IDIAMM

Space association is more than just Tetris. I love space planning. I adore it. I find it to be one of the greatest challenges and problems to solve (I’m not a designer I’m a problem solver mindset).

Large buildings already established with main stair cores/lifts etc often sets the boundaries. My greatest love was to design 6-8+ decks for 100m+ o/l of bespoke super yachts from scratch with just a single line confirming the beam and length. From this there maybe a sketch profile to assist and you work the section and plans together thinking 2D/3D continuously to make it right -functionally and aesthetically.

Circulation horizontally and vertically was key.  it’s not just about putting rooms beside rooms beside rooms when every m/cm/mm counter for the correct SQM and for the ergonomics to work, it has to be more than that. You need to think about cross flow contamination (crew and guests shouldn’t pass where eve possible), but also how spaces can be multi functional and therefore being an even greater value to that area.

Taking this approach is a great mindset in buildings. You also have to really think about the functionality of a space and why. A restaurant/dining area is a great example of some many logistical things to consider. Yes there’s the clean-dirty plan journey, but the bigger picture of staff entrance exit, deliveries in and out, user entrance that has the hero shot moments and more, traffic flow and seating areas. No one wants to sit at a bar and see straight into a room full of boxes of food on a table waiting to be unpacked…

WCs are another great example where poor planning let’s things down in a student project. Always think about lobbies, line of sight and privacy. Never have it straight off of the dining room area….please.

When space planning, always wear different hats as you solidify your plan to make sure it works from a user experience, a staff member working, functioning, logistically able to be managed, a contractor from a “build perspective” and lastly as an owner from a financial perspective (do I have spaces that interconnect, day and night to generate money 24/7 x 365)?