Space Planning

Last updated October 11, 2024
By Emma Howland

Proxemics

Perception of personal space varies between individuals, groups and cultures. The presence of other people, objects and the environment can expand or contract this sense of personal space.
- Intimate zone: physical contact zone- can cause discomfort if invaded by a stranger
- Personal Space: Allows friends to come close with brief moments of contact in the intimate zone. Conversation at low voice levels.
- Social Zone: Appropriate for informal, social and business transactions. communication occurs at normal to raised voice levels
- Public Zone: Formal and hierarchical relationships- loud and well enunciated conversation required
The “Average Man” Fallacy: Design should accommodate the 5th or the 95th percentile, for example, for calculating for arm reach, the design should accommodate the 5% that has a shorter arm reach as it will function for the users with longer reaches as well.