Human Anthropometry And Space Needs

Housing And Space Management 3(2+1)

Lesson 11 : Ergonomics In The Home

Human Anthropometry And Space Needs

  • The “word ‘anthropometry’ means measurement of human body. It is derived from the Greek words anthropos (‘man”) and metron (“measure”).
  • Anthropometry is the science of dealing with measurement of the human body to determine differences in individuals, groups etc.
  • The dimensions of the human body refer to actual measurements of body parts, e.g. the length of an arm or the width of a foot. No two people have exactly the same dimensions but all fit into one of three categories-depending on the dimensions as small, medium and large.
  • Today, anthropometry plays an important role in product design, clothing design, product design, furniture design, building design etc., where statistical data about the distribution of body dimensions in the population are used to optimize product sizes.

Anthropometric measurements: These also are used to develop standards for human clearances and maneuvering space between pieces of furniture or human body in Static and Dynamic body posture.

Static (structural) anthropometry is the measurement of body sizes at rest. Ex: standing, sitting, sleeping. It measures the distance of body between joint centers; includes some soft tissues that covers our bodies - muscle, fat, skin. This data is useful to assess the space required for any person in different static posture.

Dynamic (functional) anthropometry: It is the functional anthropometry where distances are measured when the body is in motion or engaged in a physical activity. This includes reach and clearance of the person in while performing the work. Ex: Mopping, Washing utensils, This includes: reach (e.g. could be arm plus extended torso) clearance.

Anthropometric data helps all those involved with the physical planning of house, detailing of interiors, kitchen work counters, furniture and product design.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 12 June 2012, 10:48 AM