This paper discusses various techniques for layout planning and outlines an application of fuzzy set techniques to the block layout design problem. In particular, a fuzzy linguistic heuristic for the location of the departments within a facility is proposed. This heuristic utilizes imprecise descriptors for two distinct design categories: closeness and importance, expressed in the form of fuzzy relations for every pair of departments. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed approach and directions for further research are discussed.