Planning Layouts - a Structured Approach
Post #07
This is one of those things that seem pretty obvious when you see it explained, but then when you begin to use it you start to wonder why you didn't start using it a long time ago.
If we can consider the relationship between the superstructure and the hulls to be at the top level in analyzing form within context, at the next level down we can look at the organization of the three spatial categories; that is working spaces (including access), human needs, and leisure or socializing spaces. (see the previous post).
On these drawings I've allocated a different color to each of these categories so we can quickly and clearly show the movement and spatial requirements in each category.
I have found this to be a very useful analytical tool, easier to devise and much easier to read than Christopher Alexander's diagrams which I find difficult to associate with the form in question. It's a very simple schematic of how the various spaces are used and where any conflict might occur, or where any space is not being used effectively.
In this example I have presented two drawings of a typical 52' LOA cruising cat. They're basically the same boat (two slightly different models), with one diagram showing the the spatial categories for the cockpit and below decks, the other showing the same for above decks. It's a very conventional layout - nothing special to learn here. In the next post I'll introduce another layout which I believe will clearly demonstrate the usefulness of this working method.
