Module 2-Annotated Biblios-Part II

Lang, Jon.  "Anthropometrics and Ergonomics" In Creating Architectural Theory:  The Role of Behavioral Sciences in Architectural Design, 126-134.  New York:  Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1987.

In this chapter, Lang presents the terms of Anthropometrics and Ergonomics and the considerations that help define each.  Lang defines Anthropometrics is the study of human dimensions, capabilities, and limitations, while Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between people and machines.

Lang gives us the history of these studies and where the needs for the use of such information arose from.  Human Comfort, Safety, and All-Inclusive Design are what factors environmental designers have  considered of great importance in their work, and anthropometrical data, along with ergonomic response can achieve these points.

• Specific factors or considerations include:  Human Metabolic Processes (HVAC), Lighting Levels, Color Use, Audible Quality, Human Behavior and Personality, and Barrier Free Design.
• Physiological Comfort and Activity Type are interrelated and depend on one another for efficiency.
• We must remember that we cannot design for every individual specifically, but consider the most diverse user groups possible.  Use of anthropometrical data for ergonomic design is not absolute, as we can see in Weber's piece "Manufacturing Gender in Commercial and Military Cockpit Design."
• It is important to revisit Anthropometrical Data often and recognize that social and cultural environments can affect people's experience of space.  How does our socioeconomic condition affect our willingness to demand better fit and change, as Lang suggests, and how much does how we grew up and how we interact with others decide what we accept for ourselves?
• Lang also mentions the ease of performing activities in our environment as well as the importance that we be challenged.  I love this.  It should not always be so easy.

 

Julius Panero and Martin Zelnik, "Anthropometric Theory."  In Human Dimension and Interior Space:  A Source Book of Design Reference Standard,  23-36.  New York:  Whitney Library of Design, 1979.

The authors of this book, Panero and Zelnik, have compiled a historical reference of Anthropometry here in Chapter one, which repeats the same point Weber does in her article "Manufacturing Gender in Commercial and Military Cockpit Design" which is that it became more popular around WWII and that the military accounts for the most common use of such data.  They also illustrate the complexity of the gathering of the data and the factors that one must consider.

• Anthropometry is defined here as "the science dealing with the measurement of the human body to determine differences in individuals, groups, etc." 
• Factors to consider when measuring the body;  age, gender, race, occupation, cultural background and ethnicity, socioeconomics (e.g. nutrition availability.)
• Compiled data is most accurately organized using a "Frequency Histrogram," which shows that the data is somewhat predictable, with the highest percentages(the so-called "average" measurement) compiled in the center column resembling a bell shape.  The extremes on each end are dropped.

How reliable is the data?  When you consider the complexity the factors listed here add to the data collected, it is not a perfect system, but a good starting point.  This is why it is important for designers to KNOW THEIR CLIENTS.

I would love for Panero and Zelnik to update this book based on more recent data.  Here in the US, with immigration, economics, and nutrition alone as factors since the 1970s, it would be interesting to see where the adjustments we see are needed in our built environment.

Ulrich, Roger S.  "How Design Impacts Wellness." The Healthcare Forum Journal (1992):  20-25.

When it comes to heath care facilities, one often thinks of functionality, security and cleanliness as the main guiding factors for design, but in this article, Ulrich presents the positive link between "good design" considerations and the physiological, emotional and psychological wellness of patients.  He points out negative effects of stress can have on all clients in these facilities including patients, as well as nurses, staff, and visitors.  (let us face it, happy nurse/staff = happy patient = happy visitors = happy administrators.)  Aspects of the physical environment such as poor signage, harsh lighting, glare, and certain colors can bring a degree of stress particularly to those who are advanced in age, resulting in a feeling of less control, frustration and anger.  More attention on the proper implementation of these design elements, as well as thought given to what will enhance one's experience of the space will benefit the user. 

• Sense of control-The more autonomous and independent we can be, even with small details like volume control on TV, the better we feel.
• Nature-Nature scenes (both through a window or through artwork) have been considered calming to both patients and visitors in healthcare facilities.
• Support-The opportunity to be social, and to feel supported by loved ones and staff/personnel has been shown to benefit wellness levels of patients and the comfort of loved ones. 
• Positive distractions-When one experiences variety from the everyday routine during hospital stay may indeed have a positive influence on healing.

Ulrich has presented ideas here that one would not immediately challenge, but there needs to be more support for such suggestions as "Nature is restorative."  "Nature" is a broad term, and what of the facilities located in urban areas? 

Similar ideas, it should be noted, have been explored by the Planetree Movement which was founded in 1978 by Angelica Thieriot.