Space
In very general terms, ‘space’ is an abstract term which tends to refer to a location which has not had a specific human value or purpose attached to it. This is as opposed to a ‘place’ which has an identifiable character, or a ‘location’ which has geometrical certainty.
Designers sometimes refer to 'negative space' as the space between and around objects such as buildings.
A public space is an area that tends to be open and accessible to all people. This includes roads, pavements, town squares, parks, beaches, and to a more limited extent public buildings such as town halls and libraries. The term 'common land' is sometimes used to refer to land in public ownership or to which everyone has access. To have such status, land must be legally registered as a common.
Privately-owned 'public' spaces are also a common feature of urban developments.These are spaces that are open to the public but owned and maintained by a private company. In some cases, this has been criticised for removing space from the public realm, with owners sometimes applying more rules and restrictions than there would otherwise be. Those in favour however argue that, in many cases, it can involve the improvement and regeneration of spaces that were previously neglected or poorly-used.
Space can also refer to a specific area or volume within a building, such as; useable and un-useable space, storage space, teaching space, and so on.
There are a number of guidelines, standards and regulations for the sizes of specific spaces. For example, in 2015, the government published the Technical housing standards - nationally described space standard which replaced existing space standards used by local authorities. This standard deals with internal space within new dwellings and sets out requirements for the gross internal floor area of new dwellings at a defined level of occupancy as well as floor areas and dimensions for key parts of homes.
For more information see: Technical housing standards - nationally described space standard.
Other articles relating to space on Designing Buildings Wiki include:
- Accessibility in the built environment.
- Bedroom standard.
- Bedspace.
- Building spaces.
- Conservation areas and protecting open space.
- Local green space.
- Minimum bedroom size proposals.
- Minimum space standards.
- NHBC technical standards.
- Placemaking.
- Public space intervention.
- Office space planning.
- Open space definition.
- Space classifications for lighting controls.
- Space planning.
- Terraced houses and the public realm.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.