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Visioning & Space Planning

Visioning & Space Planning

 Visioning & Space Planning

Visioning & space planning, the service commonly called “programming” in the architectural community, refers to a variety of inclusive activities such as visioning, strategic planning, master planning, project definition, program management and many other pre-design activities. Programming is an optional pre-design service which can be developed separately or in conjunction with any architectural design project.

Our visioning & space planning service allows us to provide our clients with a systematic process for making crucial decisions about project goals, values and requirements. Due to our unique professional background we can expose our clients to a variety of alternative approaches to accommodate their specific needs. Combined with our ability to help the client visualize their options, this service puts the client in the drivers seat and allows them to make the decisions necessary to drive the design of the project and ultimately create a building that better serves their needs.

Our Process

Our programming process is a team process which may include the programmer, client, users and other stakeholders, and specialized consultants . The size and scope of each project will determine the the make-up of the team. Our process is broken down into six main segments, four of which involve direct communication and direction from the client at the initial interview, while the other two segments are completed by the programmer.

    1. Values Identification: The value identification segment of the program is a crucial point where the client has the opportunity to identify and resolve any potential conflicts in values between himself and others. The relation between client values, user values, community values and those values of our designers will help to reduce potential conflicts and find hidden opportunities to fuller express the shared values, creating a more congruent built environment.
    2. Project Goals: This part of the process involves creating and identifying specific project goals. From defining the statement that the building should make and creating a clear budget to redefining building operations and deciding whether the building should be a model in energy efficiency, all of these goals will be set at this stage.
    3. Opportunities & Constraints: The Opportunities and Constraints segment of the programming process is where we can shed the most light on the proposed project and identify any potential constraints and/or potential opportunities. These constraints and opportunities can range from site location and visibility to cash flow and organizational issues. This is the best time to flush out all of these issues into the open so they can be addressed properly and ultimately give the client a better end product.
    4. Facility Requirements: Facility requirements, better known as space programming and planning, is the point at which spaces will be identified, developed and defined. Proper space programming and planning in new facilities is one of the most beneficial service offered by architects. Proper space programming, planning, adjacencies and sizes can increase efficiency, employee health, overall mood and ultimately increase productivity in the workplace.
    5.  Additional Information Collection: This stage of the service is led by the programmer, in conjunction with individuals within the organization, and consist of the following information:
      • Information Search and Review: Relevant documents, surveys, reports and drawings are gathered and reviewed to better understand the building type, location and site specifics.
      • Interviews: Where applicable, interviews are held with key officers, department heads, and employees in the organization to better define every day operations.
      • Observation: A walk through observation of existing facilities allows the architect to document equipment, wear and tear, furniture, circulation and problem areas. This collection of information will allow the new facility to be designed as to eliminate existing circulation and space problems as well as material and equipment issues.
      • Questionnaires & Surveys: Where applicable in large organizations, surveys and questionnaires can be used to effectively gather quantitative data and facts.
      • Group Sessions: Group sessions, often done later in the planning and programming process, are great to attain valuable feedback from a larger group of individuals associated with the organization. They allow for common consensus to be made as to which values, goals, needs and facts should be used in the design of the facility.
    6. Data Analysis: During the entire programming process, all gathered data will be analyzed and organized by the program team to create the final comprehensive program package. During the analysis, the programmer will identify program issues and begin to develop preliminary concepts (precepts) to address their resolution in the final program package. All information, vital in making design decisions, will be structured and organized into a written comprehensive report. The final program deliverables will consist of goal and value statements, project methodology, executive summary, relevant facts, flow diagrams, space program drawings, relationship diagrams, photographs, precedences, space listings with function and sizes as well as a preliminary cost estimate and project schedule.

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