Design evaluation of classroom armchairs based on the anthropometric measurements of public elementary school students aged 10–12

Abstract

In 2007, Department of Education in the Philippines established a standard measurement for classroom furniture. Evaluation of the current and standard classroom furniture, specifically classroom armchair for students aged 10– 12 in Rizal, addressed the need to update the established standard. Percent error and the anthropometric measurement of students based on Parcells’ (1999) determinant of mismatch for classroom furniture was used to compare the standard and the current classroom measurement. No difference was present between the current and standard measurement. Comparison of the anthropometric measurement and standard measurement showed a three cm mismatch between the popliteal height and seat height as well as the buttock-popliteal and seat depth. Low frequency of students fit the standard measurement. New measurement was recommended with a seat height of 36.10 cm; seat depth of 35.60 cm; and table surface height of 53.90. Higher number of students fits in the new recommended design.