Roominess

Housing And Space Management 3(2+1)

Lesson 09 : Principles Of Planning – I

Roominess

It is the spacious effect a room gives to those who live in. The available space should be made use effectively and efficiently. One can have built – in wall cupboard, shelves and storage area so that the floor of the room is left free from various activities. The same way the space under the staircase, window sill, area below the ceiling (attic) can be made use of storage. In addition the size and shape of the room, the furniture arrangement as well as the colour scheme used, have a bearing over the roominess of the house. In planning space, designer deals with length, width and height. Height of man is the real measure. i.e., eye level, minimum reach, maximum reach, length of body in sit, sleep and stand etc.

These determine height of the door, windows, length of bed, width of sitting furniture, position of cupboards, loft / attic etc.
The spacious feeling is influenced by adequate proportion of length, width and height of room.

Roominess is opposite to cramped ness. If the length of the room exceeds 1 ½ times of its width, it produces the cramped effect. A square room is less convenient as compared to rectangular rooms of same area i.e 10’ x 10’ = 100 sqft. or 8 1/2’ x 12’ = 102 sqft

Less width with more length will cause a tunnel effect.
Position of door, windows for natural lighting, built in cabinets, utility of space below staircase etc colour treatment of the flooring, walls, ceilings etc causes’ changes in effect.
Light colours for walls, floors and ceilings make the room look big and spacious than small rooms.
Large furniture in small rooms, makes the room looks overcrowded
Furniture pieces and location with reference to doors, windows should be uninterrupted.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 3 April 2012, 11:25 AM