Exercise 1: Defining the parameters of your space.

‘If the brief was “design a space with an area of 10m2” which of those plans would you choose?
1m x 10m? 2m x 5m? or 3.33m x 3.33m?’

It really depends on the function of the room.

1m x 10m would only suit a corridor or a hallway, the other two could also be hallways but may be practical to have other rooms in those dimensions.

2m x 5m could be a corridor or a hallway (even with a staircase), bathroom, kitchen or maybe even a really narrow bedroom or a lounge. What it couldn’t be is a family dinning room, it would not fit a dinning set and allow for people to pass around comfortably.  

3.33m x 3.33m could be all of these (including the dining room) too but out the 3 options that would be best for the bedroom or kitchen (in my opinion). Just because certain needs for these rooms would be met. Such as – it needs to fit a double bed and have space on both sides.

2m x 5m in my opinion would be best for a nice 4-piece bathroom, there would be space for a large bath, toilet, large shower and a sink. Of course, the layout would depend on other elements of the space, such as positioning of doors and windows, and of course its height. Perhaps each of these spaces could only be used as eaves storage if there wasn’t enough headroom.

3.33m x 3.33m would make a tiny lounge, but with higher ceiling, and hopefully a skylight in it, the room wouldn’t feel too oppressive.

Dimensions on its own are not enough to design the space, windows (and their aspect), doors, existing architectural features all have an impact on design decisions. The space would feel differently if it is a 2m x 5m bedroom or a bathroom. Although on another though that size could be quite nice for a child’s (or a single bedroom), with zoning options despite small size.

Each of these sizes is quite small, 10 sq. m. is not the biggest of rooms. The square one would probably feel nicest, least oppressive, as long as it is not filled up with furniture.