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Programming, as it relates to architecture, refers to an important early part of the design process, where you identify and organize the economic, functional, aesthetic – image, operational – organizational, schedule and project management goals of your client. This information is then used to help guide your decision-making process in the design of the building. A ‘program’ is usually put into a written document and is not included in the base contract i.e., it is an additional service as the client may complete their own program. Reviewing the owner supplied program is part of the basic service.

Architectural programming is defined as the research and decision-making process that identifies the scope of work to be designed (problem seeking).

Architectural programming and the advantages it offers:

• Involvement of interested parties in the definition of the scope of work prior to the design effort
• Emphasis on gathering and analyzing data early in the process so that the design is based upon sound decisions
• Efficiencies gained by avoiding redesign and more redesign as requirements emerge during architectural design.

The most cost-effective time to make changes is during programming. This phase of a project is the best time for interested parties to influence the outcome of a project.

The “whole building” design approach is intended “to create a successful high-performance building.” To achieve that goal, we must apply the integrated design approach to the project during the planning and programming phases. People involved in the building design should interact closely throughout the design process. The owner, building occupants, and operation and maintenance personnel should be involved to contribute their understanding of how the building and its systems will work for them once they occupy it. The fundamental challenge of “whole building” design is to understand that all building systems are interdependent. 

A Six Step Process

Many different programming formats incorporate the same essential elements. In all cases, the design programming fits within a larger context of planning efforts which can also be programmed. For design programming for a building, we propose a six-step process as follows:

The main considerations of the program are, Environmental and Contextural Conditions, Codes & Regulations, Site Analysis and Building Analysis.

(Source: WBDG Web site, the goal of “Whole Building” design).