Chapter 6: Information Analysis and Synthesis

Question 1

What is the most typical way space needs are determined?

Answer 1

The client will have a list of the required functional spaces and the cooresponding square footages based on the client’s experience, corporate space standards, or what currently exists.

Question 2

Where square footages are not defined, how should space needs be determined

Answer 2

• By total number of people in the same area
• Through built-in set of rules or customs related to the activity itself (ie. courtrooms, sports facilities)
• By the size of an object or piece of equipment (ie. size of machinery, automobiles, etc.)

Question 3

What is the net area?

Answer 3

The net area is the space required for the various functions in the program. Does not include circulation, storage, space for partitions, or toilet rooms.

Question 4

What are the different types workflows or business processes that must be considered.

Answer 4

Linear workflow - work proceeds from one location to another in a strict sequence
Centralized workflow - work is controlled from a central position
Departmental workflow - hierarchical, typically with one group controlling work divided into separate departments
Network workflow - no strictly organized method of workflow.

Question 5

What is a preliminary code checklist?

Answer 5

A list containing the code requirements that affect the overall planning of the space. As the design process progresses and a preliminary space plan is selected, a more detailed code checklist can be developed.

Question 6

What information should be included in a code checklist?

Answer 6

• Occupancy group
• Gross area
• Occupant load
• Number of exits
• Maximum distance to exits
• Arrangement of exits
• Min width of exits
• Length of dead end corridors
• Accessibility requirements
• Requirements for ramps, stairways, doors, glazing

Question 7

What regulations and standards should the designer be aware of when working on a project in a leased building?

Answer 7

• The rentable/usable ratio
• Building standard allowances for partitions, doors, light fixtures, and outlets
• Limitations on the design of public areas
• Security requirements
• Availability of mechanical and electrical systems
• Capacity of the structural systm
• Requirements for window coverings
• Provision for expansion

Question 8

What is a design concept?

Answer 8

A general or overall idea of how a design problem will be approached. Also takes into account the existing space within which the designer must work, its size, shape, entry points, windows, and other fixed elements. They are a broad-brush approach that leaves some flexibility in deciding the details of the design.

Question 9

Describe an open concept plan.

Answer 9

Typically used where a display of hierarchy through separate spaces is not wanted, where function requires a free flow of people, materials, or ideas, or where individual functional areas change frequently.

Question 10

Describe a linear concept plan.

Answer 10

Arranges spaces in a row, either connected to each other directly or related to a linear element. Typically used for practical reasons as an efficient way to connect many different types and sizes of spaces with a circulation corridor and to provide for access to exits. Often used to separate groups of enclosed spaces with a large open space.

Question 11

Describe an axial concept plan.

Answer 11

Aligns spaces on a significant feature (the entry, a view an architectural element). Generally, the space creating the axis is important. If two axes intersect, the point of intersection takes on special significance.

Question 12

Describe a centralized concept plan.

Answer 12

Uses a single, dominant space with secondary spaces grouped around it. The plan is nondirectional and focuses attention on the central space.

Question 13

Describe a grid concept plan.

Answer 13

Arranges spaces on a predefined, regular pattern of points or intersecting parallel lines. Useful way to organize many different types and sizes of spaces while maintaining an overall regularity and pattern.

Question 14

Describe a clustered concept plan.

Answer 14

Organizes spaces based on proximity to each other; wayfinding can be problematic.

Question 15

Describe an adjacent space relationship.

Answer 15

Each space or room has its own use an functional requirements and is separated by a partition or construction element.

Question 16

Describe an overlapping space relationship.

Answer 16

Two spaces whose unique limits can be perceived but that share a common space. The overlapping portion can be used for a function common to both spaces, visually tie the spaces together, or can purposely create a unique third space.

Question 17

Describe a space within a space.

Answer 17

Created when a clearly identifiable space or room is placed as an object within a larger open space (ie. a conference room in an open space plan).

Question 18

What are details?

Answer 18

The smaller scale components of interior construction. They are a way of fitting the larger component together and resolve problems of connection and transition. They solve functional problems and enhance the intent or the overall design concept.

Question 19

What role do materials play in interior design?

Answer 19

Provide finish, concealment, protection, sound modulation, light reflectance, and fire resistance.
They convey meaning, denote status, create style, symbolize ideals, and generally add to the overall look of the space.

Question 20

What are the three different types of adjacency needs?

Answer 20

People, products, and information

Question 21

What is space planning?

Answer 21

The process used to translate programmatic needs and broad design concepts into a physical plan of the space by organizing major rooms and areas, determining circulation systems, and laying out furniture.

Question 22

Why are existing conditions important in space planning?

Answer 22

Because the interior designer always develops a plan within the context of an existing architectural space.

Question 23

What existing conditions can influence the space plan?

Answer 23

• Relationship to surrounding areas such as entry doors, interior points of connection like stairways and corridors, location of exits
• Size of existing space
• Views - desirable or undesirable
• Special features
• Structural considerations - location of columns and loadbearing walls, bearing capacity of floorsystem
• Plumbing - locate close to existing, wet columns or plumbing stacks

Question 24

What is a linear dumbell circulation layout?

Answer 24

Spaces are laid out along a straight path that connects two major elements at the ends - usually the entrance to the space or group of rooms at one end and an exit or other access point at the other.

Question 25

What is a doughnut configuration circulation layout?

Answer 25

Making a complete loop; efficient because it provides a double-loaded corridor and automatically makes a continuous exitway, so that if two exits area required by building codes, they are always available.

Question 26

What is a radial circulation layout?

Answer 26

Oriented on one major space with paths extending from this central area.

Question 27

What is the best strategy for planning the furniture layout?

Answer 27

View furniture groupings as “rooms” and the spaces between them as circulation paths, and to follow the organizational and circulation concepts.