What is biomechanics?
The effort produced by the human body in completing tasks through motion, movement and other uses of muscles.
Ergonomic design seeks a fit between level of effort and user's ability.
Why is biomechanics important in architecture?
1. haptic aesthetic experience
2. safety
3. instrumentality
4. accessibility
5. emergency egress
6. security
7. marketability
8. legal responsibility
Types of biomechanic issues
Design issues
1. distances between origins and destinations
Ex1. nurses station vis a vis patient rooms
Ex2. settlement pattern - need for vehicles
2. circuits of activities
Ex1. changing classes in a school
Ex2. communication patterns in workplace
3. operation forces required to use parts of buildings
Ex1. overcoming the force of a door closer
Ex2. window opening
4. vertical circulation
Ex1. slope of ramp
Ex2. number of stairs
5. lifting body over obstacles
Ex. getting into a bathtub
6. location of objects
Ex. storage
7. surfaces
Ex1. comfort
Ex2. slip resistance
8. seating
Ex1. to promote comfort
Ex2. to discourage staying too long
Ex.3 to avoid injury
9. work surface height
Ex1. for heavy work
Ex2. for precision work
10. sight lines
Ex1. theater
Ex2. sign locations
11. gripping objects
Ex. handrail
Some design principles
1. Circulation planning to reduce effort and increase speed
• layout space so that highest priority adjacencies are closest
• locate spaces to eliminate unnecessary trips
• use high choice circulation systems, e.g. ring, court
• high density planning
• paths that have generous widths
• "multi use" planning
• use of mechanical conveying systems
2. Circulation to control flow
• use low choice circulation systems
• use high priority locations as magnets
• create bottlenecks
• cluster items needing exposure at bottlenecks
• low density planning
• "solo use" planning
• use mechanical conveyances to increase volume of traffic and channel flow
3. Operating devices
• height of object should allow maximum exertion of effort
• keep activation force to minimum feasible level
• use levers and other means of mechanical advantage
• use large area for application of force
• avoid extension/flexion, suppination/pronation, abduction/adduction
4. Sloped surfaces, ramps and stairs
• slope within comfort range of foot flexion/extension
• slope within range of stability
• slope should have an inverse relationship to horizontal distance traveled
• interior stairs should be level; exterior should only be sloped slightly
• provide level landings for rest
• friction sufficient to maintain stability
• avoid high friction surfaces
• good drainage where water collects
• easily cleaned where grime accumulates
• handrails for aid in keeping balance
5. Individual work stations for repetitive motion tasks
• high work surfaces for precision work
• low work surfaces for work requiring exertion of force
• room for wrist support in repetitive motion tasks
• room to extend legs
• frequently used objects stored within reach
• compact space planning within reach envelope
• high quality seating
6. Seating for office work
• adjustable height seat
• adjustable height back rest
• lumbar support with pressure adjustment
• seat/ back angle adjustment
• contoured seating surfaces
• upholstery that doesn't bottom out
• feet on floor or support
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