Introduction The vertical dimensional arrangement of space is primarily influenced by the reachable range of human fingertips. Currently, this dimensional layout analysis concentrates solely on static body dimensions based on Farley’s principle. However, the joint mobility of the elderly population has diminished, necessitating the identification of the factors influencing the age-friendly spatial vertical dimension layout through experimentation. Methods A random sample of 62 adults and 62 elderly individuals were selected to measure the joint mobility of 8 groups with varying comfort levels. The measurement results were analyzed using an independent sample t-test with SPSS software. Results The joint mobility of the elderly group exhibited a notable difference from that of the adult group across distinct comfort gradients. A significant reduction in the range of motion of all joints in the elderly was observed. The findings suggest that the reachable range of the upper limbs of the elderly should be considered in conjunction with joint mobility. We propose a vertical dimensional layout method for residential spaces that accommodates the joint mobility of elderly users. Conclusion The joint mobility of the elderly is significantly deteriorating, and the traditional vertical spatial layout method cannot adequately support the daily life of the elderly. It is essential to integrate the joint mobility factor into the vertical dimensional layout design process. In this paper, we propose an elderly-friendly vertical spatial dimension layout method. It offers a reference for subsequent planning of elderly-friendly vertical dimension layout.

The evidence of the historical development of the Songkla Lake Basin (covering Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Songkhla Province, and Pattalung Province) has been found since the 5th BE, and clearly noticed during the 12-13th BE as the port of Srivijaya Kingdom. Then in 16th BE, pieces of evidence of relationship with the Song Dynasty of China were found. During the 17-18th BE, Nakhon Si Thammarat played its role as the centre of Tambalinga Kingdom. In the 20th BE, many cities in the South were under the control of Ayudhya and Rattanakosin, the capitals, respectively. Political control and Buddhism were clearly seen. For economic circumstance, people lived their lives mainly on farming and doing agricultural activities. Due to the fact that farming needed much labour, people lived altogether. Communities expanded and temples were their centre. For the study of the floor plan of Buddhism vernacular architecture, it was found that the compositions and forms were similar to those found in the Chao Phraya Basin during Ayudhya and Rattanakosin period because of influence and relationship in terms of politics and Buddhism. However, due to its geographical aspects, the South has witnessed and experienced other cultures. This affected forms of architecture although the South has mainly been inspired by the Central Region, along with its own transformation and evolution. The study also found that the floor plan of temples is similar to that of the Central Region, for example Ubosot and the main Chedi were the main compositions, found in old temples, while Bua or small Chedi, keeping ancestors’ relics, were found in small temples, both outdoor or in the pavilion. The pavilions for miscellaneous purposes, because of the monsoon, were also found in the floor plan. In addition, vernacular architecture for shadow puppet theatre was also found generally.