Space Planning Basics

by Mark Karlen

Space planning involves much more than sketching a preliminary floor plan. A designer must take a client's programming needs into account and must also consider how other factors such as building codes and environmental factors affect a spatial composition. Space Planning Basics, now in its Third Edition, offers a highly visual, step-by-step approach to developing preliminary floor plans for commercial spaces. The book provides tools for visualizing space and walks the designer through other considerations such as building code requirements and environmental control needs. Specific programming techniques covered include matrices, bubble diagrams, CAD templates, block plans, and more. New to this edition are coverage of the basics of stair design, an essential aspect for planning spaces.

Genres: Interior Design, Architecture, Design, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[Kristi]

It is definitely Basic. I didn't really gain anything from this, but the activities look like they would be very helpful for a beginning student. Overall the book is fine if you're a beginner, but I didn't find any of the information really useful or in-depth at all.

[Rachelle]

Space Planning Basics... this is a good introduction into bubble diagrams, block diagrams, and loose hand sketching. It provides useful tips in creating Adjacency Matrix and how to group like rooms together for function and acoustics. Beginning designers in school, reference this book for a good basis of knowledge. It does provide a limited explanation of AutoCAD drafting using computer software, but CAD is better taught in person or with a specific book tailored to CAD.