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The Influence of Spatial Proportion on Occupant Comfort in Residential Buildings

Abstract

Spatial proportion is an important architectural consideration that influences how occupants perceive, use, and experience residential spaces. The relationship between room length, width, height, volume, and openings can affect physical comfort, visual perception, ventilation, daylighting, privacy, and the overall sense of spaciousness. In residential buildings, where occupants spend substantial periods of their daily lives, appropriate spatial proportions can contribute to healthier and more comfortable living environments. Understanding these relationships is therefore important for developing residential spaces that respond effectively to occupants' physical and psychological needs. This study examines the influence of spatial proportion on occupant comfort in residential buildings, focusing on how variations in room dimensions and spatial relationships affect users' experiences. The research considers factors such as room width-to-length ratio, ceiling height, room volume, circulation space, furniture arrangement, and the relationship between interior spaces and external openings. It also examines how different proportions influence thermal, visual, functional, and psychological aspects of residential comfort. The study investigates the relationship between spatial proportion and environmental performance. Room dimensions can influence the distribution of daylight, the movement of air, and the accumulation or dissipation of heat within interior spaces. Tall spaces may encourage vertical air movement, while excessive room depth may reduce daylight penetration and natural ventilation in areas distant from windows. Appropriate proportions can therefore support passive environmental strategies while improving the usability and comfort of residential interiors. The research further considers the psychological and functional dimensions of spatial proportion. The scale and proportion of rooms can influence perceptions of openness, privacy, enclosure, intimacy, and spatial quality. Different household activities require different spatial configurations, and the relationship between room dimensions and furniture placement can affect movement and functionality. Cultural preferences, household size, lifestyle, and patterns of domestic activities may also influence occupants' perceptions of appropriate residential proportions. The findings are expected to provide useful information for architects, housing developers, planners, and designers seeking to create residential environments that support occupant comfort. The study may identify spatial characteristics that contribute to improved thermal conditions, daylight availability, ventilation, functionality, and psychological satisfaction. It may also highlight the importance of balancing spatial efficiency with adequate room dimensions, particularly in contexts where land availability and housing affordability place pressure on residential space. Ultimately, the study aims to establish a clearer understanding of how spatial proportion influences occupant comfort in residential buildings. By examining physical dimensions, environmental performance, functional requirements, and psychological perceptions, the research contributes to the development of more human-centred residential design approaches. The findings can support evidence-based decisions regarding room proportions and spatial organization while encouraging architects to consider occupant comfort as an essential component of residential architectural quality.

Keywords: Spatial proportion, Occupant comfort, Residential buildings, Spatial design, Room dimensions, Interior space, Thermal comfort, Visual comfort, Natural ventilation, Daylighting, Spatial perception, Residential architecture, Human-centred design, Housing quality.