Post 02




The second chapters of the two books by Rengel and Nussbaumer are linked in the fact that it discusses mostly about the "Basic Human Needs" when it comes to comfort in a space, so that people can move with ease within a safe and healthy space, be productive, be comfortable, and have easy access to the things they want.

According to Michael Laurie, a landscape architect, there are three categories of human factors which are:

(01)Physical factors, which will study corporal characteristics of space occupants, within a specific environment. This exploration will involve the Anthropometrics, which is "the science of body measurements and proportions of the human body in various activities". These factors are so important because it impacts heavily on the physiological and the psychological factors. That is why there are several rules, regulations and codes that architects and interior designers have to follow about the "human dimension standards" when it comes to measurements between two things ( for example between the ceiling and the ground in a particular space, such as an elevator) or between two persons (depending on the social environment). These measurements help to better provide a basic comfortable space whether its a workplace, a residential space (differences between a public or a private space), etcetera, with well thought functional furniture where the height, width and the spacing between two elements help the clients to move easily and have easy access to the things they want to reach, such as shelves ( This explores and introduces the topic of Ergonomics).
However, these studies should not generalize too much, because we as humans, have unique characteristics (depending on the age, gender and the culture), and therefore move differently. It should not put too much limits on some people that might need more space , a safer environment, or necessities, such as the elderly, the handicaped, or the children.

This drawing illustrates a perfect example on how furniture and the spacing between the three furniture (desk, chair and shelf) are important to consider when designing a space for a person to move and access things with ease.

This illustrates the minimum space required for different individuals.

(02)Physiological factors, "addresses the interaction of our biological conditions with the physical environment. These factors concerns our own survival which are our most basic needs like food, air, water, as well as "livable climatic conditions". We need to have them all, in order to live well. However, we can provide these needs better to increase our health, safety, and welfare. We need to provide better access and accomodation to these needs, by designing well a space, whether private or public. For example, we need to take in consideration the number of windows in a room, that will provide enough sunlight or natural light into the room to improve the health of a sick person or a productivity of a worker. Water is essential for us humans. That is why it is generally free and easily accessible in a private or a public space, with multiple water fountains. However, the water that we drink needs to be clean and regulated when it comes to drink it, or to shower/wash with it, so that we dont get ill from it. It is the same with air, especially indoors. " Clearly, poor indoor air quality affects human health and therefore may affect the productivity of an employee", for example.
It is also important to design solid foundations that will protect the person depending on the climatic environment he/she lives, from too much sun exposure, rain, wind, snow, and cold.
If these factors are taken care of, the space will have a positive impact on the psychological factors.

This home in the Bahamas, is a perfect example of how this space takes in consideration the climate in their design, since the space invites a lot of natural light and air which are also controlled by the shed materialized by the extension of the roof.

(03)Psychological factors takes in consideration the "behavior patterns" and the "social needs" of humans. Some needs are the same for all of us, but it differs for some specific personal ones depending on our age, social class, cultural background and how we were brought up.
There are five general inner human need groups:

• Social needs: our need for interaction with others. we need spaces that encourages social interaction with others whether it is a working environment or an intimate one.
• Stabilizing needs: "free from fear, anxiety, and danger''. we need to feel secure in a space.
• Individual needs: the needs that define our uniqueness and our preferences and also our need for privacy.
• Self-expression needs: this includes territoriality. we need to leave our own mark by for example choosing our desk in class ( self- assertion, achievement, esteem, and power).
• Enrichment needs: ''knowledge, creativity, and aesthetic experience". the first intention of human is to design, so we need a space to create, innovate in a space that pleases us.

These psychological factors impacts on how we are feeling, on our moods. Spaces can either have a negative impact if we feel lost, distracted or uneasy. But if the design of the spaces take in consideration all these needs, and these factors, it can improve our happiness.

This space shows a design that attracts kids to move, interact between each other and to do what they love which is to play.

All these factors increase, improve, and "enhance" the "health, safety and welfare" of each one of us. Indeed, if an architect, a landscape architect, or an interior designer designs a space, while taking in consideration all these factors, the space or the building will surely be well thought and planned and have a positive impact on their clients. The clients will be healthy, secure, safe, delightful, happy, comfortable, productive, protected and so on.

" Give a man a wall, and you ground him. Give him a roof, and you protect him from the elements. Add some enclosure, warmth, and a soft pillow, and you will have given him everything he needs for a comfortable, delightful afternoon experience."