Adjacency Matrix
When starting out designing a space, its important to understand spatial relationships. By that we mean how the rooms within a space flow together. Adjacency Matrices can be created by hand, or, you can feel free to use the helpful adjacency matrix generator linked in the button below. Keep reading for more information on how to use an adjacency matrix and why they are an important part of the design process.
So what is an adjacency matrix?
Simply, it creates a relational diagram for specific areas within a space. This tool allows interior designers to identify what areas will exist within the building envelope and how they interact with each other.
For example, in a residential home you may have an entry and at least one bedroom. Ideally, the bedroom would not be directly next to the entry and would be indicated as such in an adjacency matrix as an 'undesirable' relation. In the same home, a living room is common next to or as part of the entry of a house. In this case, the living room may be designated a 'primary adjacency.'
In the above commercial example, the designer has listed each room in the new University Career Counseling Center along with their square footage, number of adjacencies, and a number of other considerations. While we do not necessarily need to include information other than the room names and their relations, it can be helpful once we complete our matrix and continue on to bubble diagrams and FF+E. Taking a look at the legend, we can see how this designer has several categories for their spatial relationships to ensure the completed space has a logical flow and mindful planning for those that work there.
Check out the video below for a short tutorial on how to use an adjacency matrix and for further examples!