ARCHITECTURAL PROGRAMMING

Architectural programming began when architecture began. Structures have always

been based on programs: decisions were made, something was designed, built and
occupied. In a way, archaeologists excavate buildings to try to determine their programs. It
is defined as the research and decision-making process that identifies the scope of work to
be designed.
Architectural programming has developed as an activity related to, but distinct from,
architectural design. It is considered an optional pre design service under AIA Document
B141, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect. Document B141 states
that under basic services, the architect is required only to provide a preliminary
evaluation of the Owners program. Presumably after this preliminary evaluation the
architect is expected to proceed with normal design services.
Programming led by architects can provide clients with a systematic process for
decision making about organizational and project values, goals, and requirements. Many
clients have a limited view of the range of physical possibilities for accommodating their
operations; architects have the ideal professional background to help them visualize options
during programming. The programming process as led by architecture firms can expose
clients to a wide range of alternative approaches and help them choose appropriate
directions.

Levels of Programming
Programming may happen for different purposes and may impact the level of detail
of investigation and deliverables. For instance, programming at the master planning level is
more strategic in natureproviding information to building owners to make decisions
regarding current and projected space needs and rough budgeting for implementation.
Programming at the individual project level provides specific, detailed information to guide
building design.

Skills
On smaller projects, one person from the programming firm can usually handle all of
the programming tasks. On larger projects, the programming team will generally include a
senior architect, who handles sensitive client interviews and work session presentations (or
at least introductions); a project programmer, who conducts interviews with key personnel,
develops questionnaires (if needed), analyzes data, and oversees development of the
programming document; and junior programmers, who do literature searches, conduct user
interviews, conduct observational studies including site analysis, and assist the project
programmer in developing the program document.
Programmers must be familiar with the fundamentals of the architectural design and
building processes and be alert to the design and construction implications of program
statements. But they must also have specific knowledge and skill to be effective at
programming. Expertise in information gathering is the heart of the programmers domain
and requires the ability to:

Conduct efficient literature searches

Employ active listening skills to conduct diagnostic interviews

Record meaningful data during a walk-through study
Develop comprehensive space inventories
Obtain trace evidence
Conduct systematic observations
Know when and how to develop and administer questionnaires

Strong verbal and management skills are necessary for group interviewing and work
session leadership. Data analysis skills are equally important. Knowing what to collect and
then how to convert the raw data to useful information is essential to effective
programming. Skilled programmers learn how to avoid data clog. Knowledge of space size
standards for various building types is a fundamental requirement for programmers. The
programmer must be familiar with current construction cost information and with general
project delivery timelines. Finally, writing skills are needed to capture and delineate the
qualitative and quantitative aspects of the client requirements. An architectural programmer
must be able to communicate programming information verbally and visually to the client,
the users, the community, and the architect who will design the project. Equipment. Given
that virtually all architects will have a computer that can produce finished drawings and a
word-processed report, the only special equipment needed for architectural programming
would be a digital or Polaroid camera.

Facility Requirements
When the important values and goals of the client, user group, and community and
any related facts have been identified, then and only then should the identification of
specific space needs begin. Those preparing the program may be unaware that their
personal value systems are influencing the decisions they are making and that a more
conscious identification of institutional values and the setting of specific project goals would
have a profound effect on how the specific needs of the project are developed.
Steps for identifying the space needs of a specific facility include the following:

Identify required spaces

Establish the size and relationships of these spaces
Develop appropriate factors for estimating efficiency
Project budget and schedule requirements

When determining factors for estimating efficiency, allow for non programmed areas
such as halls, walls, restrooms, service areas, two-story spaces, and the like. Base budget
and schedule requirements on previously identified values, goals, and facts in order to get
the most accurate guide for the design of proposed new facilities.

Project Goals
Once the primary values have been identified and prioritized, it is possible to develop
specific project goals. What organizational objectives should be accomplished by providing a
new, expanded, or renovated facility? Should the resulting building be a statement of the
organizations desired image? Should it be a model of efficiency? Or should it be more
loosely organized, allowing for serendipitous events or even changes in how operations are
conducted? Should it be environmentally sensitive, a showpiece of green architecture?

What is the target for overall project cost? When should the facility be ready for operation?
Goals in these and many other areas need to be set during programming.

The Process
Architectural programming is inherently a team process. At a minimum, the
programmer and client determine the program, but more often several persons from the
programming firm, an array of users, and sometimes community participants are involved.
The scale of the project (e.g., a building interior, one building, a building complex) will have
a strong effect on team size and composition. Other factors include the type of facilities and
level of specialized functions that will be required and possibly constraints on interaction
with the client and users.
There are many different ways to approach the programming process, but most
methodologies share the same core components. Researchers and practitioners
including William Pea, Robert Hershberger, Donna Duerk, and Edith Cherry have all helped
define architectural programming best practices, which are summarized in the following five
steps:
Identify owner and user values, goals, and objectives

What does the client want to achieve and why?

What considerations (cultural, technological, aesthetic, symbolic, environmental, etc.)
are most important to the client and end-users?
Develop performance and design criteria

Gather information

Research the project type, standards, and guidelines

Review existing facilities
Conduct interviews and surveys of key stakeholders
Identify project constraints (budget, time, legal requirements, physical limitations of
site, etc.)

Analyze Data

Map the relationships and interdependencies between the projects goals and
constraints
Reconcile conflicting objectives and constraints
Develop options for potential design solutions
Make preliminary characterization of space requirements

Determine Needs

Determine the final space requirements, space relationships (adjacencies),

circulation, and other special considerations such as safety and security, lighting,
furnishings, equipment, and fixtures

Summarize the Program

Prepare a final program document detailing the methodologies used to develop the
program, value and goal statements, conclusions drawn from data analysis, etc.

Other deliverables can include relationship diagrams/matrices, flow diagrams, space

listings by function and size, stacking plans, and space program sheets
Detail the project cost estimates and project schedule

Data Analysis
Throughout the data-gathering process it is important to organize data so that they
can be retrieved and analyzed quickly and easily. A key technique is to seek and record only
information that will be vital in making design decisions. Based on analysis of all information
gathered, the programmer will develop performance and design criteria for the facility.
Space requirements, space relationships, circulation, ambient environment, safety and
security, needed surfaces, furnishings, flexibility, and site information are among the issues
usually addressed. Graphics such as matrices showing space allocations and relationships
and bubble diagrams showing adjacency relationships are also developed.
During analysis, the programmer will identify major unresolved programming issues
and begin to develop some preliminary ideas about options for their resolution in the final
building program.

The Importance of architectural programming

A well-documented and detailed architectural program is imperative to project
success. As clients have become more involved, buildings have become increasingly
complex, and regulations have become more stringent, the decisions architects make
during programming are more critical than ever before. When projects are carefully
programmed, subsequent design phases can proceed more efficiently, saving time and
money for the client. Architectural programming establishes a clear understanding of project
constraints, as well as the quality of the desired solution.

Deliverables
The usual deliverable is a written architectural program, which is a comprehensive
report that includes documentation of the methodology used, an executive summary, value
and goal statements, the relevant facts, data analysis conclusions, and the program
requirements, including space listings by function and size, relationship diagrams, space
program sheets, stacking plans, precept drawings, and flow diagrams. Photographs or even
videos may be used to illustrate space planning requirements. A comprehensive program
will also include project cost estimates and a project schedule.

Relevant Codes and Standards

A very important part of programming is identifying relevant codes and standards
that apply to the project (see Steps 1 and 3 above). Codes, covenants, deed restrictions,
zoning requirements, licensing requirements, and other legal obligations can have significant
influence on costs and therefore, affordable GSF. These factors must be identified prior to
design.
Some standards are mandated by statutes in some jurisdictions for licensing,
accreditation, or equity purposes. Schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other

licensed or accredited institutions may be required to meet these standards prior to opening
their doors.
Some building codes identify the number of square feet allocated per person for
certain types of occupancy. However, while these ratios may determine the legal occupancy
numbers for the facility, exiting requirements, fire separations, etc., they represent the
minimum requirements. It may be necessary to accommodate specific activities adequately
with more space.
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