Rengel + Nussbaumer, Chapter 1

Fig. 1- A folding table saves space. 

When reading Chapter One of The Interior Plan by Rengel, I was surprised to learn that one must think about the microscale of design. I had never heard of that term, yet I understand it because I have already put microscale details to work in my projects. The textbook even mentioned to, "start becoming aware of your surroundings at the microlevel." To me, becoming aware of details at a microlevel means noticing small spaces and notches that can ultimately be used for peoples needs. For example, when people live in small apartments or homes, there is a lack of storage space and a lack of separation. However, these spaces can be extremely efficient at cutting spending and unnecessary possessions. Designers have now taken these factors into account when creating spaces such as small studio apartments. Furniture can now be tucked into the wall or can be used for multiple activities (Fig. 1). Uncommon and artful dividers are upcoming due to the lack of separation of activities in this living area (Fig. 2, Fig. 3). Storage has also changed, in that, a piece of furniture includes space for storage (Fig. 4). Many different solutions have been proposed to this issue of more and more people cramped for space. This shows how paying attention to details at the microlevel can have an immense impact for the client and his or her usage of the space.

Fig. 2- A divider separates the entry and kitchen. 

Fig. 3- A divider separates two different bedrooms.

Fig. 4- Built-in storage in this bed helps save space. 

Fig. 5- A collaboration space in an office is a soicofugal space.

When reading Chapter One of Human Factors in the Built Environment, it was interesting to me that the way spaces are organized can greatly influence activities in the space. I had no idea that fixed-feature, semi-fixed-features, and informal (nonfixed space) were words that are used to describe a space. Fixed-featured spaces, like kitchens and bathrooms, are specifically designed for a function due to its immovable finishes, applicances, and fixtures. Semi-fixed-features pertain to moveable furniture and objects. A living room or dining room, mostly contain moveable furniture allowing for soicofugal space or sociopetal space. Sociofugal encourages interaction with people (Fig. 5), while sociopetal is the exact opposite (Fig. 6). Arranging furniture at right angles has been a common solution to encourage social interaction between people! I had no idea furniture arranging could be this in depth. Informal or nonfixed spaces relates to the spatial experience between people to people. This delves into distance zones, which when giving thought can be an excellent tool to manipulate social interaction.

Fig. 6- A private space for meditation is a sociopetal space