USER REQUIREMENTS

AND PERCEPTION OF
SPACE
 USER REQUIREMENTS

From the model of system components in our generic system, the

user component is at the highest layer. The term user represents
primarily the end beneficiary of the design; or structure when
finished. but it can be expanded to include everyone involved in the
system, such as network and system administrators and
management. User requirements are the basis of our main design.
USER REQUIREMENTS IS ALSO CONSIDERED AS
SPACE MANAGEMENT OR PLANNING.

SPACE PLANNING is an in-depth analysis of how physical

space is used in structures. It considers the purpose of spaces and
who will use them. Space planning is a process that takes several
steps, and it's an important component for the work of interior
designers and architects.
 USER REQUIREMENTS

The function of a USER REQUIREMENTS are to serve as the

concept or reference for the design, as an architect comes a great
responsibility to meet your clients expectation, the concept should
be accurate or fit to those who will use the infrastructure.
 USER REQUIREMENTS ARE FREQUENTLY
CONSIDERED IN?

 Floor plan design

 Considering anthropometrics
 Considering the client’s perception
 Those who will use the house, building, or infrastructure
TIME TO HAVE CLARIFICATION
ABOUT USER REQUIREMENTS.

Next:
perception of space
 PERCEPTION OF SPACE

Architects a key part in shaping the environment we all live in. It

requires a thorough understanding of current needs to
successfully develop spaces just as it needs visionary thinking to
anticipate future ones.
 Several research fields have meaningful insights which may
contribute to our understanding of the way humans perceive
different spaces and how the geometry of spaces 1 affects our 2
feelings. Neuroscience and cognitive psychology indicate towards
a connection between shapes of objects and feelings. Our
preference for objects has been shown to be influenced by many
factors including mere exposure, familiarity, symmetry, contrast,
complexity, and perceptual fluency (Zajonc, 1968; Winkielman,
Schwarz et al., 2002; Hekkert, 2006). "Perceptual fluency", or
"high fluency", means that the more fluently perceivers can
process an object, the more positive their aesthetic response.
 VIRTUAL SPACES

Planning and deciding over the specific geometry of spaces was

complex, as these spaces are not only a platform for the examinee
but an integral subject of examination by itself. In order to
examine aesthetic judgment towards orthogonal versus curved
shapes, and simple symmetrical versus complex unsymmetrical
shapes, we chose to build four types of spaces with similar
proportions to be the setup of the experiment
• (1) Square symmetrical space (Sq).
• (2) Round domed space or half a sphere, symmetrical (Ro).
• (3) Sharp edged space, tilted surfaces (walls, ceiling),
unsymmetrical (Sh).
• (4) Curvy space with rounded smooth surfaces (with no
corners), unsymmetrical (Cu).
 The idea was to examine two pairs of spaces: shape of a square
and a shape of a sphere were compared to complex forms with
breaks and curves. They also differentiate by their symmetry (two
symmetrical forms versus two unsymmetrical forms). Openness
and room proportions are matters of relevancy (Franz, von der
Heyde et al., 2005) and should be dealt with in another separate
experiment. Nevertheless, in order to perform an optimal
comparison.
A space too small might create an automat feeling of suffocation,
while a space too large might create discomfort or immediate
excitement. As such, all spaces designed to be approximately the
same size. Proportions of an average sized auditorium were
chosen: a floor of 12 X 12 meters, and ceiling over the height of 6-
8 meters. In addition, we had to refer to the difference between an
interpersonal objective and perceived distance (Gifford, 1983). In
order to do so, we have entered the reference of a chair. Volumes
were designed to be colourless (monochromatic), soundless, with
no objects (besides a chair).
 SPACE PERCEPTION AND ITS
IMPLICATION IN ARCHITECTURAL
DESIGN

Architecture, as the creator of space, is the one to give physical form

to this concept. This is why before creating it, we must, first of all,
understand how we see space, how we perceive it. Thus, the last
decades can be considered to have been an effervescent period
during which architects and psychologists alike have been
attempting to link architecture with the psychology of the individual,
- seen as the user of these spaces.
Perception is the first step we take when interacting with space. It
is the interface, our first contact with the surrounding
environment. This is why, in a study, which is attempting to
establish a relationship between the individual and their,
environment, it becomes essential to identify what perception
really is and how can this process influence our interconnection
with space - as users and as designers, as well.
 ANY QUESTIONS?

BANLUTA
DE LUNA
ELMIDO