Once
the design criteria has been established, the conceptual plan and budget are
then reviewed. The Design Center then re-defines the conceptual design based
on client input to get final approval. Additional meetings may be required.
Design criteria are separated
into four categories:
• building quality
• project budget
• programmatic requirements
• building character + spatial experience
The
following information is given to help in the process of planning and anticipating
the work involved in the preliminary design phases of the project.
The workshops are tailored to meet the requirements of each specific project
whether small scale (furniture, tenant improvement, building design) or large
scale (community and neighborhood design). The example below illustrates a
possible series of workshops for a tenant improvement or building design.
The number of workshops also vary from 2 to ±7 workshops. This number
is directly linked to the complexity and scale of the project.
Workshop
1
Goal: Project Definition
Brainstorm goals and objectives. Divide these items into appropriate categories
and prioritize. Formulate a project statement.
Workshop 2
Goal: Establish Programmatic Criteria
Divide stakeholders into groups to brainstorm programmatic needs and activities
of the project. Organize these activities into major
Workshop 3
Goal: Establish Visual Criteria
Provide architectural vocabulary for discussing slides. Show and discuss slides
of projects related to the proposed project, but which vary in style, material,
experience, and budget. Collect comments and vote.
Workshop 4
Goal: Establish Quality Model
Introduce concept of quality model (operations, resources, technology, image),
define terms, and discuss priorities. Stakeholders all vote for qualities
that are important to the project.
Workshop
5
Goal: Review Program Space Requirements and Set
Budget Goal
Needs Assessment is presented with associated square-foot estimates based
on room type and qualities established at previous meetings. Revisit priorities
to establish scope of project and acceptable budget goal.
Workshop 6
Goal: Determine conceptual arrangement of spaces and
budget
Present completed program and budget. Discuss the concepts of
proximity, axis, code, circulation, parking, natural light, etc. On a scaled
site, groups attempt to lay out to-scale rooms of all required spaces.
Workshop 7
Goal: Confirmation of conceptual design and budget
Present conceptual plan for input along with budget. Allow members to comment
freely, reminding them to refer back to design criteria.
Based
on the content and design criteria generated in the first four workshops,
a concept is proposed for the building and site design. The proposed design
will include conceptual development of structural, mechanical, electrical
systems, materials and methods of construction, fire safety, security, code,
and zoning review.
Workshop
Intent and Criteria
The Design Center works exclusively with non-profit organizations in a unique
community design process. This process engages all participants in the project—community
residents (regardless of economic background, race, religion, etc….),
students, client representatives, end users, builders, designers, and other
concerned parties and stakeholders. All are seen as providing a particular
expertise essential to the success of the project. The intent of this process
is to ensure that through participatory workshops, the design and project
criteria reflect the needs and concerns of all involved. It also fosters a
commitment and understanding of the project as a whole and of the necessary
requirements needed for its successful completion.
After establishing the project’s primary goal and the requirement of
community participation, stakeholders participate in a series of seven workshops.
These workshops are designed to aid participants in establishing “design
criteria.” These criteria are then used as guides by the design
team to insure that the conceptual design responds to the actual needs and
expectations defined by the stakeholders.
The
products produced will be suitable for fundraising and capacity building.:
(1.) A graphic description of the project in booklet format; (2.) Presentation
graphic boards (24" x 36"); (3.) Existing Building Analysis (if
appropriate) and Code Review.
...amplifying
the diminished voice
