Chapter 1: Programmatic and Design Concepts

Programmatic concepts are abstract and

primarily concern organizational structures,
relationships, and functional requirements. They
focus on addressing the client's goals and
functional needs.
Design concepts, on the other hand, are more
concrete and pertain to the physical
manifestation of the project, encompassing
aesthetics, materials, and spatial arrangements.
Design concepts respond to programmatic
concepts and translate them into tangible design
solutions.

1.1 "Centralization vs. Decentralization": This

concept involves determining whether activities,
services, or personnel should be centralized or 1.3 "Flow": This concept focuses on the
decentralized. It impacts organizational movement of people, vehicles, goods, services,
structures, functional relationships, and space and information in terms of priority, sequence,
affinities within a program. and degree of mixing or separation. It helps
optimize circulation and can be managed
manually or with computer assistance.
1.2 "Integration vs. Compartmentalization":
Architects need to decide whether activities
should be integrated or compartmentalized based
on client requirements. Integration relates to
closely related functions, while
compartmentalization implies a need for privacy,
either acoustically or visually.

1.4 "Priority": Priority considerations involve

ranking functions and needs, considering factors
like relative position, size, and social value.

1.5 "People": Architects must consider the
physical, social, and psychological
characteristics of individuals, small groups, and
large groups when designing spaces.
1.6 "Versatility": Versatility is explored as a way
to balance multiple functions within a space,
although it may reduce efficiency for each
function.
1.7 "Convertibility": This concept allows for
anticipated changes in functional requirements,
with options ranging from immediate to long-
range adjustments.
1.8 "Expansibility": Anticipated growth triggers
the need for designing spaces that can
accommodate expansion.
1.9 "Phasing": Phasing is a time-economy
concept used to achieve functional and
economic feasibility of a project by breaking it
down into manageable phases.
Chapter 2: Architectural Concepts
Architectural concepts encompass a broader
perspective, combining programmatic and
design considerations. They seek to harmonize
the functional requirements of a building with
creative design solutions. Key elements of
architectural concepts include:
- Integration: Architectural concepts bridge the
gap between programmatic (functional)
requirements and design aspirations. They
ensure that a building meets its intended purpose
while embodying unique architectural qualities.
- Creativity: Architectural concepts encourage
innovative thinking and creativity to address
design challenges. They inspire architects to go
beyond mere functionality and explore novel
solutions.
- User-Centered Design: Architectural concepts
emphasize the importance of designing for the
needs and experiences of the users. This
includes considerations of comfort, accessibility,
and usability.
- Architectural Excellence: The goal of
architectural concepts is to achieve excellence in
design, resulting in buildings that are not only
practical but also aesthetically exceptional.
Chapter 3: Functional Concepts
Functional concepts in architecture focus on the
usability and efficiency of spaces. They are
primarily concerned with how spaces are
organized to facilitate human activities and
interactions. Key elements of functional
concepts include:
- Efficiency: Functional concepts aim to
optimize the use of space and resources,
ensuring that the building functions effectively
and economically.
- Spatial Planning: Architects use functional
concepts to carefully plan the layout of spaces,
taking into account the flow of people,
accessibility, and safety.
- User Experience: Functional concepts
prioritize the comfort and convenience of
building occupants. This includes considerations
of ergonomics, accessibility, and user-friendly
design.
Chapter 4: Spatial Concepts
Spatial concepts explore the organization of
spaces in three dimensions. They encompass
ideas related to circulation, hierarchy,
proportions, and the sensory experience of
architectural environments. They involve
considerations of how spaces are structured,
arranged, and experienced. Key elements of
spatial concepts include:
- Circulation: Spatial concepts dictate how
people move through and between spaces,
considering factors such as pathways, corridors,
and staircases.
- Hierarchy: Spatial concepts establish
hierarchies among spaces, defining which areas
are more prominent or private within a building.
- Proportions: Architects use spatial concepts to
determine the size and scale of rooms and
elements within a structure.
- Sensory Experience: Spatial concepts consider
the sensory aspects of architecture, including
lighting, acoustics, and the overall atmosphere
of spaces.
Chapter 5: Geometrical Concepts:
Geometrical concepts in architecture involve the
use of mathematical principles and geometry to
create structurally sound and visually appealing
designs. These concepts govern the form,
proportions, and spatial relationships within
architectural compositions. They ensure that
buildings are not only visually appealing but
also structurally sound. Key elements of
geometrical concepts include:
- Geometry in Form: Geometrical concepts
govern the shapes, proportions, and symmetries
used in architectural design. They create a sense
of order and balance.
- Structural Integrity: Geometrical concepts help
architects design structurally stable buildings,
ensuring that load-bearing elements are
appropriately positioned.
- Spatial Relationships: Architects use geometry
to establish precise spatial relationships between
elements, ensuring harmony and coherence in
the design.
Chapter 6: Summary
Chapter 1: Programmatic and Design Concepts
- Programmatic concepts are abstract and focus
on organizational structures and functional
requirements.
- Design concepts are concrete and pertain to
aesthetics, materials, and spatial arrangements.
Programmatic Concepts:
- Centralization vs. Decentralization: Deciding
whether activities should be centralized or
decentralized affects organizational structures
and space use.
- Integration vs. Compartmentalization:
Choosing to integrate or compartmentalize
activities based on client requirements.
- Flow: Optimizing the movement of people,
goods, and information within a space.
- Priority: Ranking functions and needs based on
various factors.
- People: Considering physical, social, and
psychological characteristics of users.
- Versatility: Balancing multiple functions within
a space.
- Convertibility: Allowing for anticipated
changes in functional requirements.
- Expansibility: Designing spaces to
accommodate future growth.
- Phasing: Breaking down a project into
manageable phases to achieve functional and
economic feasibility.
Chapter 2: Architectural Concepts
Architectural concepts encompass programmatic
and design considerations:
- Integration: Bridging functional needs with
creative design.
- Creativity: Encouraging innovative solutions
beyond functionality.
References:
- User-Centered Design: Prioritizing user
comfort and accessibility. Anderson, J. (2017). Basics Architecture 03:

- Architectural Excellence: Striving for Architectural Design. Bloomsbury

practicality and aesthetic exceptionalism.
Publishing.

Chapter 3: Functional Concepts Cairo, A. (2013). The functional art : an

Focus on space usability and efficiency: introduction to information graphics
- Efficiency: Optimizing space and resource use.
and visualization. New Riders.
- Spatial Planning: Carefully planning layouts
for flow and safety. Norberg-Schulz, C. (1979). Genius loci :
- User Experience: Prioritizing comfort,
ergonomics, and accessibility. towards a phenomenology of

architecture. Rizzoli.
Chapter 4: Spatial Concepts
PeñaW., Parshall, S., & Kelly, K. (1987).
Explore three-dimensional space organization:
Problem seeking : an architectural
- Circulation: Planning movement through
spaces.
programming primer. Aia Press.
- Hierarchy: Establishing prominence and
privacy. Salingaros, N. A. (2005). Principles of
- Proportions: Determining room sizes and Urban Structure. Techne Press.
scales.
- Sensory Experience: Considering lighting,
acoustics, and atmosphere.

Chapter 5: Geometrical Concepts

Use math and geometry for structural and visual
appeal:
- Geometry in Form: Shapes, proportions, and
symmetries.
- Structural Integrity: Ensuring stable load-
bearing elements.
- Spatial Relationships: Creating harmony and
coherence in design.