UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

Name: Gio A. Padilla

Subject Professor: Ar. Raymond Villa
Subject: ARDES 3
Semester: 1st Semester
School Year: 2021-2022
Topic: Research 01: Architectural Space Programming

ARCHITECTURAL SPACE PROGRAMMING

As an architect, the first response to a set of requirements laid out by a client is to

visualize a brief and concise solution. The program of the space to be included must serve
as a foundation for the final output of the design. Space programming helps the designer,
as well as the client, to have an overview of:

• what spaces/rooms must be included;

• what needs shall the space serve;
• how will the experience be like for the user;
• how effective is the design solution; and more.

Figure 1. Concept diagram describing spatial experience. Architect/s: FaR architects and roula gholmieh

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 Professionally, the allocation of spaces requires the designer to apply basic
standards of planning such as following the minimum requirements for each space
designated lawfully. Also, there are a number of considerations the architect must be keen
in order to develop a functional architecture ideal for the users. Some general
considerations include:

• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Accommodation for persons with disabilities
• Ergonomics
• Natural light and ventilation

Duly noted, architectural space programming translates the abstract concepts into
a physical architecture. Though it may come as a series of changes and development
throughout the design process, it is the main idea that gives the space a purpose.

ARCHITECTURAL PROGRAMMING PROCESS

A coherent system of action in design problem-

solving can result to an optimized design which satisfies the
needs of the client. Cherry and Petronis (2016) created a
six-step guide for architects and designers to develop a
good architectural program.

1. Research the project type

This step is necessary if the designer is new to the type

of project he/she is currently working on. Every structure
serves a certain function, and the architect must know it. Be
attentive to new functions and forms of the project,
standards of each space, cost per square foot,
requirements for accreditation, etc.

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 2. Establish goals and objectives

After identifying the type of space to be established, the architect needs to know
the main goal of the client, searching for solutions that will purposefully satisfy the
requirements of the client. This may come into different forms such as the building
envelope and overall appearance, functionality of spaces, security, organization, and
economic.

3. Gather relevant information

With the set of requirements and objectives laid out, the architect will then
consolidate all of it and search for relevant and helpful information. This guides the
architect to create a synthesis everything which will define the establishment.

4. Identify Strategies

This is the major turning point for developing a design solution. All information
gathered will be translated into the space explained mostly through visual diagrams. The
architect will introduce a number of sketches showing solutions for existing problems.
Skills in developing strategies through space is what makes an architect a designer. In
the following part, the researcher will discuss he common diagrams and visual aid used
for defining a space.

5. Determine quantitative requirements

Upon creating a well-defined space, the architect is responsible for computing

necessary data for space requirements. To achieve building efficiency, one must solve
the ratio between the NASF (net assignable square footage) and the GSF (gross square
footaget). NASF are spaces of function not including walls and passage, while the GSF
is the total area of the space. Also, the architect must be able to confirm a probable cost
for the establishment.

6. Summarize the program

Serving all the information, strategies, and solutions, the architect waits for the approval
of the preliminary design phase. The program will serve as the main guide to continue a
proposed design through construction.
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ARCHITECTURAL PROGRAM PRESENTATIONS

In order to effectively explain what the architect has come up through programming,
he/she can incorporate visual drafts and diagrams. Types of visual aid are as follows:

Proximity Matrix

Figure 2. Proximity matrix showing what areas need and not need to be near or adjacent to each other.

It is a table that shows the list of spaces should and should not be near each other.
Following the required spatial relationship based on the client is recognized.

Bubble Diagram

Here, spaces are represented as circles or bubbles of different sizes according to

their importance and space requirement, organized in a plane, determining the possible
outcomes of the floor plan.

Figure 3. Conceptual bubble diagram of a campus.

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Schematic Diagram

Basically, this is a simplified version of a floor plan, outlining the walls and its
opening, the pattern of circulation, and identification of spaces and their relationships. It
doesn’t require mechanical drafting skills, just a representation of the possible final floor
plan.

Figure 4. A Proposed schematic diagram.

Analytical Sketch

It is a type of sketch showing not just the form of the building, but also the function
it serves to the user such as proper ventilation, accessibility, security, promotion of natural
light, etc. the designer usually uses symbols such as arrows, and hidden lines to describe
different elements.

Figure 5. Function of parallel roof system in directing solar heat and allowing for natural ventilation.

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Concept Sketch

This is the most common way to show the client how the architect has come up to
a certain design solution. These drawings describe the main concept of the structure the
architect proposes.

Figure 6. A building form concept.

Blocking Diagram

Blocking diagrams show the blocked spaces of an area, as well as important information about the
site such as the building footprint, its orientation, and entrance and exits.

Figure 7. Blocking diagram of an L-shaped floor plan of a hotel.

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SPACE COMPUTATION AND PROCESS

In order to have data regarding the square footage of spaces, here is a one-by-
one step in calculating the area of a program:

1. To get the total NSF (net square footage), multiply the NSF of each space by
n units.
2. Add the answer with the circulation to get the total NOSF (net occupiable
square footage).
3. Divide it by the percentage of efficiency to get the total NOSF with efficiency.
4. Include the total to 10% for mechanical. The subtotal must be the sum of
procedure number 3 and 4.
5. Add 2% for the exterior walls.
6. Add the subtotal with 5. That’s the total GSF (gross square footage).

INTERRELATIONSHIP OF SPACES

In architectural programming, the architect’s goal is to provide the most viable

solution in defining a space. This includes coordinating each area to make an easily
accessible space for human propriety. To achieve it, the architect must systematically
plan the space using the above-mentioned tools in communicating the objective required
by the client.

In a behavioral setting, human and space must co-relate. Studying behavioral

architecture help architects possess an in-depth understanding about human psychology
mainly affected by architectural space. Its building form, accommodation for social
interaction, subcultural differences between individuals are a few factors to know about.
Also, the order of spaces must support the users’ activity analysis wherein their pattern
of actions in a space agrees to the designer’s solution.

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REFERENCES

Guggenheim Helsinki Design Competition. (2015, January 12). Far + Roula Gholmieh
fabricate spatial experience of Guggenheim Helsinki. designboom. Retrieved
October 9, 2021, from https://www.designboom.com/architecture/far-architects-
roula-gholmieh-i-am-the-guggenheim-helsinki-entry-01-12-2015/.

Matthews, C. J. (2021, February 19). Adjacency matrix decoded. Daut. Retrieved October
9, 2021, from https://carolyndaut.com/2017/02/07/adjacency-matrix-decoded/.

JupiterZ. (2020, March 5). Bubble diagram architecture for houses. Diagram Media.
Retrieved October 9, 2021, from https://diagramedia.blogspot.com/2017/12/bubble-
diagram-architecture-for-houses.html.

Borson, B. (2019, August 13). Architectural sketch series: Schematic Design: Life of an
architect. Life of an Architect -. Retrieved October 9, 2021, from
https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/architectural-sketch-series-schematic-design/.

Conceptsketch. (2012, August 22). Conceptsketch. concept SKETCH. Retrieved October

9, 2021, from https://conceptsketch.tumblr.com/post/29937866750.

Planning, C. F. (2020, April 25). Space planning standards. Court Facility Planning.
Retrieved October 9, 2021, from https://www.ncsc.org/courthouseplanning/space-
planning-standards.

Planning, C. F. (2020, April 25). Architectural programming. Court Facility Planning.

Retrieved October 9, 2021, from
https://www.ncsc.org/courthouseplanning/construction-and-
renovation/architectural-programming.

Architectural Programming - Illinois Institute of Technology. Architectural Programming.

(n.d.). Retrieved October 9, 2021, from
https://web.iit.edu/sites/web/files/departments/academic-affairs/academic-
resource-center/pdfs/arch_programming.pdf.

Cherry, E. (2016, February 11). Architectural programming. WBDG. Retrieved October 9,

2021, from https://www.wbdg.org/design-disciplines/architectural-programming.

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