Anthropometrics in Architecture

04/25/98

Why are anthropometrics important in architecture?

• haptic aesthetic experience
• social interaction
• instrumentality
• accessibility
• emergency egress
• furnishability
• economy
• safety, including barriers to access
• marketability
• legal responsibility

Some important static body measurements

• knuckle to shoulder
• shoulder to shoulder
• buttock to knee
• knee to toe
• heel to toe
• eye height (seated and standing)
• shoulder height (seated and standing)
• grip diameter
• elbow height

Some important dynamic body measurements

• work envelopes
• walking envelopes
• turning envelopes
• bending envelopes
• passing envelopes
• boundary tolerances
• gait

Some important equipment and furniture measurements

1. chairs/wheelchairs

• width

• length

• turning radius / movement envelope

• arm height

• seat height

2. automobiles and trucks

• length

• width

• turning radius

• door width

• window sill height

• height

• floor height (vans)

3. furniture and fixtures

• office

• living room

• dining

• bedroom

• toilets

• lavatories

General Design Principles

1. design for the extremes

• minimum for low values

• maximum for high values

• limitations of the 5th-95th percentile rule

2. design for adjustability

• 5th percentile female to 95th percentile male

• degree of adjustability

3. design for average

• non-critical tasks

• consider degree of inconvenience

• splitting the difference

4. modifying factors

• clothing

• customs

• cultural and subcultural groups

• fashion trends

• specific task context

• preferences

How To Use Anthrometric Data

1. identify important dimensions

2. identify user population

3. determine principles to use

4. select range to accommodate

5. find the relevant data

6. make modifications

7. test critical dimensions with mock-up

Sources of Error

1. skewed populations

2. cultural change

3. task modification

4. equipment changes

See Gender Differences

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