TIANLICHUJU — PERSONAL VERIFICATION WORKSHEET
An Awkward Alcove Given One Useful Job
https://tianlichuju.com/journal/an-awkward-alcove-given-one-useful-job/

PROPOSED CHECKS — NO MEASURED RESULTS SUPPLIED
Date: __________________  Units: __________________
Room / product reference: __________________

1. Recess geometry and existing systems
Where: Across the alcove's top, middle and base, including skirtings, outlets, vents and adjacent openings.
Record: Measure clear dimensions and variation in millimeters and list condition or service questions before concealment.
Your observation: ______________________________________________
Interpretation: An apparently rectangular spare space may contain constraints essential to its usable role.
Alternative: Resolve unknown condition or choose a less intrusive freestanding use.

2. One complete proposed activity
Where: Inside and immediately outside the recess with the chair, doors or retrieval path included.
Record: Note posture, reach, light, opening area and the objects that actually fit through access points.
Your observation: ______________________________________________
Interpretation: A surface fitting the recess does not prove that working, reading or storing there is comfortable.
Alternative: Choose another single role better matched to the geometry.

3. Fitted versus movable commitment
Where: At wall junctions, required fixings and the planned route for removal or service.
Record: Record usable capacity gained, existing detail affected and parts that must be dismantled later.
Your observation: ______________________________________________
Interpretation: Using every pocket of volume may not justify a highly specific permanent assembly.
Alternative: Accept some unused space with a useful movable piece.

PRACTICAL TRIAL
1. Use an appropriate stable trial setup for several normal activities before commissioning custom work.
2. Observe whether the proposed desk or storage is naturally used or becomes a landing area for unrelated objects.
3. Confirm the chosen task, access and cleaning method, then stop adding functions simply because a small area remains.

COMPARE THE SAME SCOPE
- Verified recess and operating dimensions
- One primary task and contents
- Fitted capacity versus movable alternative
- Fixing, removal and service access
Cost drivers: Custom scribing and joinery; Integrated task light and accessible components; Building or service work actually required
Choose another route when: A multifunctional alcove is unsuitable when mechanisms and secondary jobs undermine the one activity the space can perform comfortably.

EVIDENCE BOUNDARY
This is a fit-and-role verification plan. It does not establish hidden service locations, structural suitability or acceptable intervention in existing building fabric.

PHOTO REFERENCE
A sofa sits below tall glazing, with a low table and small lamps visible in the darker interior.
https://unsplash.com/photos/gray-padded-chaise-couch-beside-window-rEJxpBskj3Q

DECISION CONDITIONS
choose: Choose the alcove project when one repeated need fits the recess's measured geometry, can be operated without obstructing nearby features and has a credible installation and maintenance plan.
alternative: Keep a reversible freestanding solution or leave the recess unfilled when fitted work offers little improvement over a trial arrangement or makes future access unnecessarily difficult.
stop: Stop if the intended use depends on covering services, unknown wall capacity or an untested working posture; the existence of a recess does not establish that it should be filled.

PUBLISHED REFERENCES
IKEA BOAXEL Buying Guide, FY25 Ireland
https://www.ikea.com/ie/en/files/pdf/10/db/10dbedd2/fy25-boaxel_buying_guide_a4-final.pdf
The BOAXEL guide asks planners to measure floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall space and record features such as windows and doors. It separately states that suitable fixings depend on wall materials. This named storage system illustrates why available geometry and installation suitability are distinct checks before an alcove plan becomes an order.
Scope: This guide concerns BOAXEL storage, not every fitted alcove use; it does not determine a particular wall's capacity or approve a desk or structural alteration.
Photographer: Roberto Nickson
Licence: Unsplash License https://unsplash.com/license

Notes: ________________________________________________________