Architecture is building design done by humans for use by humans. Thus, humans play the most important role in building design and anthropometry is a concept in architecture which emphasises this importance. This concept ensures that buildings are practical, functional and operationally efficient. Keep reading to understand the anthropometry definition, why it is important, how anthropometry in architecture is applied and standard dimensions for anthropometry in residential architecture.
What is Anthropometry?
The word ‘anthropometry’ is derived from the two Greek words ‘anthro’ (meaning human) and ‘metron’ (meaning measure). It is the art and science of using human proportions, dimensions and geometry as a basis for architectural design. Anthropometry and ergonomics (the science of using human data to come up with optimised designs) are closely linked together and help in creating designs that offer the best functionality and efficiency for human use.
Why is Anthropometry in Architecture Important?
- Functionality: By incorporating studies of how humans move and use spaces, anthropometry in architecture ensures that buildings are constructed with optimal functionality. Every room is designed by analysing human behaviour and physical characteristics.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: A major component of anthropometry is to design spaces that can be easily used by specially-abled people, elderly people and other such vulnerable sections of society, thus assuring inclusivity and accessibility in architecture through human centred design.
- Social Connectivity: Architecture often includes buildings that are massive and do not emotionally connect with the human mind. However, anthropometry suggests ways to bring down such buildings to align with the human scale, ensuring that people are able to visually relate with them.
Evolution of Anthropometry in Architecture
Human measurements have been used as a basis for architectural design for numerous centuries. The ‘Vitruvian Man’—drawn by artist Leonardo da Vinci during the early 17th century—depicted human proportions set within a circle and square.
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However, the term ‘anthropology’ was coined much later by French anthropologist Alphonse Bertillon during the 19th century. He developed a system for using human proportions in various fields such as medicine and forensics. Prominent architect Le Corbusier was the first person to develop anthropometry in architecture specifically. His drawing of ‘Modulor Man’ or ‘Le Modulor’ depicts the dimensions of an anatomical man and has been widely used globally as a standard for architectural design.
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How is Human Anthropometry Used in Architecture?
- Planning: Every room size in architectural plans is determined based on the sizes required by a human for normal activities. For example, the capacity of an auditorium is determined based on the space required for each person to sit and the right type of lift is selected depending on how much space each person takes up while standing still.
- Circulation and Movement: Architectural designs are guided by how people move in a space while using it for particular functions For example, the kitchen triangle concept is based on kitchen anthropometry, while stages are designed on the basis of sizes required for dancing, singing or performing other activities.
- Ergonomics: The dimensions of every piece of furniture, storage, doors, windows and all other building components are determined by human proportions and dimensions.
Factors that Affect Human Scale in Architecture
The sizes, geometry and proportions of every human being differs. Some of the common factors that affect this differentiation are:
- Sex: Typically, men are considered to be taller and heavier than women.
- Age: The human body achieves its peak height only during the late teens. Human proportions also change with age. For example, the general proportion of the head with respect to the rest of the body is around 1: 8. However, children have larger heads and this proportion can vary between 1:3 and 1:7 during growth.
- Ethnicity: Body sizes can vary widely across nationalities, tribes and cultures. For example, the average height in Asia is around 165 cm, while in Europe it is around 175 cm.
Several other factors like occupation, fitness, health conditions, lifestyle, food habits and genetics can also have an impact on human proportions and dimensions. Thus, anthropometry ergonomics and standards can vary in different locations across the world.
Human anthropometry in architecture includes dimensions of two main types:
Structural Dimensions
Also referred to as ‘static dimensions’, these dimensions are obtained by taking measurements of humans when they are stationary. Some of the common sizes that are a part of this are:
- Body Height: Determines the size of doors, entryways, clear heights required for conventional ceilings, etc.
- Sitting Height: This dimension ascertains the optimal seat depth, height, type, angle of the backrest, armrests, cushioning, table heights, etc.
- Shoulder Breadth: Guides the seat width, walking/ sitting space required for one or more persons, and clear width required for different spaces like staircases, doors, etc.
Functional Dimensions
These refer to measurements taken when humans are performing specific activities, thus determining the space required for conducting such activities. A few common examples of functional dimensions are:
- Arm Reach: Determines the height or distance at which people can easily access storage cabinets, switch designs, dining tables, exercise equipment, etc.
- Working Height/ Type: Ascertains the optimal heights for cooking, eating, working and performing other routine functions.
- Eye Level: The eye level determines how far and high the eye can see and guides the design of elevations, spatial planning and all other visual elements of architecture.
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Residential Standards for Anthropometry in Architecture
Several international standards such as those set by the National Building Code (NBC- 2016) of India, Neufert Architects’ Data and Timesavers Standards are used in anthropometry. A few common guidelines set by these standards are as follows.
General Working Standards
- Minimum width for doors, staircases, corridors and other walking spaces: 675 mm
- Minimum clearance height (for doors and other openings): 1950 mm
- Minimum ceiling height: 2250 mm
- Standard ceiling height: 2850 mm – 3150 mm
- Normal seating height: 450 – 550 mm
- Table height (for eating and/ or working): 750 – 800 mm
- Typical seat depth: 400 – 500 mm
- Minimum seat width (for one person): 400 mm
- Minimum legroom: 300 mm
- Window sill height: 750- 900 mm
- Door and window lintel levels: 2100 mm
Wheelchair-Friendly Design Standards
- Length of wheelchair: 1000 – 1100 mm
- Width of wheelchair: 600 – 900 mm
- Minimum turning radius for a wheelchair: 1500 mm
- Maximum slope for ramps: 6%
- Minimum door clearance: 900 mm
Anthropometry and Human-Centric Design in Construction
Anthropometry in architecture is an important concept that guides functional, beautiful and efficient design. Brick & Bolt, a leading construction company in India, provides customised floor plans for its projects based on the study of anthropometry along with individual customer requirements. This has allowed the company to incorporate human-centric design in all its building projects. To ensure the use of anthropometry and human-centric design in the construction of your new home, get in touch with Brick & Bolt today!
Apoorva H P Achar 
Hemali Patel