The basic objective of planning of buildings is to arrange all the units according to their functional requirements. This has to be achieved making best use of the space available. The plan has to be prepared based on the factors such as climatic conditions, location of site, accommodation requirements, surrounding environment, local bylaws, etc.
In general, the principles detailed below are the factors which are to be considered in planning of buildings:
- Aspect
- Prospect
- Privacy
- Grouping
- Roominess
- Furniture requirements
- Sanitation
- Flexibility
- Circulation
- Elegance
- Economy
- Practical considerations.
Aspect
Aspect means location of doors and windows in a building so as to allow the occupants of the building to enjoy the natural gifts such as sunshine, breeze, scenery, etc. The aspect is also important from the hygienic point of view.
Prospect
Prospect is the impression the building gains by an outside observer. This includes projections wherever needed, disposition of doors and windows, concealment of some parts which may distract the view, etc. Both prospect and aspect concerned with disposition of doors and windows properly. As a matter of fact, for the sake of either seeing or hiding certain views, window sites play a vital role.
Privacy
Privacy plays a major role in planning of all the buildings and residential buildings in particular. In privacy, two factors have to be considered, viz., (i) privacy of one room from another and (ii) privacy of building from outside.
Privacy of the first factor is taken care of by carefully planning the building with respect to grouping, disposition of doors, provision of corridor or lobby, etc. Temporarily privacy can also be attained by providing screens and curtains.
Privacy from the second factor is easily attained by carefully planning the entrance and steering it with greeneries.
Privacy is particularly needed in bed rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, etc.
Grouping
Grouping is concerned with the positioning of the rooms keeping in view their functions and connected sequence of operations. For example, in a residential building, dining room must be closer to the kitchen. Similarly, in a hospital building, the administrative department should be centrally located.
Roominess
Roominess is concerned with the deriving of maximum benefit from the minimum dimensions of a room. It is the economical way of using a space with maximum benefit without any cramping of the place. In general, in a residential building a large storage space is required.
Furniture Requirement
The utilization of a room or a space is solely based on the furniture requirements. This is a crucial factor that has to be considered mainly in non-residential buildings. In residential building also adequate care has to be taken before selecting proper furniture for hall, bed room, etc.
Sanitation
Sanitation comprises of providing ample light, ventilation and facilities for cleaning and sanitary conveniences. Light plays a dual role. Firstly it illuminates and secondly, it is needed for maintaining hygiene. For all buildings, good lighting is necessary. Light is provided through windows and ventilators.
Ventilation is the supply of outside air, either by intention or by infiltration into the building. Good ventilation is a must for a conductive living inside a building. Ventilation may be provided naturally or mechanically. However, poor ventilation should be avoided as it may produce headache, sleepiness, inability to fix attention, etc.
Apart from light and ventilation, general cleaning and upkeep of the building is the responsibility of the occupants. Particularly prevention of dust accumulation is essential. Sanitary conveniences in a building include provision of bathrooms, lavatories, etc., and their cleanliness.
Flexibility
Flexibility means that a planned and designed room or space should be in a position to be used for other purposes at the time of need. This is particularly important for designing the houses for middle class families. For example, a well-planned house within a small space must provide various activities such as a hall, a sit-in, child’s study, etc.
Circulation
Circulation means easy movement horizontally without ups and downs. However, stairs may be provided for vertical circulation. Passages, Corridors, halls and lobbies serve the purpose of horizontal circulation.
As a general rule, the circulation area should be straight, sufficiently lighted and well ventilated to achieve efficiency, comfort and convenience.
Elegance
Elegance is the effect produced by the elevation and general layout of the plan. Elevation should be elegant and signify the type of building and the interior facilities which could be expected from the building.
Economy
Although economy does not come under the purview of planning, it is evidently a factor to be seriously considered. The economy may restrict the liberties of the owner and may require some alterations and omissions in the original place. However, economy should not have any adverse effect on the utilities and safety of the structure.
Practical Considerations
The factors, which need practical considerations, include strength and stability of structure, simplicity of plan and design, a long life, and provisions for expansion with less cost.
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