Metric Handbook CD-ROM

Summary

Metric Handbook CD-ROM: Planning and Design Data was developed as a time-saving resource for architects and designers. It provides a searchable collection of more than 1,700 symbols, standard sizing information, and guidance on spatial relationships between furniture and building elements. Its subject areas include design basics, sanitary installations, transport, external spaces, workplaces, public buildings, entertainment, sports, education, and dwellings. The original CD-ROM was designed to work with several legacy CAD applications, making it a historical example of integrating architectural reference information with digital drafting workflows.

Key takeaways

• Reliable dimensional data helps architects develop functional and appropriately scaled building layouts.
• Standardized CAD symbols can improve consistency and efficiency in architectural drafting.
• Furniture clearances and circulation requirements should be considered early in the planning process.
• Building types such as schools, workplaces, public buildings, and dwellings have different spatial and functional requirements.
• Searchable design references can reduce repetitive manual research during early design development.
• Metric dimensions provide a consistent basis for communicating building sizes and spatial relationships.
• Architectural planning requires coordination between furniture, equipment, circulation, and building services.
• Reference dimensions should be adapted to the project context, user needs, accessibility requirements, and applicable building regulations.
• Digital design resources are most useful when integrated into a clear drafting and documentation workflow.
• Older CAD reference libraries may still offer useful historical information, but software compatibility and current standards must be checked before use.

Practical application

Space planning: Use dimensional references to establish preliminary room sizes, furniture layouts, and circulation zones.



Residential design: Check furniture arrangements, kitchen planning, bathroom layouts, and everyday movement requirements.



Institutional design: Organize classrooms, offices, libraries, and other functional spaces using appropriate planning data.



CAD drafting: Build a consistent library of reusable architectural symbols and drawing components.



Interior design: Coordinate furniture clearances, equipment dimensions, and movement paths.



Design development: Compare alternative layouts against functional and dimensional requirements.



Technical coordination: Identify potential spatial conflicts involving furniture, circulation, and building services.



Standards checking: Verify all proposed dimensions against current local regulations, accessibility guidance, and relevant technical standards.



Digital workflow: Use the resource as a historical reference, while checking whether its legacy file formats and CAD integrations remain compatible with current software.

Good to know

Who it's for: Architecture students, practicing architects, architectural technicians, interior designers, CAD professionals, and building-planning consultants

ISBN: 978-0-7506-4779-3

Topics

Metric System Architectural Standards Building Dimensions Space Planning CAD Symbols Furniture Layout Human Dimensions Sanitary Installations Transport Design Workplace Planning Public Buildings Residential Design AutoCAD MicroStation