The Process of Interior Design: Step 4

Create bubble diagrams of ideal spatial relationship!

Bubble diagrams are like wedding seating charts; you make a list categorizing all the invitees and sort the list into a table placement diagram. You select where and with whom they should sit according to the kinds of relationships they have. In architecture and interior design, you use bubble diagrams for arrangement and placement, too, with a focus on a list and relationships, like in wedding planning.

Bubble diagrams are like wedding seating charts!

Basically, a bubble diagram conveys information. This information tells you the spaces of the building, their functions, relationships, and the circulation patterns. Each circle, or bubble, represents the space needed to carry out a function, such as dining, sleeping, and studying. Those circles get you involved in functional aspects of design, such as privacy, circulation, noise, daylight. Bubble diagrams express not only the spaces within the building but also the relationships between spaces. They indicate what functions/spaces (circles) should be near each other in order for your building to offer functionality. If you like, use colored pencils to distinguish your different areas. Compare the various sizes of your “bubbles” to make sure your areas are proportional. It is important to keep the appropriate scale of features and areas as you will transfer these ideas over to your final drawing.

Remember, several of the types of spaces to incorporate into your bubble diagram area as follows: 1) Private areas.

2) Public areas.

3) Circulation areas.

Let's design!