8

People can occupy space by situating themselves in or on objects within a space (such as in a chair), or by situating themselves within the void of the space. When situated within the void of the space, such an occupation may be structured or unstructured. A structured occupation generally arises out of the managed use of a space; unstructured occupation may be a result of the spacial arrangement, but is not necessarily a direct result of the managed use of space. In this diagram a counter is again shown, but it also illustrates a positive example of how structured occupation should be considered in spatial planning.

When entering the space, the user will enter towards the counter. This is functional when the counter is an important stopping point (directing a path of travel towards a meaningful vantage point can be very useful, even if the vantage point isn't also the physical goal).

The left hand side of the counter is for developing one or more lines of people. This is a structured occupation of the space, as it is a result of managing individuals within the space. The projected length and width of the lines is represented by the larger dashed rectangle. The right hand side of the counter is task space. The task space would, of course, be only one individual deep. The task space might be used by people who have already waited in line, and now are filling out paperwork, for example. The smaller dashed rectangle represents the area consumed by people using the task portion of the counter.

The flow diagram shows the path of individuals who bypass the counter and move through to the next space. This layout would be practical in a situation, say, where there is a mix of people who will either stop at the counter, or who will simply proceed through the room; especially where the use of the counter may be particularly important for some individuals.

The arrangement accounts for both the intended managed uses of the space and also for the flow of people passing through the space, and actually, the flow depicted is encouraged, or guided, as a result of the structured occupation (at the lines and the task counter).

7

In this diagram, a room with an L-shaped counter is illustrated. The entrance and exit mirror each other and their right-hand jambs align with the outermost edge of the counter. This may appear to be a logical architectural alignment, but if the goal is to allow a person to walk from the exit to the entrance in a straight line, then it is impractical. It must be considered that people will stand on the left-hand side of the counter, if the counter is to be useful.