Architectural Design: Why Does Designing to Dimension Matter?

In architectural design, working to ergonomic design measurements is what lets people use a space comfortably and safely. Architectural design is based on the sciences of ergonomics and anthropometry. It puts people at the center of every field, from product design to interior design. In other words, it means designing with human dimensions in mind. A good designer always draws on ergonomic rules when planning a space.

Why does ergonomics matter in architectural design?

Spaces exist to serve people. So they need to fit human dimensions. Random dimensions cause proportion problems and give the design a disjointed look. For example, a counter that is too high or a narrow corridor is uncomfortable even with the finest materials.

In short, a designer should know the dimensions that let people feel comfortable in a space and do their tasks easily. Instead of thinking through every dimension from scratch, using accepted measurements also makes the job much easier. Below we have gathered the ones we use most often.

Designing a kitchen to dimension: ergonomic rules

The kitchen is where dimension mistakes are felt fastest. We spend a large part of the day working there on our feet and constantly moving.

• Countertop height: The distance from the floor to the top of the countertop is usually between 90 and 95 cm.
• Base cabinet and plinth: Excluding the countertop, the base cabinet carcass and plinth together should be at least 87 cm. Otherwise a built-in dishwasher will not fit.
• Depth: A countertop depth of 60–65 cm is ideal. Besides ergonomics, the standard sizes of appliances also decide this dimension.
• Plinth: So that your feet do not hit the base cabinet, the plinth sits 3–4 cm back from the cabinet front. Also choose a plinth material that resists moisture and comes off easily.
• Between countertop and wall cabinet: This distance should be at least 58 cm. In practice, around 60 cm is common. Above the hob, follow the distance recommended by the range hood manufacturer.
• Kitchen table and chair: Table height is usually 70–75 cm, and chair seat height around 45 cm. Seat depth stays between 40 and 50 cm.

If you want to see how we draw a kitchen layout in SketchUp, see our kitchen sink placement lesson.

Ergonomics in bathroom design

• Washbasin: A height of 80–90 cm from the floor is suitable.
• Toilet: Seat height should be between 43 and 48 cm from the floor.
• Hooks and rails: A bathrobe hook at about 170 cm and a towel rail at 120 cm are easy to reach.
• Shower head: To suit human height, it should be between 190 and 200 cm.

Other ergonomic measurements

Outside the kitchen and bathroom, there are other dimensions we meet often. In residential projects in particular, the values below are a good starting point:

• Paintings and artwork: They look best with their center at eye level, about 145 cm high.
• Desk: The desk should be at least 75 cm wide and 70–80 cm high. Chair seat height is around 43–48 cm.
• Ceiling height: If no reference dimension is given, 260–310 cm gives a balanced look in homes.
• Door width: In common practice we use 80 cm for bathroom, WC and balcony doors. We prefer 90 cm for room doors and 100 cm for the entrance door.
• Door height: In homes it usually stays between 210 and 230 cm; in large volumes such as shops it varies.

Always check door and stair dimensions against the current building regulations. Regulation values change over time and differ from project to project.

Tips for designing to dimension in SketchUp

SketchUp is one of the easiest 3D programs to use in architectural design. For accurate drawing, you only need to know a few of its features well:

1. Measurements box: After drawing each line, type its length on the keyboard. That way you avoid eyeballing mistakes.
2. Tape Measure: Use this tool to check existing dimensions and draw guides.
3. Units setting: Fix the units to centimeters or millimeters in the Model Info window.
4. Component library: Prepare correctly sized furniture components once, then use them in every project.

For detailed use of the tools, see the SketchUp Help Center. With the SketchUp extensions available for the program, designing to dimension gets even faster. If you want to draw a simple house from start to finish, our 3D house drawing article is good practice.

If you are working on something similar, our Interior Architecture Design and Architectural Design with Architectural Rendering articles will save you time. For more lessons, visit our SketchUp render guide.

Frequently asked questions

Why is designing to dimension so important?

Because a dimension mistake is the hardest problem to fix later. A project that starts with the right dimensions is both usable and ready to build.

Are ergonomic measurements the same for everyone?

These values are based on the average user. For people with disabilities, children or very tall users, you need to adapt the dimensions.

How do I check dimensions in SketchUp?

Measure between two points with the Tape Measure tool, or add a dimension line with the Dimension tool. The Entity Info panel also shows the length of the selected edge.