USER REQUIREMENT AND

PERCEPTION OF SPACE
Theory of Architecture 01

Ar. Fernando C. Pamintuan

User Requirement
Theory of Architecture 01
 Space is basically formed by the relationship
between an object and a human being who
perceives it.
 This relationship is primarily determined by sight,
but when architectural space is considered, the
relationship can be affected by olfaction, audition,
and tactility as well.
 It often happens that the same space gives
entirely different impressions according to the
way rain, wind, and sunshine affect it.
 In our daily life, space is often created in an
unintended way.
 Personal space has been
defined as an area with
invisible boundaries
surrounding a person’s
body into which
intruders may not enter.
 It may be considered as
a series of concentric
globes of space, each
defining a region in
which certain kinds of
interaction can occur.
 The regions, however, are not
necessarily spherical; sometimes
they extend unequally in
different directions.
 People have space requirements
in both vertical and lateral
directions.
 If the available space is limited in
one dimension (for example, by
reducing the ceiling height),
then a person’s spatial needs will
increase in the other directions.
 Edward T. Hall broadly divides the social space
areas surrounding a person into 4 distance
zones from the center.
 A - Intimate
 B - Personal
 C - Social
 D – Public
• Each zone having both close and far
phase
• Only certain classes of people are
allowed to enter each space area.
 Close phase: 0-15 cm; Far phase: 15-45 cm
 The presence of the person is unmistakable
and may sometimes be overwhelming
because of increased sensory stimulation.
 The close phase is typified by actual physical
contact which, in many cultures, is
considered taboo between strangers.
 Withinthe far phase the degree of physical
contact is slightly reduced but increased
visual awareness of the other person is
maintained.
 As its name suggests, personal distance is
concerned with friendly contact, fairly large
differences may exist between behaviors
associated with the close and far phases (45-
76 cm and 76 – 120 cm, respectively)
 The close phase is reserved for ‘well-known’
friends, since a stranger moving into this
distance may imply a threatening situation.
 The far phase begins at about arm’s length and is the area in which normal social contact is
made.
 The personal distance, therefore, may be conceived as a buffer zone between an area reserved
for intimate acquaintances and one in which less personal contact takes place.
 Perhaps because physical violence may be perpetrated, only well-known friends are allowed to
enter.
 Interpersonal business is normally conducted within social distance (Close
phase: 1 – 2 m; Far phase: 2 – 3.5 m)
 People who work together tend to use a close social distance
 Also a common business distance for people who are attending a casual social
gathering.
 If business is conducted at the far phase it has
a more formal nature.
 Hall suggests that a feature of the far phase
of social distance is that it may be used to
insulate or screen people from each other:

“The distance makes it possible for them to

continue to work in the presence of another
person without appearing to be rude”
 Close phase: 3.5 – 7.5 m; Far phase: 7.5 + m.
 Outside the circle of social involvement
 What will happen if a stranger violates a
person’s space?
 Variables affecting the
distance of Space Zones
Theory of Architecture 01
 Many studies suggest that subjects with personality abnormalities need more personal space,
although findings are not totally conclusive.
 Several studies have also been carried out to examine the relationship between personal space
and personality types.
 For example, some studies found that extroverts have smaller personal space than introverts,
but other studies found no such relationships.
 An examination of sex differences in the way we use space indicates that females have smaller
personal space zones, and hence can tolerate closer interpersonal contacts than males.
 When opposite sex pairs are mutually attracted it is not surprising to find that the magnitude of
such buffer zones decreases considerably.
 Research on attraction indicates that males prefer to position themselves across from others
while females prefer to position themselves adjacent to liked others.
 Very little research has been reported which explores the developmental aspects of personal
space.
 There is one study on three age group: older, younger and peer (within 10 years).
 It was found out that peers don’t approach those who were older.
 Age differences, however, are often confounded with status differences, the effects of which will
be discussed later.
 For example, Americans usually have larger personal space boundaries than people from other
cultures. If you notice someone backing up a little while talking to you, don’t step toward them as
they most likely feel uncomfortable with the lack of distance between you.
 People who live in highly populated areas often have a smaller personal space bubble than those
who live in less populated areas. People of higher status or wealth usually have larger personal
space bubbles as well.
 In general, studies supported the contention that external sources of threat (for example,
meeting a higher status individual or one who is not known) lead to increased personal
distance.
 Correspondingly, those who wish to convey a friendly impression or a positive attitude
choose smaller interpersonal distances than neutral or unfriendly communicators.
 Mention has already been made of the effect of ceiling and wall constraints on the shape of the personal
“bubble”
 Studies have also shown that environmental considerations such as the quality of the lighting and direction
of approach (will be influenced by the position of doors in a room) can affect personal space requirements.
 This spatial requirements were lower in brightly light rather than dim rooms, and increased as the approach
angle varied from directly in front to directly behind the “victim”
Perception of Space
Theory of Architecture 01
 The design of space is first a mental concept and any resultant
response is primarily experienced through visual perception.
 A form oriented approach in which space can be literally ignored – or a
waste product after design is still prevalent in architectural circles.
 From a form dominated perception to a renewed awareness of
space as dynamic – vase/ faces experiment tangible substance.
 The spaces between buildings are as important as the spaces
which contain them.
 Ancient-Medieval Concept

Concept:

Ptolemaic system placed the

earth motionless at the
center of the universe with all
celestial bodies revolving
around it.
 Ancient-Medieval Concept
 Ancient-Medieval Concept
 Renaissance Concept

Concept:

Copernicus states “The Earth

is No Longer the Centre of
the Universe” (the Sun
instead)
Renaissance space 'hollowed out' within a pre-
defined mass. Plan of St Peter's, Rome. 1546.
(Michelangelo.)
 Renaissance Concept

St Peter's, Rome. 1546. (Michelangelo.)

 Renaissance Concept

Villa Rotunda by Andrea Palladio

 Modern Concept

Concept:

Space and time

continuum

Falling Water by Frank Lloyd Wright