CHOP 6.2 - SCHEMATIC DESIGN Flashcards
Schematic Design
Schematic design is the phase of the project during which the client’s requirements and desires determined in the pre-design phase are resolved into physical, architectural form.
At this stage, the architect and the client begin by agreeing on an architectural expression representing a synthesis of the following elements:
- the character of the site
- the space planning requirements described in the client’s functional program
- the image or philosophical objectives that the client wants to project
- the design approach of the architect
Throughout the schematic design phase, the architect tests the client’s program by studying various planning and massing relationships, always within the constraints of the project budget. Ideally, schematic design will conclude with a design that is the best possible synthesis of all the factors being considered.
Throughout the schematic design phase, the assumptions made during pre-design should be tested to uncover any inconsistencies or conflicts as well as new opportunities for more effective use of space.
The schematic design phase is an opportunity for fine-tuning elements of the client’s requirements and adjusting spatial relationships before beginning design development.
Client-Architect Relationship
There are many ways that projects are deemed successful, but perhaps the most consistent is when the architect and client perceive themselves as co-participants in the design process and goals are defined and shared together.
To facilitate effective client participation and to maintain the trust between all project stakeholders, the architect must manage communication and ensure that all design issues and construction budgets are presented as open to discussion.
Minutes of design meetings should be taken by the architect and circulated for review and approval by all.
It is essential to regularly review the design evolution with the client, and to obtain their “sign-off” on design decisions at key project milestones.
The project budget must also be reviewed periodically to ensure the proposed solution meets all functional requirements but remains affordable; alternatively, the budget can be increased or decreased by the client to respond to new ideas.
Transparency in communications is a fundamental element of RAIC Document Six, as intended in its general conditions. The architect needs to be included in all relevant correspondence between client and contractor; the same applies to all other participants involved in the design’s evolution.
his is the spirit evoked in Section GC0 of RAIC Document Six (2018):
General Conditions
GC0 Preamble
0.1 - The terms of this preamble are incorporated into and form part of this contract.
0.2 - This contract is entered into for the mutual benefit of the Client and the Architect for the development of the Project.
0.3 - This contract shall be interpreted fairly and reasonably.
0.4 - The relationship between the Client and the Architect shall be one of mutual respect, support, openness, and good faith.
0.5 - The final design of the Project is unknown at the outset of this contract and thus exploration of solutions and adaptability to changing circumstances are essential aspects of the relationship between the Client and the Architect. This contract anticipates and accommodates necessary adjustments during the Project’s design and construction.
0.6 - The Client acknowledges that the Architect has a duty of care arising by law and from the Architect’s professional status and professional code of ethics.
0.7 - The Client and the Architect acknowledge that the success of the Project is reliant on a relationship of mutual respect, support, openness, and good faith with the Constructor.
Pre-design Information Required Before Beginning Schematic Design
The client is responsible for providing a functional program which defines:
1) functional requirements and spatial relationships.
2) flexibility and provision for expansion.
3) special equipment and systems.
4) site requirements and/or restraints.
5) a feasible construction budget.
6) sustainability goals.
7) a time frame or schedule.
In addition to the functional program, the client is responsible for providing full documentation of site conditions, including:
1) legal and physical surveys.
2) Zoning.
3) Condition reports.
4) Specialist reports.
If the client does not have all this typical pre-design documentation (see Chapter 6.1), the architect may help procure it, acting as the client’s advisor. As this approach requires additional work on the part of the architect and attracts additional professional liability to the architect, the overall compensation for schematic design should reflect that additional effort.
As a general principle, the architect should reinforce to the owner that as the owner of a capital asset receives the benefits of ownership, they should also take responsibility for the risks associated with ownership.
To complete the schematic design, architects must fully investigate planning and technical requirements as well as the regulations of authorities having jurisdiction (such as environmental impact, site plan control, zoning, parking requirements and limiting distances). Generally, an overview rather than a detailed analysis of building code compliance is necessary at this stage.
Space, Circulation and Massing Studies
As part of the preliminary analysis, the architect will often prepare a series of space plans to identify the comparative size, relationships and optimal adjacencies of the functional areas and spaces anticipated.
In addition, pedestrian and vehicular circulation layouts linking the relevant spaces and applicable site constraints can be examined, usually concurrently.
The engineering disciplines’ input helps determine the area and volume needed for service rooms at this very preliminary stage.
Using sketches, block models and other design approaches, the architect explores various forms and relative volumes for the building project. From such studies, the architect:
- establishes the form and massing qualities of the building
- visualizes the space between buildings (proposed and existing)
- determines the effect of sun, shade, snow, rain and wind on the project and its surrounding environment.
Integrated Design Process
No part of a site, building, or system is unaffected by other parts. A change of a window results in changes to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, results in changes to the controls, results in changes to the electrics.
The integrated design process (IDP) is one approach to optimize building systems: components, such as landscaping, civil works, structure, orientation, envelope, lighting and ventilation, are viewed as interdependent. IDP usually requires additional up-front resources, but has the end benefit of greater ultimate coherence of the overall building design and its systems.
Design Alternatives: Evaluation and Selection
The project program may include more than one possible path to follow for planning or for developing architectural concepts. In these circumstances, the architect may prepare design alternatives for the client to consider.
The number of these exploratory iterations should be agreed upon beforehand so that any fees associated with multiple investigations are accounted for in the professional contract.
Design alternatives should be evaluated and selected through unbiased discussion and analysis of the pros and cons of each choice.
The architect should receive a formal “sign-off” of the selected alternative from the client before proceeding with further work.
Building Cost Analysis
During schematic design, the architect prepares preliminary cost evaluations (or works closely with a specialist costing subconsultant), usually based only on the area or volume of the proposed building, multiplied by the appropriate regional unit costs.
If the pre-design program is unachievable with the budget given, the architect needs to work with the client to adjust the scope of work and/or the quality, or, alternatively, the client may decide to increase the budget or abandon the project.
Documentation and Presentation
Schematic design documents illustrate the functional relationships of the project elements as well as the project’s scale and character, based on the final version of the functional program, the schedule, and the construction budget.
It is important that the report captures the client’s and design team’s objectives, so an understanding of the client’s expectations beforehand is important. Sharing previous schematic design presentations and reports with the client beforehand can be useful.
The design presentation documents are recommended to include:
1) a site plan showing the proposed location and site circulation.
2) functional block plans showing relative spatial areas and relationships (adjacencies) and circulation routes.
3) vertical sections to depict building height and initial space conjecture for structural support.
4) outline building elevations to display massing and image.
5) illustrative sketches, perspectives or computer-generated presentations (these should be at a concept level and avoid conveying a finished product, which would be misleading at this phase).
6) three-dimensional massing models.
In addition to design presentation documents, it is often appropriate to prepare a report (not always required but always recommended, and generally referred to as a schematic design report)
The architect reviews the documents with the client and should obtain formal, written approval from the client before beginning design development.
