Space Planning Key Terms

Front

Bubble diagram

Back

A type of concept map that uses ovals and circles to represent rooms and their relationships within the diagram of a building footprint.

Front

Block diagram

Back

A diagram that refines the shapes of the bubbles into rooms and more clearly align the shapes and their locations within the building structure.

Front

Circulation pattern

Back

The routes people follow as they move from one place to another within a space.

Front

Traffic pattern

Back

The patterns in which users move within a space.

Front

Private zone

Back

Spaces allocated to private living.

Front

Public/Social zone

Back

Public areas that include the entry, living room, great room, dining room, and guest bathroom.

Front

Work zone

Back

Highly functional areas where any type of work occurs.

Front

Open floor plan

Back

Multiple rooms combined into one big room that is separated by furniture arrangements. Applies only to common areas.

Front

Closed floor plan

Back

Each room is separated by walls and hallways.

Front

Semi-open floor plan

Back

A hybrid mix of open and closed floor plans, a plan with two rooms that are open to each other instead of three, designs may include partial walls, cased doorways, or L-shaped rooms.