Planning Spaces

Planning Spaces: Theory & Principles of Planning

In order to create a well-planned interior that feels balanced and harmonious and where spaces flow effortlessly into one another, the designer needs some knowledge of accepted proportioning systems and grasp of the idea of scale.

Day 1- Planning Spaces: Practical Planning

There is increasing emphasis today on the holistic side of interior design and how people are affected by the design of the spaces they live and work in. This day introduces students to the fundamentals of scale, ergonomics and proxemics and use of the architectural grid through a series of short presentations and workshop sessions to produce a workable layout ensuring a good traffic flow around an area.

Day 1 syllabus includes:

• Ergonomics
• Proxemics
• Anthropometrics - Human Dimensions
• The planning procedure (zoning)
• Planning considerations (lifestyle, climate, etc)
• Use of the architectural grid
• Use of templates
• Traffic flows

There will be opportunity to discuss examples of good and bad practice.

Day 2 - Proportioning systems and other design techniques and their uses in interior design.

Throughout the centuries western interior design has been mainly based on the classical method of proportioning and these elements are still evident in contemporary interiors even though the actual detailing may have been greatly reduced or even omitted. The oriental grid system also provides a very flexible basis for design and layouts and can be utilised to produce calm, relaxed spaces. This day, through a series of short  presentations and of workshops, will help students understand how these fundamental principles can be applied to their own design work.

Day 2 syllabus includes:      

• Proportioning systems (the Golden Section & the Fibonacci series)
• Ordering principles
• Axis
• Balance
• Scale
• Emphasis

There will be opportunity to discuss good and bad practice and to view each other’s designs.