Introduction:
The Design Process in its entirety is a massively involved and complex
procedure of transfer of information. But we thought it would be helpful
to you if we would describe how we conduct our design projects so you have
some feel for what to expect. This is by no means exhaustive and every
project has its own – almost organic – personality.
Overview:
In one sentence, the Design Process is a sequence of communications
between participants of a design project that identify needs, and generate
solutions to those needs, moving from the sweeping and broad to the
interactive and detailed. Thinking from big stuff, down to the small
stuff.
1. Pre-Design Services
Before getting underway, property owners may need assistance securing
information about their sites of a geological, historical, or
administrative nature. We can advise exactly what information is needed
for a design project, and how to get it.
2. Programming
Part of the pre-design effort is in the creation of a Program. The Program
is created by or with the owner and is one of the most important documents
in the Design Process. It is the client's set of instructions to the
architect and other design professionals working on the project. A program
can be composed of volumes of user, site, economic and historic studies as
is the case for regional developments. They can also be a small collection
of desires, living needs, photographs, magazine clippings, in residential
designs. Architects and other professionals may participate in the
programming effort on larger projects, and can lend assistance on smaller
ones.
3. Schematic Design
This is the part of the design effort that clearly identifies the
functional relationships between all the parts of the Program that the
client created in the stage before this one. Some architects refer to this
stage of the work euphemistically as the 'circles & arrows' stage. It
is diagrammatic and, in the case of larger design projects, can be
composed of a collection of graphs, studies and diagrams that explain to
the project team how all the various structures, spaces and equipment
interact. For residential projects this is usually more straightforward.
4. Design Development
The nitty gritty. This is where the design actually becomes visible. You
now begin to see what form, color, texture and function the design
conveys. On smaller projects, a few drawings will convey the intended
work. On larger projects numerous models and even mock-ups (full sized
pieces) of the design can be included along with many computer and hand
drawings.
5. Construction Drawings
Once the design is substantially complete, the directions on how to build
it must be created so the contractor can get to work. These are the
Working Drawings. In past times these were referred to as
'blueprints'*. These drawings, along with
administrative forms and specifications that instruct the contractor what
materials, equipment and procedures the architect requires in the course
of construction, comprise the contract documents required to actually make
the project real.
6. Post-Occupancy Studies
Often, the owners or administrators of complex or large projects arrange
for post-occupancy studies. These are carried out to find out how well the
design really did work. Is there enough room for all workers to function
efficiently? Did profits increase as a result of increased optimal working
conditions? Is cooking more fun and lower in maintenance? Is the structure
joyful, exciting, welcoming? Is it working with the rest of the urban or
rural community of structures, services and users? This is extremely
valuable information especially if the development is to be repeated in
many of its internal aspects or if there is consideration for revisions to
increase economy, improve safety or capabilities of the design.
*
Because of the telltale white line on blue background drawings that were
the product of early reproduction methods using ammonia. These methods are
no longer widely used and so drawings are somewhat easier to read: black
or blue lines on white backgrounds.
CV A
Spring 2012
