Programming

Question 1

What is a Feasibility Study?

Answer 1

A report that outlines economic, financial, regulatory, and technical issues to determine the viability and practicability of a project.

Question 2

What does a Feasibility Study often incorporate?

Answer 2

• Site identification and analysis
• Regulatory studies
• Functional Programming
• Environmental impact analysis
• Social impact analysis
• Traffic impact analysis
• Financial studies
• Schedules

Question 3

What is Functional Programming?

Answer 3

The study of design objectives, site requirements, relationships, building systems and equipment, and future expandability.

Question 4

When does Functional Programming occur and who is involved?

Answer 4

It occurs prior to schematic design as a distinctive additional service.

It is developed jointly between the Architect and the Client.

Question 5

What are the components of an architectural program (Functional Programming)?

(what questions does it raise?)

Answer 5

1. What are the Client’s needs and objectives?
2. What kind of site would work?
3. What amount and type of space is required?
4. What type of systems are needed?
5. How will these spaces and systems relate to each other?
6. What is the budget?

Question 6

How do you determine what the Client’s needs and objectives are?

Answer 6

Create a list of the Client’s values, vision, and goals.
Observe the existing buildings users and their activities.

Question 7

How do you evaluate a site?

Answer 7

1. Data Collection:
   - climate
   - topography
   - geotechnical/ soil
   - site servicing
   - site access
2. Regulatory research:
   - Zoning and land use
   - Height and size restrictions
   - Setbacks and coverages
   - Parking requirements
   - Accessibility requirements
   - Design guidelines

Question 8

How do you determine what amount of space is required, and how the spaces relate to each other?

Answer 8

List the number of people and equipment and the associated activities.

Create space relationship/ bubble diagrams that show sizes, adjacencies, and entrances.

Question 9

How do you determine the budget and how it relates to programming?

Answer 9

Budgets are based on the Gross Floor Area of the proposed facility.

Does the budget correspond to the Gross Area required?

Question 10

What is Gross Floor Area?

Answer 10

Gross Floor Area is the total floor area inside the building envelope, including all occupiable and non-occupiable spaces, measured from the outside face of exterior walls.

Gross Floor Area is used for cost estimating, zoning compliances, and determining fees.

Question 11

What is Net Floor Area?

Answer 11

Net Floor Area refers to the usable floor space that is assigned to a specific function or activity, EXCLUDING walls, circulation areas, structural elements, and mechanical/service spaces.

Net Floor Area is used for space planning.

Question 12

What is a Grossing Factor?

Answer 12

A Grossing Factor is a multiplier applied to the Net Floor Area to estimate the Gross Floor Area.

Gross Floor Area = Grossing Factor x Net Floor Area

Question 13

What does the Grossing Factor tell you about the space?
1. Small warehouses. (1.10 - 1.25)
2. Schools and office buildings (1.40-1.60)
3. Hospitals, laboratories, specialized. (1.8)

Answer 13

The smaller the Grossing Factor, the more efficient the layout in terms of minimal circulation and support space.

So while warehouses are nearly all usable space, hospitals contain large areas dedicated to mechanical, support, and circulation.

Question 14

Functional Programming is a ____ ____ process that defines the ____ & ____ of work.

Answer 14

Functional Programming is a DECISION MAKING process that defines the PROBLEM & SCOPE of work.

Question 15

What sort of schedules, studies, or analyses might you provide a Client who is looking to renovate one of several existing building to accommodate a new use?

Answer 15

Schedules for changing occupancy.
Study of Compatibility.
Study of Code & Bylaw.
Valuation of Land & Sites.

Question 16

In developing a Functional Program, which of the following questions is MOST important to answer?
A) how many maintenance rooms are required on each level?
B) What is the most appropriate door width for a corridor?
C) What space is needed to operate the facility efficiently?
D) What lighting level is required for occupied spaces?

Answer 16

C) What space is needed to operate the facility efficiently?

Question 17

When researching the existing facility, what should be recorded?

Answer 17

1. Throughput - the amount of material put through manufacturing.
2. Flow patterns and human activities.

Question 18

What are 3 ways sustainable development principles impact Functional Programming?

Answer 18

1. Siting, building form, and orientation
2. Energy performance.
3. Space and use parameters.

Question 19

What are 3 alternate names for a Functional Program?

Answer 19

1. Design Brief
2. Space Program
3. Architectural Program