In architecture, ergonomics is a design approach based on human-environment interaction, aiming to design healthy, safe, and comfortable living and working spaces suitable for human physical, psychological, and social needs. Within the framework of a human-centered design philosophy, which is the main objective of the architectural discipline, ergonomics aims to ensure that users can move comfortably physically in the built environment, perform efficiently in functional spaces, and experience a psychologically safe and peaceful environment.

In this context, architectural ergonomics encompasses the shaping of the built environment to fully adapt to the user, by considering the anatomical structure of the human body, physiological capacity, mobility, and sensory perception levels during the design process. In all design decisions, from door widths to stair heights, from furniture design to spatial organization, human-space harmony is ensured by taking into account different age groups, physical ability levels, and cultural needs.

Architectural design is not only a process of producing functionality and aesthetics; it is also an effort to create an environment that facilitates and improves human life. For this reason, ergonomic design approaches are an indispensable element in all areas of architecture, such as space organization, interior design, planning of circulation areas, and dimensioning of building elements.

Definition and Scope

Ergonomics is an interdisciplinary field that deals with the arrangement of environmental conditions to support human health, safety, and comfort, in line with human anatomical structure, anthropometric measurements, physiological capacity, and psychological requirements. In the context of architecture, ergonomics ensures that the built environment is designed to be accessible, healthy, safe, and comfortable for all user groups. In this scope, it is necessary to integrate different age groups, genders, physical ability levels, and cultural characteristics into the design process.

Since architectural design is a field that directly shapes human life and creates spaces where daily activities are carried out, the application of ergonomic principles is critically important in this context. Producing solutions that meet the physical and psychological needs of users in all building types, from residences to public spaces, from educational buildings to healthcare facilities, is a factor that directly affects the quality of life.

Architectural ergonomics aims to ensure the adaptation of spaces to the user not only in terms of their physical dimensions but also in the context of psycho-social requirements and perceptual experiences. The functional and easily accessible arrangement of spaces, the provision of barrier-free access for individuals with mobility limitations, and the creation of safe environments where users can comfortably carry out their daily life activities are among the main application areas of architectural ergonomics.

In this scope, the correct planning of spatial organization, the determination of individual and public space distinctions according to user needs, and the balanced design with functionality without overlooking aesthetic requirements are necessary. Especially in contemporary architecture, the development of design approaches sensitive to the needs of elderly individuals, children, and disabled user groups necessitates taking ergonomic criteria into account in many areas, from door widths to corridor clearances, from ramp and elevator solutions to furniture design.

Taking ergonomics into account in the architectural design process not only increases individual comfort but also ensures that spaces are long-lasting and user-friendly. This is also directly related to sustainable design principles. In today's architectural practice, ergonomic approaches, evaluated together with universal design and inclusive design principles, aim to create built environments that all individuals can benefit from equally and freely.

^{Ergonomics in Architecture (Tima Miroshnichenko)}

Historical Development

The concept of ergonomics emerged with the aim of improving working conditions, as rapidly developing industrial production environments became hazardous to human health and safety during the Industrial Revolution. Initially appearing as a field of regulation solely for work environments, ergonomics later became an important component of architectural design, with the goal of improving quality of life and regulating human interaction with the environment. Especially from the second half of the 20th century onwards, the developing human-centered design approach led to architectural ergonomics being accepted as an indispensable criterion in building and space design.

With technological advancements and the diversification of user needs, ergonomics is no longer limited to providing only physical comfort; it now offers a comprehensive design approach that also addresses psychological and social requirements. Today, this understanding, combined with universal design and inclusive design approaches, aims to produce equitable, accessible, and sustainable solutions that encompass all user groups. This process encourages the adoption of new standards in design disciplines that enable the creation of human-centered spaces and allow different user groups to experience spaces under equal conditions.

Basic Ergonomic Design Principles

• Anthropometric Compliance: In building and space designs, making appropriate sizing and placement decisions by considering users' physical measurements and movement capacities.
• Accessibility: Ensuring barrier-free access to spaces, especially for elderly and disabled individuals, supported by solutions such as door widths, ramp slopes, and elevators.
• Safety and Comfort: Providing solutions that ensure user safety in space design (non-slip floors, appropriate lighting, ergonomic furniture) and elements that enhance physical comfort (temperature, humidity, acoustic arrangements).
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Adopting flexible design approaches that adapt to users' diverse needs and expectations, for example, using movable partitions or adjustable furniture.

Relationship Between Ergonomics and Universal Design

Ergonomic design principles integrate with the universal design approach, aiming for all individuals to use the built environment equally, freely, and safely, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability. In this context, architectural design processes should develop solutions that respond not only to an average user profile but also to the needs of users with different age groups and requirement levels.

Especially in spaces designed for elderly and disabled individuals, priority should be given to environmental arrangements that enhance quality of life and support independent mobility, by considering users' physical and sensory limitations. For elderly individuals, non-slip floor materials, wide and barrier-free circulation areas, and adequate natural and artificial lighting should be provided, taking into account mobility limitations and balance problems; grab bars and support elements, as well as seating and resting areas, should be designed to offer easy access. Furthermore, the use of contrasting colors for visual and auditory perception losses and audio-textual navigation systems contribute to elderly individuals perceiving the environment more safely and comfortably.

For disabled individuals, the removal of physical barriers from the built environment and the provision of solutions compliant with accessibility standards are fundamental requirements. Spaces should be made independently usable for individuals using wheelchairs and assistive devices through arrangements such as ramps, elevators, low-gradient walkways, and wide door openings. For visually impaired users, tactile paving, surface texture differences, and Braille signage should be provided; for hearing impaired individuals, visual alerts and audio-textual information systems should be used.

Furthermore, children, due to their special needs and characteristics specific to their developmental stages, should also be addressed specifically within the context of universal design and ergonomics. In spaces designed for children, furniture and equipment appropriate to their size and motor skills should be used, safety measures should be increased, and the physical environment should be structured to support their curiosity and need for movement. In preschool and school buildings, play areas, and residential environments, sharp corners should be avoided, and safe floor materials should be preferred to prevent falls and accidents. Additionally, color, texture, and form selections that support children's cognitive and emotional development should be made to ensure that spaces are stimulating and encourage learning.

This holistic approach, located at the intersection of ergonomic design and universal design, not only meets the needs of special user groups but also supports the equal and active participation of all individuals in social life, ensuring an inclusive and fair arrangement of the built environment. In this context, the integration of ergonomics and universal design is an important design strategy for creating human-centered and sustainable spaces in architecture.

Current Approaches

Today, architectural ergonomics has evolved into a more comprehensive and human-centered approach, along with factors such as sustainability, technological advancements, and social diversity. The understanding that the built environment should be not only aesthetic and functional but also healthy, safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly has increased the importance of ergonomic design. Environmental factors such as sustainable material use, natural lighting, and energy efficiency integrate with ergonomics to offer solutions that support user comfort.

Thanks to digital design tools and simulation software, performance criteria of buildings such as acoustics, accessibility, and user comfort can be analyzed during the design phase, thus enabling the production of higher quality spaces. Developing technologies are popularizing the use of smart systems that support the independent movement of elderly and disabled individuals, while also enabling the creation of safe, accessible, and development-supportive spaces in environments designed for children. All these developments have transformed ergonomics from merely a comfort tool into an integral part of the goal of creating social equality and a sustainable living environment.