Architectural programming has developed as an activity

related to, but

distinct from, architectural design.

A process leading to the statement of an

architectural problem and the requirements
to be met in offering a solution.
What, then, is the main idea behind
programming? Its the search for sufficient
information to clarify, to understand, and to
state the problem.

If programming is problem seeking, then design is

problem solving.
 The total design process includes two stages:
analysis and synthesis.
In analysis, the parts of a design problem are
separated and identified.
In synthesis, the parts are put together to
form a coherent design solution. The
difference between programming and design
is the difference between analysis and
synthesis.
Programming IS analysis. Design IS synthesis.
 The conclusion of the programming
process is a clear road map for the
design team to follow as the project
design is developed.

This will include the tangible and

intangible elements that define the
overarching goal for the project.
 PROCESS
1. Establish Goals - What does the client want to
achieve and why?
2. Collect and Analyze Facts - What do we know?
What is given?
3. Uncover and Test Concepts - How does the client
want to achieve the goals?
4. Determine Needs - How much money and space?
What level of quality?
5. State the Problem - What are the significant
conditions affecting the design of the building? What
are the general directions the design should take?
 Research the project type
Establish goals and objectives
Gather relevant information
Identify strategies
Determine quantitative requirements
Summarize the program
 The Problem Statement should address the following issues:

Function - Whats going to happen to our building?

People
Activities
Relationships
Form - What is there now? What will be there?
Site
Environment
Quality
Economy - How much will it cost, now and over time? What is the quality?
Initial budget
Operating costs
Life cycle costs
Time - What are the influences of history? How will we deal with change?
Past
Present
Future
 If I were given one hour to save the
planet, I would spend 59 minutes defining
the problem and one minute resolving it.
Einstein
Sometimes I think we arrive at a solution
before we know what the problem is. We
say: My next design will be Round!,
without logic or analysis.
William Pea
 Organizing Information
Programmers establish orders so that
information can make sense and can
be used effectively in discussions
and decision making. Programmers
organize and classify information
 Recurring Concepts

Programmatic concepts refer to abstract ideas intended

mainly as functional solutions to clients performance
problems without regard to the physical response.
On the other hand, design concepts refer to concrete
ideas intended as physical solutions to clients
architectural problems, this being the physical response.
programmatic concepts relate to performance problems
and design concepts relate to architectural problems.
convertibility is a programmatic concept;
a corresponding design concept is a folding door.
Shelter is a programmatic concept;
A corresponding design concept is a roof.
1. Priority
The concept of priority evokes questions regarding the order of
importance, such as relative position, size, and social
value. This concept reflects how to accomplish a goal based on a
ranking of values. For example, To place a higher
value on pedestrian traffic than on vehicular traffic may relate to
the precedence in traffic flow.
2. Hierarchy
The concept of hierarchy is related to a goal about the exercise of
authority and is expressed in symbols of authority. For
example, the goal to maintain the traditional hierarchy of military
rank may be implemented by the concept of a hierarchy
of office sizes
3. Character
The concept of character is based on a goal concerning the
image the client wants to project in terms of values and the
generic nature of the project.
4. Density
A goal for efficient land or space use, a goal for high degrees of
interaction, or a goal to respond to harsh climatic
conditions may lead to the appropriate degree of density low,
medium, or high density.
5. Service Grouping
Should services be centralized of decentralized? Test the many
services as being best centralized or best decentralized.
Should the heating system be centralized or decentralized? The library?
And dining? And storage? And many other
services? Evaluate the gains and risks to simulate client decisions. But
remember each distinct service will be centralized
or decentralized for a definite reason to implement a specific goal.
6. Activity Grouping
Should activities be integrated or compartmentalized? A family
of closely related activities would indicate integration to
promote interaction, while the need for some kinds and degrees of
privacy or security would indicate
compartmentalization.
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. If a client wants to
preserve the identity of individuals while in a large mass of
people, ask
what size grouping would implement this goal. Look to the
functional organization and not to the organizational chart,
which merely indicates pecking order.
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.
10. Communications
A goal to promote the effective exchange of information or ideas in an
organization may call for networks or patterns of
communication: Who communicates with whom? How? How often?
11. Neighbors
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?
12. Accessibility
Can first-time visitors find where to enter the project? The concept of
accessibility also applies to provisions for the
handicapped beyond signs and symbols. Do we need single or
multiple entrances?
13. Separated Flow
A goal for segregation may relate to people (such as prisoners and
public), to automobiles (such as campus traffic and
urban traffic), and to people and automobiles (such as pedestrian
traffic and automobile traffic). For example, separate
traffic lanes with barriers, such as walls, separate floors, and
space.
14. Mixed Flow
Common social spaces, such as town squares or building lobbies, are
designed for multidirectional, multi-purpose
traffic or mixed flow. This concept may be apropos if the goal is to
promote chance and planned encounters.
15. Sequential Flow
The progression of people (as in a museum) and things (as in a
factory) must be carefully planned. A flow-chart
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.
17. Flexibility
The concept of flexibility is quite often misunderstood. To some, it
means that the building can accommodate growth
through expansion. To others, it means that the building can allow
for changes in function through the conversion of
spaces. To still others, it means that the building provides the most
for the money through multi -function spaces. Actually,
flexibility covers all three expansibility, convertibility, and
versatility.
18. Tolerance
This concept may well add space to the program. Is a
particular space tailored precisely for a static activity, or is it
provided with a loose fit for a dynamic activity one likely to
change?
19. Safety
Which major ideas will implement the
goal for life safety? Look to codes
and safety precautions for form-
giving ideas.
20. Security Controls
The degree of security control varies
depending upon the value of the
potential loss minimum, medium,
or maximum.
These controls are used to protect
property and to guide personnel
movement.
21. Energy Conservation
There are two general ways to lead to
energy -efficient buildings: (a) keep
heated area to a minimum by
making use of
conditioned, but non-heated, outside
space, such as exterior corridors; and
(b) keep heat-flow to a minimum
with
insulation, correct orientation to sun
and wind, compactness, sun controls,
wind controls, and reflective surfaces.
22. Environmental Controls
What controls for air temperature, light, and
sound will be required to provide for people
comfort inside and outside the
building? Look to the climate and sun angle
analysis for answers.
23. Phasing
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
the urgency for the occupancy date
determine the need for concurrent
scheduling or
allow for linear scheduling?
24. Cost Control
This concept is intended as a search
for economy ideas that will lead to a
realistic preview of costs and a
balanced
budget to meet the extent of
available funds.
Thank you.