Design, Standard Heights and Dimensions References
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When it comes to creating furniture, products or architectural designs etc. I think modeling with real world standard heights and dimensions or popular city design from around the world helps the integrity of the realism of the image. Knowing these things can save much time on making some decisions because the standards of say the "risers of stairs" are for good scientific reason so the dimensions to model by already exist; it's a matter of engineering to serve its purpose if realism is what you're after. Of coarse different cities have different codes but I find some standards to be pretty universal.
I see a lot of architects, wood workers, product designers, etc. in these forums. Thought it would be cool to share findings of standard heights and dimensions and focused designs for an easy reference point (stickied if feasable). I find myself all over the net sometimes looking for things like this. I also think this reference point idea would help out newcomers as well.
I ask humbly that maybe some of you can share your references too. I understand that not every country shares the same standards so it would be a good idea to site any differences. I will start off by sharing some of the sites I found helpful to me so far.
This covers some basic things that are common in typical homes.
http://www.dummaloop.com/tools/dimensions/If you're from NYC this is a handy pdf to study for city planning and design:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/streetdesignmanual.shtmlFor anyone designing outdoor kitchens:
http://www.concretenetwork.com/outdoor-kitchens/standard-heights.htmlFurniture:
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/furnituredimesions.aspxMonster dimensions site that covers many things:
http://www.dimensionsguide.com/This is an example of a focused design reference of a stair rail volute with good explanation of design:
http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2009/07/15/drawing-a-volute/Eventually I would like to make some of my models into dynamic simulations (like plumbing system through a house and functional product design). References for those kind of things would be cool too.
I hope this helps as a contribution to those who would find it useful in their creativity.
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Thank you, very useful
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I fear all these skills will be lost in the not too distant future.
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@jpalm32 said:
I fear all these skills will be lost in the not too distant future.
What skills? This seems to be all about linking up data.
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hi,
Don't forget metric dimensions.
thanks!
Sergio, french -
@sergio said:
Don't forget metric dimensions.
@mistro11 said:
I ask humbly that maybe some of you can share your references too. I understand that not every country shares the same standards so it would be a good idea to site any differences. I will start off by sharing some of the sites I found helpful to me so far.
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Canadian Standards for CMU (Concrete Masonry Units) Metric
http://www.boehmerblock.com/pdf/2D&D.pdf
2D&D.pdf -
Thanks Dale, added to the "resources" article: http://sketchucation.com/resources/tutorials/249-design-standard-heights-dimensions#canadian-standards
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Two good [older] sources from my youth are "Neufert Architects' Data" [ preview http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=6N68sMtqXSUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=neufert&hl=en&sa=X&ei=t62OUNHFG8ep0AXcjIDYDA&ved=0CDEQ6wEwAA#v=onepage&q=neufert&f=false ] and "The New Metric Handbook" [Architects' Journal [UK] preview http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=wO9lzfCv46YC&printsec=frontcover&dq=new+metric+handbook&hl=en&sa=X&ei=A66OUK24OMbN0QXZsYD4DA&ved=0CDUQ6wEwAQ ] - both of which cover a myriad of things...
I have older paper copies - they are still available from Amazon etc - I believe that electronic versions [or parts] etc might be available too if you search for them...
Government standards for things like Stair/Ramp/Handrail design are often available for free PDF download [e.g. UK Approved Documents [Building-Regulations]] - http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=L5ZoQgAACAAJ&source=gbs_book_other_versions etc etc... BS or EN docs are usually 'sold' and not 'free'... -
Metric Handbook is my Bible, TIG!!
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An architect friend of mine was nice enough to put in my hands a hard copy of "Architecture Graphic Standards" tenth edition by Wiley & Sons, Inc. It's as big as a phone book. It covers many things from human dimensions to any structural design you would probably think of.
All this knowledge changed my perception of the world around me and my approach to being an artist. I believe integrity is in the design which is the foundation of the structure. Visualizers and Architects have a more important role in civilization than are given credit for. Or I should say the real ones who have a true love for what they do. Aside from structures being beautiful, there is safety and environmental dynamics to consider for longevity.
Also I would add that aesthetics somehow is not just superficial. It can be found in nature within and all around us. I believe studying patterns in natural structure can be key in good design, not only for beauty but maybe we can better understand how we can build in harmony as we better understand how things are formed natrually. I think the study of natural patterns is pertinent to good structural design. Here is a cool site I found on that subject: http://richworks.in/2011/02/patterns-in-nature-an-enigmatic-inspiration/
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Found a useful article on bathroom design. Good tips for consideration.
http://starcraftcustombuilders.com/bath.design.rules.htmShould I be adding these to my first post instead of making new ones?
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Thanks all you guys for those links
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