RAS102, PROJECT 2 “ Back to the Original ” Food and Space Kiosk

Port Dickson/Lukut offers some unique style of architecture. These heritage areas have been a melting pot of different people, cultures, races and religions. The uniqueness of these cities need to be observed and appreciated. Street eatery and food stalls are considered as a part of the traditions in Malaysia over all and more specific in George Town/Port Dickson.

Ergonomics and anthropometrics are the highly technical methodologies which lie behind what we strive to achieve – creating living and working spaces which fit the needs of their inhabitants.

There’s science as well as art in architecture. Ergonomics is a scientific discipline which studies human abilities and limitations and applies this learning to improve people’s interaction with products and environments. We’ve all heard about ergonomics in relation to office furniture and other (allegedly) posture-improving accessories, but the science equally applies to building’s design.

If a workplace isn’t well-designed to maximise user-comfort and efficiency, it’s been shown to result in lower productivity, more absenteeism due to illness, plummeting staff morale and motivation and increased staff turnover. To illustrate it simply, office desks are made to a standard height; office workers are not.

How do we measure human abilities and limitations?

That’s where anthropometrics comes in.

The word derives from the Greek, anthropos (human), and metron (measure).

Measuring the dimensions and capabilities of the human body allows designers – architects – to adapt buildings to fit people rather than requiring people to adapt to buildings.

Anthropometry falls into two main strands:

Static – the measurement of body sizes at rest

Functional – the measurement of the body’s ability to complete tasks, reaching, moving, interacting with spaces

While average measurements are useful, and building regulations provide standard requirements, we’re always mindful that one size certainly doesn’t fit all.

People with mobility issues, wheelchair users, the very young and the considerably older may have specific requirements which we will take into account.

Good accessibility and ease of maneuvering around the building inform our thoughts about room sizes, corridors and corners, stairways, and lifts and ramps if necessary.

What is ANTHROPOMETRICS?

The study of the human body and its movement, often involving research into measurements relating to people.

It also involves collecting statistics or measurements relevant to the human body, called Anthropometric Data.

What is ERGONOMICS?

The study of people and their relationship with the environment around them.

When anthropometric data (measurements/statistics) is applied to a product, e.g. measurements of the hand are used to design the shape and size of a handle, this is ergonomics.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME:

Able to design a small structure using the understanding of principle and element of design and building construction.

Able to elaborate the understanding of principle of design and building construction through presentation drawings.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

To enhance students’ ability in designing a creative small structure (identity for Penang Malaysia) with the understanding of human physiology, sensitive on correct anthropometrics, ergonomics and comfort factors within the heritage site.

To further develop students’ understanding on materials, technology and construction technicality of a small functioning space structure.

TASK & REQUIREMENTS:

Students are to design a food kiosk that serve any type of Malaysian traditional food within the heritage sites of George Town & at the Port Dickson waterfront or equivalent.

The student should design a kiosk with dimensions not exceed 3000mm (l) X 3000mm (w) X3000 mm (h).

The drawing should be organized and arranged on ONE (1) A2 board with proper format. (Portrait orientation).

The kiosk can be an improvement of the existing food stall. It can be applied on any location with proper justification and connection to the heritage area in George Town or the waterfront area in Port Dickson.