The Usability of Architectural Spaces: Objective and Subjective Qualities of Built Environment as Multidisciplinary Construction

Abstract“Usability” is present in all interactions between user and object. As well as a product, for the built environment this concept has been presented throughout history by different classifications, such as functional, technical, aesthetic and economic architectural qualities. Architecture expresses its three-dimensional condition through the man possibility of entering the interior and moving to perform daily activities. Ergonomics in architecture arises by the possibility of knowing the users, their biological, social and psychological aspects, and contributes to planning, design, evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems. In several areas of knowledge, “usability” is a research object, named “ease of use” in response to the trinity “user - task - physical environment”. Since the lack of specific measurement techniques, was perceived, this article introduces the concept of “usability of architectural spaces” as a multidisciplinary construction. Held through the literature review in “architecture, ergonomics, environmental psychology, engineering, interior design, accessibility and universal design”. This work presents the analysis, selects and organizes the main dimensions (objective and subjective) and spatial categories of the built environments. Aims to contribute to usability assessments, as support for new environment projects and readjustment of existing ones, such as theoretical and technical grant to scientific research