Architecture is generally conceived, designed and built in response to the existing set of conditions. These conditions may be purely functional in nature or may vary according to the social, political and economical context around it. These existing set of conditions are less than satisfactory and the new set of conditions are desirable. Thus creating “architectural design making process”.
Design process starts by countering the problems that are faced by an user with existing set of conditions and is evolved in phases according to the requirement of the user.
Following are some pre-eminent features that are considered while design a house plans.
1.BEST USE OF AVAILABLE SPACE
Spaces must be designed in such a way that the most of the area is utilized according to the technical requirements as well as site conditions. Also, activities are designed in such a way that they create a rich user experience. Keeping in mind the minimum standard dimensions of particular activity or space; one should always look for a barrier free spaces as it affects visual as well as psychological impact.
2.EFFECTIVE USE OF SPACE
Spaces should be designed in such a way that the circulation of any space is not hampered and at the same time the area on which spaces needs to be designed is not wasted.
design house plans
3.SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS
While designing a house plan spatial relationship is one of the foremost features to be dealt with. Depending upon the requirement of the house/user, it is important to understand the spatial relationship of different spaces that need to be designed. There are different fundamental ways like ‘space within a space’, ‘adjacent space’, ‘spaces linked by a common space’ to describe spatial relationships.
Predominantly nowadays, while design house plans, some spaces like toilets and storage spaces etc. are designed as space within a space; attaining the privacy factor and functionality as well as space-saving factor.
Some spaces like bedrooms or living and bedroom may have similar or different kind of nature but require different spaces, so are designed as adjacent spaces.
In a standard online home plan, spaces like kitchen and bedrooms are linked by designing of a common space like living room or dining area, thus retaining the nature of the either spaces.
4.CIRCULATION
The path of our movement can be conceived as the perceptual thread that links the spaces of a building i.e., internal or external spaces, together. Circulation of a house should be designed as flexible, comfortable and guiding depending upon the requirements.
i. Approach
There could be different type of approached too a building depending upon the site conditions and the user requirements. It can be a frontal approach or oblique or a spiral approach.
ii. Entrance
Entering a building, a room within a field of exterior space, involves the act of penetrating a vertical plane that distinguishes one space from another. Entrance can be designed as per the requirements in any shape, size and form. Normally a central entry is preferred as it creates a strong balance. Also, entry to a space is defined by the path on which it is designed.
iii. Path-Space relationship
In general, the online house plan are designed using two basic fundamentals of path-space relationship viz., ‘pass through space’s and ‘pass by spaces’.
Normally, living rooms and dining area are generally pass-through spaces because of their semi-public nature; as one can pass and approach to other spaces of the house through these spaces.
Bedrooms are generally pass by spaces linked by passages or living room because of their private nature. Bedrooms cannot act a mediating element between two public or semi-public spaces.
5.DEGREE OF ENCLOSURE
The degree of enclosure as suggested by the name has visual and psychological impact. It is mainly defined by the placement of the walls and openings into them. More the openings, less will be the degree of enclosure.
In a typical online house plan, spaces like living rooms, dining and kitchen require less degree of enclosure. Bedrooms require moderate degree of enclosure while toilets require high degree of enclosure to maintain the privacy.
Also, degree of enclosure majorly depends upon the dimensions of a space with respect to its height. So, in terms of standard house design, it is always recommended to refer standard minimum dimensions for a room of a particular activity.
6.OPENINGS AND LIGHT
“Architecture is the masterly, correct and magnificent play of masses brought together in light. Our eyes are made to see the forms in light; light and shade reveal these forms” said by Architect Le Corbusier.
Every space requires a minimum amount of natural light which helps it to illuminate aesthetically as well as functionally. A door, window or an opening helps to achieve this and bring the light into the space.
Openings can be located centrally or along the corner or off-centred etc. Again, depending upon the site conditions, user requirements and space requirements; an opening should be designed while planning of the house to enhance the natural light level within the space.
The behaviour of this natural light can be controlled by introducing chajjas or the projections that are designed while the planning process. It can also be controlled by introducing natural vegetation like trees and plants around the house plan which will in short act as a buffer for the rooms and the exterior spaces.
7.VASTU PRNCIPLES
Vastushastra is an ancient science which is foundation of many ancient structures throughout India. It tells about the accurate placement of activities in relation with the atmosphere or environment around us. It basically tells to inhabit in such a way that it is in co-ordination with the nature.
These are some of the best features that should be considered while design house plans. Some of these parameters may or may not be considered while designing depending upon the social, political and economical conditions of the site surroundings. Briefly, while planning a house, spaces are designed according to the priority of the activities they going to host as per user and site requirements.
