Architectural Programming:Research and Creativity

by Narongpon Laiprakobsup, Ph.D.

The Programmatic Primer

“Good buildings don’t just happen. Programming the requirements of a proposed building is the architect’s first task, often the most important.”

William Pena and Steven Parshall

Programming & Design

Programming is embedded in a design process; therefore, without a program, not designing such things can take an action.

Programming is a process. According to Webster’s definition, “A process leading to the statement of an architectural problem and the requirements to be met in offering a solution.”

“Statement of an architectural problem refers to problem-solving, a creative effort that emphasizes goals and concepts (ends and means).

“If programming is problem-seeking, then design is problem-solving.”

Methods of Design Process

Programming is analysis. Design is synthesis.

Two-Phase Process

“Programming is a two-phase process related to the two phases of design—schematic design and design development.”

Schematic Program Schematic Design

Program Development Design Development

Programming Purposes

Architectural programming is (re)search for sufficient, valid information to clarify, to understand, to state the problem.”

Programming thus must address specific, architectural conditions, considerations, programmatic concepts, and characteristic design issues, all of which become a driving force in design creativity.

Programming Principles

Programming concerns five steps:

1. Establish Goals.2. Collect and analyze Facts.3. Uncover and test Concepts.4. Determine Needs.5. State the Problem.

Design Considerations

Four major design determinants need to be regarded into a programmatic process with five principles to define an inclusive architectural problem.

Function Form Economy Time

Programmatic Tips

A Diagram of Facts, understanding of the process

The Tulane University CenterNew Orleans, by VJAA

Programming: Renovating a 1950s modernist building.Rethinking “logic and materials of the existingstructure and an introduction of a novel notionof programmed skins into the design.

Programmatic Concepts

The old VS the new

The old: A simple, concrete frame box without complicated visual image and interior compartmentalization

The new: Complex, varied visual image, Permeability—open spaces to one anotherFluidity—programmatic flux echoing exterior envelope.Programmed skins

Conceptual Diagrams

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Humid-Heat Response

Shading System Study

Knowlton Hall School of Architecture, Columbus Ohio, by Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects