CONSIDERATIONS OF ANTHROPOMETRICS IN THE DESIGN OF LECTURE HALL FURNITURE

An anthropometric survey of Federal University of Technology Owerri students was carried out in order to determine the anthropometric data needed for proper design of seats used in the classroom. A total of four hundred students, of different gender and level were involved in the survey and their anthropometric measurement were taken and recorded with the help of anthropometric tools. The anthropometric measurements taken were, Stature, sitting height, sitting shoulder height, Popliteal height, Hip breadth, Elbow rest height, Buttock popliteal length, Buttock knee length, Thigh clearance, Sitting eye height, Shoulder breadth and Knee height. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS, Excel and Minitab statistical packages to get the mean, standard deviation and percentiles. Comparing the dimensions of the existing furniture with the anthropometric measures obtained revealed that the existing furniture are not ergonomically suitable for the students. Using the results of the analysed anthropometric data, a model classroom seat was suggested which takes into consideration the seat height, seat depth, seat width, backrest height, armrest height and backrest angle.