Design Factors in a Modern Living or Working Space

Executive summary

The aim of this report is to outline the factors which should be taken into account in the design of a modern living or working space. The report discusses three factors related to design of an ideal office, Specifically Environmental, Affective and Practical factors. The report gives a number of recommendations, the main ones being:

• Allow natural airflow by using a cross ventilation system to create a fresh atmosphere.
• Decorate the office with Blue and Green colour to create a pleasant and productive atmosphere.
• Use fluorescent lights to create natural, warm or daylight colours of light to reduce eye tiredness and headache problems.

1. Introduction

The purpose of this report is to outline the factors which should be taken into account in the design of a modern living or working space, and to give recommendations regarding the ideal design of an office. It is written for Mr James Scott as part of the Academic English course requirements. The information was acquired through internet research and group discussion. Firstly, the report outlines the general factors related to design of a modern living or working space. Next, these factors are applied to the ideal design of an office. Subsequent to this, a conclusion is given followed by clear recommendations.

2.0 Design factors

There are three factors to take into account when designing a modern living or work space, Specifically Environmental, Affective and Practical considerations.

2.0.1 Environmental factors

Environmental factors relate to use of natural resource and the reduction of cost through the use of renewable energy sources. The ways to do this involve, Firstly, by using a cross ventilation design to keep living area cool, fresh and healthy. Secondly, by installing windows and doors on the east and west side, maximum natural light can be utilised. Third, by installing solar panel and photo-voltaic system, electricity can be generated for different purposes and its carbon free energy (Seminara, 2014). Hence, the use of natural resource in modern living or working space reduces pollution and energy consumption.

2.0.2 Affective factors

Affective factors are to do with interior design and decoration of living or working space that affect people’s mood and attitudes. According to Sanders (2014), arrangement of accessories and furniture affect the human moods. For instance, by keeping a small table with cheerful and colourful flowers and decorative container next to drink coaster can uplift mood and create pleasant and friendly environment. Moreover, decorating space with bright colours and LED rope light gives energy and relaxation (Taylor, 2013). To conclude, interior design and decoration of living and working can create a more comfortable space.

2.0.3 Practical factors

Practical factors in design are concerned with the health of humans. It includes aspects such as organic materials and comfortable chairs and desks. In order to reduce toxic gases in living or working space, organic materials should be used such as wood, wool, slate, cotton and gorgeous textiles (Gibson, 2013). Moreover, ergonomic chairs and desks should be used which gives relaxation and comfortable feeling. According to Aulenback (2013), proper adjustment of chair, desk dimensions and height of monitor can reduce back injuries and health risk of employees. In short, use ergonomic equipment and organic materials in modern design of living or working space is an important.

2.1 Designing an ideal office

Having outlined the above factors relating to general design, it is now necessary to apply them to the design of an office.

2.1.1 Environmental factors in an office design

Environmental factors in an office include energy reduction and natural ventilation. Regarding energy reduction, energy consumption can be reduced by using sunlight in the office environment, this affecting positive productivity and the moral of employees (Rayfield, 1997). As far as natural ventilation is concerned, a cross ventilation system would allow natural airflow throughout the office and corridors creating a fresh atmosphere in the office (Goodell, 2010). In short, low energy usage and natural ventilation would result in an eco-friendly office leading to increase productivity.

2.1.2 Affective factors in an office design

Affective factors in an office design would involve the use of appropriate colours and an interior furniture design that positively affects the mood, stress levels and behaviour of workers. Regarding colours, the office could include blue and green, the Blue and Green colour stimulate the minds of employees (Akkan Design, 2014). Concerning interior furniture design, work can be performed in an efficient and creative manner when round shaped furniture is used. This is confirmed by a 2013 study showing that when employees were seated at a curved shape desk they were more likely to engage in meeting. (Australian government Comcare, 2002). In conclusion, appropriate colours and interior furniture design of an office creates a pleasant and productive atmosphere.

2.1.3 Practical factors in an office design

Practical factors in an office design would include lighting and equipment, such as chairs and desks which affect the health of workers. Concerning lighting, use of fluorescent tubes in the office would provide different qualities of light, such as natural, warm or daylight colour. By using these, eyes tiredness and headache problems can be reduced (Hawary, 2011). Regarding desk design, a desk should have a smooth and flat surface, rounded corners and good access for the user’s legs. In addition, chairs should have different functions such as adjustment of height, rolling wheels and back tilt to reduce back pain problem (National Occupational Commission, 2011). Hence, proper lighting and comfortable chairs and desks are required to reduce health problems.

3. Conclusion

This report has outlined the factors relating to the design of a working or living space, Specifically Environmental, Affective and Practical aspects. It has also discussed the application of these factors in the ideal design of an office.

4.0 Recommendation

Having discussed the factors involved in designing a living or working space, Specifically Environmental, Affective and Practical factors. The following recommendations are given for the design of an ideal office.

Environmental factors

• Install windows on the west and east side to allow sunlight into the office.
• Allow natural airflow by using a cross ventilation system to create a fresh atmosphere.

Affective factors

• Decorate the office with Blue and Green colour to create a pleasant and productive atmosphere.
• Create a pleasant and friendly environment by keeping decorative container on desk.

Practical factors

• Use fluorescent lights to create natural, warm or daylight colours of light to reduce eye tiredness and headache problems.
• Fit comfortable desks which have smooth and flat surfaces and good access for user’s legs.
• Provide chairs with different functions, such as back tilt, rolling wheels and adjustment of height to reduce back pain problem.

5. Reference List

Akkan Design. (2014). How Colour Affects Mood in Office and Interior Design. Retrieved from http://www.akkan.com.au/index.php/Blogs/How-Colour-Affects-Mood-in-Office-and-Interior-Design

Aulenback, S. (2013). 6 Ways to fight fatigue while using your standing desk. Retrieved from http://deskhacks.com/reduce-standing-desk-fatigue/

Australian Government Comcare. (2002). Officewise. ISBN 1 921160 17 9 Retrieved from http://www.comcare.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/39570/Officewise_OHS1_Apr_10.pdf

Gibson, R. (2013). 10 Contemporary Elements that Every Home needs. Retrieved from http://freshome.com/2013/09/30/10-contemporary-elements-that-every-home-interior-needs/

Goodell, l. (2010). How to Create a Productive Office Environment. Retrieved from http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/05/create-productive-office-environment.html

Hawary, S. (2011). Lighting principles in interior design of management spaces. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1746322/lighting_principles_in_interior_design_of_managment_spaces

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission. (2011). Ergonomic Principles and Checklists for the Selection of Office Furniture and Equipment. ISBN 0 644 24516 6

Rayfield, J. K. (1997). The office Interior Design Guide. Retrieved from http://www.books.google.com.au

Sanders, A. (2014). How Does Room Decoration Affect Mood? Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4744309_room-decoration-affect-mood.html

Seminara, D. (2014). Eco Housing Design. Retrieved from http://www.dsarchitecture.com.au/eco-housing-principles.html

Taylor, J. (n.d). 8 Ways to Get Ambient Lighting. Retrieved from http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6794787/list/8-ways-to-get-ambient-lighting-just-right