Chapter 4: Programming

In "Problem Seeking," how many programmatic concepts are identified that tend to reoccur in all types of buildings.

24 programmatic concepts are identified that tend to reoccur in all types of buildings.

What is a comfortable relative humidity range?

A comfortable relative humidity ranges between 30% to 65%

What is a design concept?

A design concept is a specific physical response that attempts to achieve a programmatic concept.

What is a Programmatic Concept?

A programmatic concept is a performance requirement related to methods of solving a problem or satisfying a need. "Identify a problem and provide a measure for success."

What should accompany a questionnaire?

A questionnaire should be accompanied by a cover letter from management explaining why the form is being distributed and encouraging or requiring that it be completed and returned.

What makes perspiration harder to evaporate from the human body?

A rise in humidity makes it more difficult for perspiration to evaporate.

What is a tolerable relative humidity range?

A tolerable relative humidity ranges between 20% to 70%

What is the identified programmatic concept, Accessibility?

Accessibility relates to the idea of entry to a building or space and to making the facility accessible to the disabled. It should answer the question of how people can find the entrance and whether or not there should be multiple entrances.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Activity Grouping?

Activity grouping states whether activities should be integrated or separated and compartmentalized.

What is one of the most important factors to include in the design of workstations and chairs?

Adjustability is one of the most important factors to include in the design of workstations and chairs.

What tends to increase evaporation and heat loss through convection?

Air movement tends to increase evaporation and heat loss through convection.

What is the primary determinate of comfort?

Air temperature.

Because interior design is accomplished within an architectural space, what is an important part of programming that determines the existing conditions?

An important part of programming that determines the existing conditions is a field survey.

What is Anthropometrics?

Anthropometrics is the measurement of the size, proportions, and range of motion of the human body.

What happens to the body as the air temperature decreases?

As the air temperature decreases, the body loses more heat through radiation than evaporation.

What should be done prior to client interviews?

Before interviewing can begin, an initial presentation should be given that provides everyone with the project background and outline what type of information is being sought.

In relation to ventilation, what do the building codes specify?

Building codes specify the minimum amount of fresh, outdoor air that must be circulated and the total circulated air in cubic ft. per minute, per square foot of floor area or else they specify how often a complete air change within the room must be made.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Character?

Character is a response to the desired image the client wants to project. This may later be expressed in design concepts using materials, lighting, space layouts, and other physical responses to project character.

What is one of the most valuable ways to collect information?

Client interviews are one of the most valuable ways to collect information. They provided observation, a structured process, the ability to clarify ambiguous questions or responses, and provide an opportunity for extemporaneous exploration of needs and ideas, not previously considered.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Communications?

Communications as a concept is a response to the goal of promoting the effective exchange of information or ideas.

In relation to the human body, what is Conduction?

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between two objects of different temperatures. This is a 4th way the human body loses heat, however this accounts for a very small portion of the total body heat loss.

In relation to the human body, what is Convection?

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid, either liquid or gas.

How does the human body lose heat?

Convection. Evaporation. Radiation.

What does convertibility mean?

Convertibility refers to how a space can allow for changes in function through the conversion of spaces.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Cost Control?

Cost control explores ways to establish a realistic preview of costs and balance budget to meet the client's available funds.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Density?

Density relates to how a space or group of spaces are used to respond to goals, such as efficient use of space or the desired amount of interaction in an office.

If Programming is problem analysis, what is Design?

Design is problem synthesis.

What is Dynamic Anthropometrics?

Dynamic Anthropometrics measures the human body while performing activities.

From the four major considerations during programming, describe Economy.

Economy concerns money: the initial cost of the interior, operating costs (if applicable), and the life-cycle costs.

What is Effective Temperature?

Effective temperature (ET) is a value that has been developed to combine the effects of air temperature, humidity, and air movement.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Energy Conservation?

Energy conservation reflects on the ideas of energy consumption, material sourcing, etc.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Environmental Controls?

Environmental controls explore the kinds of controls necessary to meet human comfort needs. This concept includes the following. Air temperature. Light. Sound. Humidity. Mechanical systems. As well as natural means for climate control.

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the study of the relation between the human physiology and the physical environment. This goes a step further than Anthropometrics by studying exactly how humans interact with physical objects.

In relation to the human body, what is Evaporation?

Evaporation is when moisture changes to a vapor as a person perspires or breathes.

Every program should include at least what?

Every program should include the following. A statement of goals. A list of client requirements. A list of spaces and square footages. A program may also include a survey of the existing conditions, budget requirements, scheduling constraints, and expansion requirements.

What does expandability mean?

Expandability refers to how a space can accommodate growth with expansion.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Flexibility?

Flexibility is broken down into three components. Expandability. Convertibility. Versatility.

From the four major considerations during programming, describe Form.

Form relates to the existing conditions in a space, the physical and psychological environment of the interior, and the quality of construction.

What are the four major considerations during programming?

Form. Function. Economy. Time.

From the four major considerations during programming, describe Function.

Function relates to the people using a space, the activities to be performed there, and the relationship of the spaces to each other.

What is the International System of Units (SI)?

Heat energy measured in joules.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Heirachy?

Hierarchy relates to the idea of the exercise of authority and is expressed in physical symbols of authority.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Home Base?

Home base relates to the concept of territoriality and is a place where a person can maintain his or her individuality.

What is Humidity?

Humidity is the percentage of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature without condensing.

If a building is still being designed, how will the information be determined?

If a building is still being designed, the information must be determined from the architectural drawings.

What information should be included in programming?

Information that should be included in programming is as follows. State client goals and objectives. Analysis of existing building. Aesthetic considerations. Space needs. Adjacency requirements. Organizing concepts. Code review. Budget requirements. Scheduling requirements.

When gathering information via a client interview, what are some important points to consider?

Interviewing takes time and requires the person being interviewed to be kept on the subject while still allowing for some open-ended questions and comments. Have a prepared list of questions. Limit the interview to a predetermined amount of time. The number and types of people being questioned should be determined ahead of time. This should represent a cross-section of the organization. Schedule appointments for a specific time and place, preferably at the user's workplace or activity area.

What is Mean Radiant Temperature?

Mean radiant temperature (MRT) is a weighted average of the various surface temperatures in a room, the angle of exposure of the occupant to these various surfaces, and any sunlight present. The value is used to determine radiation as an aspect of comfort.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Mixed Flow?

Mixed flow as a concept is a response to the goal of promoting interaction among people.

Nearly all measurements and standards for human comfort are based on what?

Nearly all measurements and standards for human comfort are based on wearing clothing. To quantify this effects of clothing, the unit of the (clo) was developed.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Neighbors?

Neighbors is a concept that refers to how the project will promote or prevent sociability and how it will relate to its neighboring spaces.

What is the best way to verify information gathered by interviews or questionnaires?

Observation is best used to verify information gathered by interviews or questionnaires or as a way of generating questions to determine the reason behind the observed behavior.

How do you develop an effective questionnaire?

One of the best ways to develop an effective questionnaire is to design one and try it out on a select sample. Confusing or unnecessary questions can be revised before the full sample is taken.

What is one of the most reliable ways to gather information?

One of the most reliable ways to gather information is by observing what people do rather than by listening to what they say.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Orientation?

Orientation refers to providing a point of reference within a space or building to help keep people from feeling lost within a larger context.

What is the identified programmatic concept, People Grouping?

People grouping states the degree of massing of people in a space and is derived from the physical, social, and emotional characteristics of the group.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Phasing?

Phasing determines if the project must be completed in stages to meet time and cost schedules. It also states whether the project can be based on linear scheduling or must provide for concurrent scheduling to meet urgent occupancy requirements.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Priority?

Priority establishes the order of importance through such ideas as size, position, and social values.

What is "Problem Seeking" by William M. Pena and Steven A. Parshall?

Problem Seeking is a book with a popular programming method that uses a five-step process in relationship to the four major considerations of form, function, economy, and time.

What is programming?

Programming is the process during which information about a problem is collected, analyzed, and clearly stated to provide a basis for design. Programming defines a problem before a solution is attempted.

What is a pro and a con to using questionnaires?

Questionnaires are useful when a large number of people need to be surveyed and time or resources do not allow for individual interviews. However, to be effective, they must be well designed, and their completion should be required by management.

What are Questionnaires?

Questionnaires are written forms that people fill in with requested information.

How should questions be presented in a questionnaire?

Questions should be as short, unambiguous, and as easy to fill in as possible.

In relation to the human body, what is Radiation?

Radiation is the transfer of heat energy through electromagnetic waves from one surface to a colder surface.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Relationships?

Relationships include the affinities of people and activities. This is one of the most common programming concepts established in any design problem because it most directly affects the organization of space and rooms.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Security Controls?

Security controls refer to the ways that both people and property can be protected based on the value of the potential loss. Minimum. Medium. Maximum.

The sensations of thermal comfort depends on the interrelations of what?

Sensations of thermal comfort depends on the interrelations of the following. Air temperature. Humidity. Air movement. Radiation. Ventilation.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Separated Flow?

Separate flow relates to segregating the flow of people, service access, and other activities of a building or space.

What are some client requirements that should be listed on the programming document?

Some client requirements that should be listed on the programming document are as followed. Occupancy. Activities. Required adjacencies. Particular furniture/equipment. Special needs, such as lighting, acoustic separation, flexibility in space, and electricity.

What are some examples of Energy Conservation?

Some examples of energy conservation are as follows. Keeping the heated areas to a minimum. Keeping heat flow to a minimum. Using materials produced using low amounts of energy. Using recycled materials. Using recyclable materials.

What are some ways to field survey an existing building?

Some ways to field survey an existing building are as follows. Field measured. Photographed. Special onsite conditions can be noted.

What is Static Anthropometrics?

Static Anthropometrics measures the human body at rest.

In the five-step programming process, explain step five.

Step five is stating the problem. Problem statements are the bridge between programming and the design process. Statements should be agreed upon by both the client and the programmer. They should describe the most important aspects of the problem and serve as a basis for design and as the criteria by which the solution can be evaluated.

In the five-step programming process, explain step four.

Step four is to determine needs. This programming process balances the desires of the client against the available budget based on the defined goals and needs. This would fall under the four elements of cost.

In the five-step programming process, explain step one.

Step one is to establish goals. Goals indicate what the client wants to achieve and why. These goals establish the directions of programming concepts that ultimately suggest the physical means of achieving the goals.

In the five-step programming process, explain step three.

Step three is uncovering and testing concepts. The programming process should develop abstract ideas that are functional solutions to the client's performance problems, without defining the physical means that could be used to solve them. This is also called programmatic concepts. Once a programmatic concept is approved by a client, the designer would later develop several design concepts for consideration and testing against other requirements of the problem

In the five-step programming process, explain step two.

Step two is collecting and analyzing facts. Facts describe the existing conditions and requirements of the problem. Part of the programmer's task is not only to collect facts but also to organize them, so that they are useful.

What is a British Thermal Unit (Btu)?

The British Thermal Unit is the amount of heat energy required to raise one pound of water by one-degree Fahrenheit.

What is the downside to gathering information through observation?

The danger of observation is the possibility of jumping to conclusions without understanding why people are doing things in a particular way.

What is the field of human factors?

The field of human factors involves the correctness of fit between objects and spaces, and the needs of the people using those objects and spaces. This encompasses a number of design disciplines that relate to the physical, psychological, and social needs.

What is the five-step programming process?

The five-step programming process is as follows. Establishing goals. Collecting and analyzing facts. Uncovering and testing concepts. Determine needs. Stating the problem.

What are the four elements of cost?

The four elements of cost are as follows. Quantity. Quality. Budget. Time.

What are the four methods of collecting the information required to complete a program and prepare for design?

The four methods of collecting the information required to complete a program and prepare for design are as follows. Client interviews. Questionnaires. Observation. Field Surveys.

What are the primary environmental factors that affect human comfort?

The primary environmental factors that affect human comfort are as follows. Temperature. Humidity. Air movement. Temperature radiation to and from surrounding surfaces. Air quality. Sound. Vibration. Light.

What is produced from the programming process?

The programming process should produce some written document that records the information gathered and the conclusions drawn from analysis. This document should be reviewed and approved by the client before design begins, because any incorrect programming information will result in a design that may not meet the client's needs.

What are the steps to programmatic concepts?

The steps to programmatic concepts are as follows. Identify and respond to a particular problem. Narrow the problem focus. Establish a way of evaluating how well the goal was reached.

When building codes specify how often a complete air change within a room must be made, what is a requirement of the ventilation system?

The ventilation system must exhaust directly to the outside, none of the exhausted air can be recirculated.

How many problem statements should there be, and why?

There should be a minimum of four problem statements, one for each of the major considerations. Form. Function. Economy. Time.

How many interviewers should be present during a client interview and why?

There should be two interviewers present during a client interview. One to ask questions and observe and one to take notes and have a second opinion.

From the four major considerations during programming, describe Time.

Time describes the ideas of past, present, and future as they affect the other three considerations.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Tolerance?

Tolerance allows for the extra space for a dynamic activity (one likely to change) instead of fitting the space precisely to a static activity.

How many administrators are needed for a questionnaire process?

Unlike an interview, a questionnaire requires only one administrator, and the process usually requires less time.

What is Ventilation?

Ventilation is required to provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, to remove odors, and to carry away contaminants. Building codes give the minimum requirements for ventilation.

What do ventilation requirements depend on?

Ventilation requirements depend on the activities in a room, size of a room, and whether people smoke in a room.

What does Versatility mean?

Versatility provides for several different activities with multifunctional spaces.

Over a period of one hour, the SI unit corresponds to the Btu/Hr in what?

Watts (W)

What is the identified programmatic concept, Safety?

Safety focuses attention on life safety and the conceptual ways to achieve it. Building codes and other safety precautions are closely tied to this concept.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Sequential Flow?

Sequential flow is often required for both people and objects where a specific series of events or processes is required.

What is the identified programmatic concept, Service Grouping?

Service grouping relates to functions that support the use of a space, including mechanical services.