The Fundamentals of Great Design: Movement + Organisation

Spatial planning is a key tool at the beginning of the design process.

By grouping similar or related functions and defining the sequence of rooms, this influences how we move and flow through the property. Inherently, we know that certain rooms require external walls for views, access, and light, for instance bedrooms require an openable window for fire escape. Secondary rooms like a utility room does not need daylight. Bathrooms ideally have a window for ventilation. The need for privacy might determine the location of a bedroom. These factors decide the organisational plan for the project.

Visual links and Hierarchy

Views within or through the space are sometimes called visual links, we use this visual information to orientate ourselves within a space and to understand where we can, and cannot go. For example, have you ever walked into a hall or corridor all of the doors are closed? You feel a bit disorientated, right? Because there is no hierarchy established within that space. Now let’s say one door at the end of the hall had a glass panel that allowed you to glimpse a seating area and the garden beyond. You would be drawn to that door, as you have an understanding of what the room contains and its importance in the overall design.