PX- Chapter 6: Information Analysis and Synthesis

Question 1

what two parts of the programming data are the primary factors that determine the size and configuration of the interior space

Answer 1

required area and adjacency (primary and secondary spaces included) provided by the client

Question 2

when the client doesn’t give you square footages required for spaces, how should you determine how large a space should be

Answer 2

1. number of people to be accommodated
2. by the size of an object or piece of equipment
3. specific activity that has clearly specified space needs- like sports spaces require certain sizes for regulation or have typical sizes like a squash court.

Question 3

What is net area for a project in space planning

Answer 3

the primary spaces required only- does not include necessary spaces like corridors, closets, toilets etc

Question 4

Name types of business workflow processes and describe

Answer 4

1. Linear: processes proceed from one location to another in a strict sequence
2. Centralized: work is controlled from one central position
3. Departmental: hierarchical typically with one group controlling work divided up in to smaller departments
4. Network workflow: there is no strict organization of workflow

Question 5

What type of code analysis is required in the analysis stage of a project

Answer 5

preliminary code check- contain the code requirements that affect the overall planning of the space- like one or two means of egress are required, number of exits required, occupancy groups, required corridor widths, fire rated requirements etc. Think overall things

Question 6

What type of code analysis is required in the design phase of a project

Answer 6

A more detailed list of requirements- like hardware requirements, toilet room accessories, finishes, handrails, construction of fire rated elements, detailed requirements for stairs like treads and risers and handrails, toilet room accessibility planning, fire safety equipment locations like exit signs etc. Think details

Question 7

What level of accessibility design should you go to during the analysis phase of a project

Answer 7

broad issues of space planning like widths of accessible routes, door sizes, toilet room layouts

Question 8

what is the rentable-usable ration

Answer 8

affects how much rent the tenant pays based on the amount of actual space required for the tenant’s business (refer to ch 23 for more info?)

Question 9

what must a designer think about when designing for a leased space

Answer 9

building standard allowances- like what will they let you do? light fixtures, adding electrical outlets, public corridor design, main entry design, requirements for security etc. It’s someone else’s building, they make the rules, find out what they are.

Question 10

What is the difference between programmatic concepts and design concepts

Answer 10

programmic concepts are statements about functional solutions- they make no attempt at an actual physical solution. They guide the design concept that comes later. Design concepts are still broad though- like the corridors will cross near the center of the building at informal lounge area. Or- maximizing views to the outside. Things that will dictate how you move forward

Question 11

What are some components to a design concept (list, don’t describe yet)

Answer 11

1. Plan Arrangement

2. Space Relationships

Question 12

Name and describe the types of plan arrangements when coming up with a design concept

Answer 12

1. Open: used when a display of heirarchy through separate spaces is not wanted and where there is a free flow of things
2. Linear: arranges spaces in a row- can be directly connected or related to a linear element like a corridor. Can bend the line or make it an L shape or U shape. adaptable because the line can be bent or curved
3. Axial: aligns spaces on a significant feature. Generally the space creating the axis is more important than just a corridor.
4. Centralized: single dominate space with secondary spaces grouped around it. a hotel lobby is an example.
5. Grid: arranges spaces on a predefined regular pattern- like a grid, duh. better for large spaces because you need a lot of circulation. Open plan workstations and restaurant tables are two examples
6. Clustered: organizes spaces based on proximity to each other (like grouping on a large scale)

Question 13

What is the best plan arrangement for expansion or change

Answer 13

Clustered but can be hard for way finding in larger areas

Question 14

Name some space relationships when it comes to general planning concepts

Answer 14

1. Adjacent
2. Overlapping
3. Share a common space
4. Space within a space

Question 15

when do you do matrices and bubble diagrams? What phase of the design process

Answer 15

after programming and after you come up with a design concept? so confused!

Question 16

what different types of adjacency needs are there

Answer 16

people
products
information

Question 17

what is space planning and when does it occur in the design process

Answer 17

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

occurs after you’ve done programming, analysis and design concept

does not deal with finishes, colour or accessories

Question 18

What existing conditions of a building can influence a space plan

Answer 18

1. relationship to surrounding areas (entry doors, stairs, service acccess)
2. Views
3. Special Features (millwork, details)
4. Structural Consideration (columns)
5. Plumbing- locate near existing plumbing to minimize cost

Question 19

what is one of the primary ways to organize an open space or room

Answer 19

by circulation patterns

Question 20

does the circulation pattern need to mimic the organizational pattern of a space

Answer 20

not necessarily. organizational pattern is much larger scale. circulation deals with more small scale stuff like pathways through furniture

Question 21

name the three major circulation patterns and describe

Answer 21

1. Linear dumbell- simplest and most flexible. Straight or curved path connecting two elements (usually entry and exit). A double loaded corridor happens with this (rooms on both sides of corridor) is very efficient
2. Doughnut configuration- full circle like around an elevator core or can be a double loaded corridor if the “core” is another room. Best for larger groups of spaces because this has a lot of circulation space
3. Radial- one major space with paths that extend from the central area- like hotel lobby

Question 22

what is the push pull distances at a door

Answer 22

12” on the push side and 18” on the pull size

Question 23

during space planning, what sustainable factors should be considered

Answer 23

1. an area for the storage and collection of recyclables should be included in the program- must have this for LEED
2. reuse some of the existing building materials or parts- like reusing existing walls. You get LEED credits for reusing walls, flooring, ceilings and doors
3. secured bicycle storage with changing and shower facilities for commercial spaces that are large or single tennants