Small-space studies
A small space can be studied through movement, daylight and the arrangement of everyday objects.
Illustrative diagram; not a measured or manufacturing drawing.
A useful record explains what was observed and how it was observed.
- Define
State the reference and the purpose of the comparison. - Observe
Clear circulation makes a layout easier to use. - Record
Keep the conditions and observations together. - Review
Separate the result from the assumptions used to interpret it.
01. Establishing a reference
A small space can be studied through movement, daylight and the arrangement of everyday objects. Clear circulation makes a layout easier to use. A useful working note records the context and the purpose of the study. Keep the details that explain what was noticed, and distinguish them from ideas that emerged later.
Clear circulation makes a layout easier to use. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.
02. Describing the setup
Daylight changes throughout the day. When revisiting a series of observations, begin with the original context. Record the order of the work and keep the first descriptions alongside any later interpretation.
Daylight changes throughout the day. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.
03. Reading the first observation
The next pass through small-space studies focuses on comparison. Storage can be considered alongside the activities of a room. Look for the relationships between the details and retain enough context for another reader to understand the study.
Storage can be considered alongside the activities of a room. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.