical Balance
Sometimes referred to as formal, symmetrical balance (Figure 3.7) is formal in character and is achieved when identical elements are arranged similarly on either side of an imaginary center line. Symmetrical balance can often be seen in traditional and classical architecture and in “period”interiors.Symmetrical balance is also frequently encountered in nature—in man, animals and insects—and we find it in such man-made objects as furniture, clothing,and buildings.
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Asymmetrical (Informal) Balance
In asymmetrical balance, visual weights are equal but not identical (Figure 3.8). This type of optical balance or equilibrium is much more casual, subtle and interesting than its symmetrical counterpart, but it requires much more skill to achieve. To achieve a successful asymmetric arrangement, designers must rely on their own judgment and instincts because there are no definitive rules to follow. Here we can employ elements of every size, shape or form as well as color in a multitude of ways to achieve the required balance. A grouping of small objects can be made to balance a larger one. Likewise, a small dark colored object can be perceived to balance a larger light colored one.
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Radial Balance
Radial balance is not used as extensively as asymmetrical or symmetrical balance, but it is nevertheless important. As the name implies, it is based on a circular arrangement. All elements of the design radiate from or around center point or focus (Figure 3.9). Typical radial designs are a circular dining table with a floral arrangement in the center and chairs arranged around it, or a spiral staircase revolving around a central post.

Rhythm
Rhythm is the repetition of an element in a regular sequence; it directs the eye and helps it to move about a space. Rhythm is essentially a disciplined movement and can be either passive or dynamic. There are essentially four types of rhythm:
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Scale
Scale is a relative quality. It is the relation of the size of an element to that of another element within the same perceived space. When dealing with furniture, interior design, and architecture, the human being makes an excellent unit of measurement. Scale thus becomes the relation of an element’s size to that of an average human being...

Emphasis
Emphasis relies on the principle of dominance and subordination. This concept (sometimes referred to as the center of interest), is used by the designer to focus attention on a particular area or object in a given space....

Contrast
Contrast is one of the essential principles of design, yet too great a contrast can destroy the unity of a scheme.Contrast is obtained by the juxtaposition of two or more dissimilar or opposing elements or qualities (e.g. light colored objects set against a dark wall, or a circular dining table in a square room). Contrast can be achieved through various means.
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Proportion
Proportion and scale are two distinct terms. Unfortunately, many people, even designers, do not differentiate and use the two interchangeably. When we think of proportion, we think of good and bad whereas scale implies large or small. Scale generally refers to the human being as a unit of measurement or to a part of an element as related to another part or to the whole. Moreover, ...

ELEMENTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Space
Space is the distance, interval, or area between, around, or within things, and is either two or three-dimensional. It is the most essential element in space planning. There are basically three kinds of space: flat space, perceptual or implied space, and actual space. Flat space is...

Form
It is impossible to separate form from space because one creates the other. Like space, form can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. As designers, our main emphasis will be on the three-dimensional aspects because these make up our main environment.Paintings and photographs are examples of two-dimensional form, which often depicts recognizable objects that have the perception of depth, height and width...

Line
Line is one of the most fundamental elements of design because it can enclose space and convey form through outline and contour.Without line, which in theory has only one dimension and technically consists of a series of points,we cannot perceive form or shape.
There are basically two types of lines...

Texture
Texture is a term that refers to the surface quality of an object, i.e. its roughness or smoothness, coarseness or fineness. A distinction should be made...

Pattern
Pattern as opposed to plain design is the easiest way of designating surface enrichment. It is closely related to texture and form,and is a repetition of a motif (Figure 3.30). Pattern is formed by the use of line, form, light and color.
The use of pattern should be controlled. Too much pattern can...

Light
From the earliest times, seeing has been part of the wonder of life. The magnificent spectacle of the universe itself can only be fully appreciated through the eyes. Two thirds of the information received comes through vision, and the eyes are second only to the brain in complexity....

Color
There is a gradual but steady movement of people out of the natural environments and into the man-made ones. People are leaving the wide, open spaces—the large house with its rose garden—to move into a crowded multistory apartment complex, somewhere in the middle of a plethora of multi-story box-like structures. With the increasing complexity of modern civilization, architects and designers, those responsible for...
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