CHAPTER 5
SPACE ORGANIZATION
DG 1110-3-112 May 1979
5-1 GENERAL.
This chapter describes space organization principles that may be employed in the development and
review of designs. A principle is defined here as a rule exemplified in the organization and layout of a
building design, after the space requirements have been established as discussed in Chapter 2,
paragraph 2-5. Principles are described in this chapter in relation to the following. general design
sequence.
a. ESTABLISH AFFECTS OF THE SITE. Principles concerning site topography, climate, size and
shape, orientation, etc., will determine the general configuration and location of the building on the site.
b. ESTABLISH BASIC SPATIAL ORGANIZATION. The site constraints together with the overall
mission and desired image of the ACES Center will help establish the scheme of spatial organization
best suited to an individual project.
c. DEVELOP FUNCTIONAL LAYOUT. Principles concerning functional adjacency, circulation,
control, acoustics, etc., will determine the location of spaces within the basic configuration.
d. DEVELOP STRUCTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT MODULES. Principles con-
cerning mechanical zoning, ceiling height, structural loading, modularity, and maintenance will
determine adjustments to the building layout needed to make the facility habitable and constructible.
e. DEVELOP CONCEPT FLOOR PLAN.
5-2 PRINCIPLES RELATED TO SITE CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
a. ORGANIZE SPACES IN RELATION TO THE SIZE, SHAPE AND ORIENTATION OF THE
SITE. Based on the maximum coverage of the site desired, the building may be single-story or
multi-story. Space organization must also consider the orientation of the site which will tend to
determine the locations that will provide views and natural lighting or that will require protection against
sun and glare.
b. ORGANIZE SPACES TO FIT INTO THE NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY. Existing ground forms,
trees and other site features should be preserved insofar as is reasonably possible. At the same time
the space organization must function efficiently both indoor and outdoor. For example, a sloping site
may suggest a split-level facility to preserve natural features, while access for the physically
handicapped from parking areas into the building may require grading to reduce slopes in certain
areas. Spaces should be organized to take advantage of existing views.
c. ORGANIZE SPACES SO THAT THEY MAY BENEFIT FROM NATURAL WARMING AND
COOLING EFFECTS. Where possible, building forms, courtyards, earth mounds, vegetation and
trees should be provided to capture or direct air movement as well as to control the effects of the sun.
5-1
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