Column in Layout

A key point would be to make sure that the top end of the column was actually beneath the end (or whatever intermediate) point of any horizontal element that was to be supported. Excessive amounts of offset would be unacceptable.

Another thing that rings funny about the OP is that there are no statutory requirements for "better design," though there may be some for adequate design.

Your question is not clear.

Is this Column you are asking about:

a) the kind that holds up a building?

or

b) the kind that is found in a process plant such as a Refinery?

"a) the kind that holds up a building? or b) the kind that is found in a process plant such as a Refinery?"

or c) the kind in a spread-sheet or table? or d) the kind that runs in a newspaper or magazine on a regular basis?

And, while they might be contrived, it is not difficult to imagine statutes requiring particular layouts for either type (say, spread-sheets for bidding a job for a local government, or the work of a columnist / commentator within a legal record such as the Congressional Record). With effort, I'm sure that more possibilities can be found. The OP needs to actually think about the question and rewrite it so that it is meaningful to someone who doesn't share an office with him/her. This includes stating what locale, what sort of statutes apply, specifying the sort of column (s)he means, and so on. Of course, actually thinking it through might lead to an answer instead of passing the question along...

I guess our guest is looking for the general practices to be followed while locating the column in a plot plan of process unit. I think we should discuss that only.

Put it between the thing that it is supporting and the thing that is supporting it.

It all depends upon the load and type of load of the structure which the column or building to be designed. Generally I observed that the span between column is 4 m or 6 m. Fir more statutory requirement you have to refer the concerned building design codes or a structural engineer for more details.