Zoning the Space:

How to allocate space and make it work for your lifestyle.

When working in a plan for a layout that will incorporate several different activities, especially open plan living, the first job is to discover what space in ‘general terms’ is needed for each function and how they link together to provide direct access. This can be determined by the sizes of anything new or existing, the amount of time spent on each occupation and the number of people living in the space, but there are many other factors.

You will gain:

Confidence to ‘dare to be different’
An awareness of making yourself explore alternative solutions
An understanding of the important areas of your design and make you prioritise
An insight into how you consider your ‘Concept’ in space planning

Image: The Design Help Templates

Zoning is the 'pre planning' of space before any detail

This diagram is how a professional may start but may be complicated for the beginner. A set of Templates may be a good way to get started (see Space Planning to Scale with Templates).

ZONING IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TO OPEN PLAN LIVING.

This will give you:

Image: A compact but simple effective open plan layout

What is Included:

WHAT THIS VIDEO WILL HELP YOU WITH:

We show three different layouts for one open plan space which divides the eating, kitchen, TV area, sitting area with somewhere to work and a fireplace all in one open plan space. It starts with an obvious layout and then challenges you to think differently, producing very alternative ideas. Nothing at this stage is perfectly worked through and the detail is yet to be determined which is critical and can change things. It’s a basis for getting started with your space planning.