“UNCOVER AND TEST CONCEPTS Its critical to understand the difference between programmatic concepts and design concepts, which is very difficult for some people to grasp. Programmatic concepts refer to abstract ideas intended mainly as functional solutions to clients’ performance problems without regard to the physical response. Conversely, design concepts refer to concrete ideas intended as physical solutions to clients’ architectural problems, this being the physical response. The key to comprehension is that programmatic concepts relate to performance problems, and design concepts relate to architectural problems, The difference between programmatic concepts and design concepts is illustrated in these examples: Convertibility isa programmatic concept:a corresponding design concept is a folding door. Shelter is a programmatic concept;a corresponding design concept is a roof. ‘Abstract ideas are required. Ideas must be kept in a pliable, vague form until the designer jells them inco a physical solution. Ics really best if design can wait untill the 52 ainformation is available. Should the client prescribe independent, concrete ideas or three-dimensional design concepts, the designer would have difficulty in articulating solid-form solutions into an integrated whole. Such isthe case when a house client drops on your desk a big scrapbook full of ‘magazine clippings representing a parade of actual design solutions—a Dutch kitchen, 2 French Provincial dining room, Japanese living room, together with a Shangri-La porch.The scrapbook is the nemesis of the experienced programmer, yet it can be used as a means to seek the problems behind the solutions. ‘There are 24 programmatic concepts that seem to crop up on nearly every project, ‘regardless of the building types—housing, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, or factories.The next series of diagrams explains briefly these recurring concepts. The Programmer will ind them useful by testing to see whether they are applicable to his or her current project. 331. Priority 2. Hierarchy ‘The concept of priority evokes questions regarding the The concept of hierarchy is related to a goal about the order of importance, such as relative position size, exercise of authority and is expressed in symbols of and social value. This concept reflects how to accom- authority For example, the goal“to maintain the tradi+ plish a goal based on a ranking of values. For tional hierarchy of miliary rank” may be implemented sxample, “to place a higher value on pedestrian trafic by the concept of a hierarchy of office sizes. than on vehicular traffic” may relate to the precedence in trafic flow. CI esi]3. Character 4. Density The concept of character is based on a goal concerning A goal for efficient land oF space use, goal for high the image the client wants to project in terms of degrees of interaction, or a goal to respond to harsh values and the generic nature of the project. climatic conditions may lead to the appropriate degree of density—low, medium, or high. 555. Service Grouping 6. Activity Grouping Should activities be integrated or compartment. alized? A family of closely related activities would indicate integration to promote interaction, while the Should services be centralized of decentralized? “Test the many services as being best centralized or best decentralized. Should the heating system be centralized cor decentralized? The library? Dining? Storage? And need for some kinds and degrees of privacy or security ‘many other services? Evaluate the gains and risks to __ would indicate compartmentalization simulate client decisions. But remember, each distinct service will be centralized or decentralized for a definite reason—to implementa specific goal. 567. People Grouping Look for concepts derived from the physical, social, and ‘emotional characteristics of people—as individuals, in small groups, and in large groups. Ifa client wants to preserve the identity of individuals while ina large ‘mass of people, ask what size grouping would implement this goal. Look to the functional organization, not to the ‘organizational chart, which merely indicates pecking order. 8. Home Base Home base is related to the idea of territoriality, an easily defined place where a person can maintain his or her individuality While this concept applies to a wide range of functional settings—for example, high school ‘or manufacturing plant—recently, many organizations have recommended new settings for office work. These officing concepts are described in the following pages as on-premise or off-premise work settings. 79. Relationships The correct interrelation of spaces promotes efficiencies and effectiveness of people and their activities, This concept of functional affinities is the ‘most common programmatic concept. th 10. Communicat ‘A goal to promote the effective exchange of information of ideas in an organization may call for networks or patterns of communication: Who communicates wth whom? How? How often?11. Neighbors 12. Accessil ility Is there a goal for sociability? Will the project be completely independent, or is there a mutual desire to be interdependent, to cooperate with neighbors? OO ae => Can first-time visitors find where to enter the project? ‘The concept of accessibility aso applies to provisions for the handicapped, beyond signs and symbols. Do we need single or multiple entrances? 3913. Separated Flow 14, Mixed Flow ‘Common social spaces, such as town squares or buid- ‘A goal for segregation may relate to people (such as ing lobbies, are designed for multidirectional, multi prisoners and the public), to automobiles (such as ‘campus traffic and urban traffic), and to people and purpose traffic—or mixed flow. This concept may be automobiles (such as pedestrian traffic and automobile apropos if the goal is to promote chance and planned traffic) For example, separate traffic lanes with encounters. barriers, such as walls, separate floors, and space. 6015, Sequential Flow ‘The progression of people (as in a museum) and things (as ina factory) must be carefully planned. A flowchart diagram will communicate this concept of sequential flow much easier than words will. 16. Orientation Provide a bearing—a point of reference within a building, a campus,or a city. Relating periodically to a space, thing, or structure can prevent a feeling of being lost. 617. Flexibility 18. Tolerance The concept of flexibly is quite often misunderstood, This concept may well add space to the program. Isa “To some, it means that the building can accommodate _ particular space tailored precisely for a static activry growth through expansion.To others, it means that the or is it provided with a loose fit for a dynamic building can allow for changes in function through activty—one likely to change? the conversion of spaces. To still others, it means that the building provides the most for the money through rmuleifunetion spaces. Actually, flexibility covers all three—expansibility, convertibility, and versatility. EXPANSIBITY CONVERTIBILITY Er 1 [_] Ei EXTERIOR CHANGES INTERIOR CHANGES a versamiury ‘ucriruncrion19. Safety 20. Security Controls ‘Which major ideas will implement the goal for life The degree of security control varies depending on the safety?! Look to codes and safety precautions for _value of the potential loss—minimum, medium, or form-gving ideas. maximum. These controls are used to protect, property and to guide personnel movement. of aan a21. Energy Conservation There are two general ways to lead to energy-efficient buildings: (I) keep heated area to a minimum by ‘making use of conditioned, but nonheated, outside space, such as exterior corridors;and (2) keep heat flow to a minimum with insulation, correct orienta- tion to sun and wind, compactness, sun controls, wind controls, and reflective surfaces. 22. Environmental Controls What controls for air temperature, light, and sound w be required to provide comfort for people inside and outside the building? Look to the climate and sun ar analysis for answers.23. Phasing 24. Cost Control Will phasing of construction be required to complete the project on a time-and-cost schedule if the Project proved infeasible in the initial analysis? Will he urgency for the occupancy date determine the need for concurrent scheduling, or allow for linear scheduling? This concept is intended as a search for economy ideas that will ead to a realistic preview of costs anda balanced budget to meet the extent of available funds. —— A$l< 6s