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Programming & Space Needs

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Introduction

Architectural programming is the process of identifying and systematically organizing the functional, architectural, structural, mechanical, aesthetic, budget, and all other criteria relevant to the project that will guide the decision making in the design. Because of this, programming is important to discuss early on with the owner or stakeholders. Especially on larger projects, the owner and Architect should designate one responsible representative with complete authority to coordinate communications and make decisions, and the Architect needs to always document.

Most critical in practice is the last point, documentation. A paper trail needs to be made in order to keep everyone honest and to protect the decisions that have been made, in the case of addressing additional services or similar needs.

Checkpoints

At various checkpoints throughout the process, the information should be reviewed with the client for accuracy and to verify understanding of the big picture. At the end of the programming phase, the information should be reviewed and approved by the owner and architect and should become a part of the project record for use throughout the phases of design. Programming therefore ends with the statement of a problem.

Find the Problems

  • The objective of a building program is to state the functions and purposes the building must serve.
  • A functional building will have a well thought out and logical design, that has at its foundation good sensible programming.

Programming is the search for problems, while design is the search for solutions. Architects should not design in programming, and instead are searching for the problems that matter.

  • The amount of problems found will vary dramatically by project. Some problems are so complex, they require expert technical advice, maybe in several areas to help solve the problem.

    • Example: A small house will have easier problems than a large hospital

  • One should not design a building while programming, or try to anticipate a design solution.

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