Derived from the Greek words anthropos which means “human” and metron or “measure”, anthropometry (also called anthropometrics) is the study of human body measurements. It involves a person’s size, form, proportions, and sometimes our functional abilities are considered too. This anthropometric data is analyzed which then can be used in various situations, like for medical purposes, clothing production, architecture, and design in general.
As time evolved, anthropometrics has been used in more practical applications, especially in the fields of genetic research and workplace ergonomics. But the same way goes in the development of architecture. When it comes to planning the layout and overall design of a structure, human dimensions and the users’ capacities are crucial. Moreover, aside from the aesthetics and structural stability of buildings, architects and designers alike must also put into consideration the comfort of those who will be using or inhabiting the space.
Is the ceiling high enough for a person to stand without hitting their head? Are the passageways wide enough for people to walk through? Can a kid reach for the light switch? Will the mother be able to reach for her bowls kept in the overhead kitchen cabinets?
This is where anthropometrics take part.
There are building codes and handbooks that provide a set of standard requirements. The data used as reference in these guidelines are based on the average human body measurements of the population, as well as from studies about common human capacities. It generally works for everyone.
However, not all the given standard requirements are suitable for every user or occupant, which can cause discomfort and difficulty in doing a task. One could be too tall for the doorway, or the cabinet is too high for a shorter person to get stuff from. That is why anthropometrics play an important role here. If we are aware of the user’s certain needs and incapability, we must consider those when designing because the space should be specially made for them.
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Anthropometrics can also be associated with ergonomics, which is the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment. We can create a good ergonomic design with the help of anthropometric data. Let’s say for a work office space, as an example. Furniture manufacturers can build chairs and desks based on data about the average human body measurements so that the workers would feel much comfortable using that space, consequently being efficient at their work. Furthermore, this could help lessen the chances of getting health-related issues like severe back pains.
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