Anthropometric Data
Anthropometric Data is the study which involves the huma n body and its related movements in a given space, and it is about measuring and researching into bodily measurements relating to people. It involves collecting statistics and measurements related to the human body.
Anthropometry (roots from the Greek word “anthropos” m eans “human”, and “metron” which means “measure”) refers to the measurement of the individual human being. Anthropometry involves the system atic measurement of the phy sical properties of the human body, primarily dimensional descriptors of body size and shape.-Wikipedia.
The role anthropometry plays in our lives today can be seen in industrial design, clothing design, ergonomics, architecture and Interio r Design. Statistical data is useful to understand the distribution of body dimensions so as to optimize produ cts and their utility value. The chang e of the century has seen drastic change s in patterns of food habits and lifestyles, which has majorly impacted the ph ysiological composition of the huma n body proportions (e.g. obesity , child obesity, etc.), and this in turn requires regular updating of anth ropometric data records.
Say for instance large scale furniture manufacturers design their products according to the height and measurements of the so-called average man, when in fact he doesn’t exist. People at large have been exposed to this large scale fallacy of design from times unknown.
In the hands of the Interior Designer, Anthropometrics is a useful tool by means of which he work s out the measurements of furniture , how high it should be or low it can g o, to what extent an individual male or female may live and attain optimal comfort. There are important factors to be considered when design ing circulation spaces, sofas, cabinet s or joinery, working furniture and accessible spaces to maximize the useer comfort in the given interior enviro nment. These anthropometric measurements are taken as per the individ uals inhabiting that space and the drawings are prepared of the people while they are performing various functions and movements.
Important consideration s are to be given to office spaces an d furniture in the work place as we spend maximum time at work. Next in line come bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. Restaurants also have to be carefully designed keeping Anthropometric data in mind as there should be free movement space betwe en tables for waiters to circulate aro und with loaded trays in hand.
Now let us come back a little to the home front. If anyone is designing kitchen cabinets and the kitchen working countertop, the height of the house lady will have to be borne in mind. When designing b ook shelves and other furniture for the house, the eye level of the people livi ng in has to be taken into consideration . If it’s a family of genetically tall or short people then that factor is impor tant to incorporate.
Similarly while designing the dining table or study table, the standard height of the table and chairs will have to be customized to suit the needs of the client. On the other hand if it’s a family of relatively large people then the passages outside ro oms or kitchens will have to be more accommodating in width.Families that house elderly people or in some cases physically disabled people, must keep customized record of anthropometric data. Special handles can be fixed at intervals to aid their movement which has to be according to their meas urements. Anthropometric data helps to establish the perfect relationship between user and space for optimal comfort and synchronization.
