190

Ceiling Height Variety

Conflict

A building in which the ceiling heights are all the same is virtually incapable of making people comfortable.

Resolution

Vary the ceiling heights continuously throughout the building, especially between rooms which open into each other, so that the relative intimacy of different spaces can be felt. In particular, make ceilings high in rooms which are public or meant for large gatherings (10 to 12 feet), lower in rooms for smaller gatherings (7 to 9 feet), and very low in rooms or alcoves for one or two people (6 to 7 feet).

Closing context:
Floor-Ceiling Vaults, Bulk Storage, The Shape of Indoor Space, Structure Follows Social Spaces, Final Column Distribution