Programming-a tool at the service of the curator, the commissioning authority and the architect 75

lation of the requirements inherent in the aims he himself has defined; and for
the master building (architect), to assist him in both the planning and the execu-
tion of his project.
'B whom? By one or more programmers who are specialists in the four relevant
subjects : architecture, administration, equipment and museology. A programmer
with museological experience is a professional, and neither the curator nor the
architect can take his place.
It is because the creation of museums is becoming more and more complex,
involving an ever-increasing number of outside parties, that programming has
become indispensable as a study technique and an instrument of co-ordination
and control.
Practically speaking, programming studies, the final aim of which is to opti-
mize both the financial and the intellectual investment involved, are geared to
the following main purposes:

-
To establish a special relationship such as will give the curators-as future users and
beneficiaries of the operation-an integral and fully responsible role in the entire
operational process. The programmer acts as a link between the commissioning
authority, the architect and the curator, for whom he acts as spokesman.
T o spell out the resources the commissioning authority will need in order to carry
out the operation, at the three levels of architecture, administration and equip-
ment, in the light of a realistic appraisal of aims and objectives, requirements
and constraints.
T o translate the functions which need to be carried out into terms of requirements
that are clear and evident to the curator, who recognizes them as deriving from
the objectives he has formulated; to the commissioning authority, who accepts
them; and to the architect, who takes them into account in his project.

Programming Execution
_--__---- -
Definition

General and specific

Choice o f architect

Correlation ~

Rough plan of intent

Development
Final programme Correlation'- e=+>
preliminary project

Correlation ~

- Consultation with

Contracts

Bringing into service

76 Claude Pecquet and Patrick O’Byrne

To supervise and co-ordinate preparation of the architectural and technical project

(correlation between project and programme) on behalf of the commissioning
authority and curator, and undertake or co-ordinate any further studies arising
out of the operation.
To help bring buildings and equipment into service by, for example, producing
a user’s manual.
To achieve these purposes entails a series of actions entered into at successive
stages. Logic and imagination are necessary to solve the problems whish con-
stantly arise. Continual checking and feedback are also necessary.
The advantages of programming are of two kinds: psychological, because it
arouses and calls for real interest and responsibility on the part of every partici-
pant; and economic, because it limits risks and last-minute changes of mind by
helping to ensure that both planning and execution proceed smoothly and swiftly.
Thus the major aim of programming is, as a tool, to optimize investment, and
as a mode of thought, to lead to new solutions of problems so as to allow the
curator to do his job in the best possible administrative, economic, technical,
human and other conditions.

It must be emphasized that programming is first and foremost a mode of thought

and method of study. A programme is an instrument for transmitting information
and directives (the result of scientifically conducted studies).
Programming should be seen as a general process of reflection which makes
it possible, first, to analyse the aims put forward by the curator, secondly. to
translate these aims into functions to be fulfilled, and, lastly, to formulate require-
ments in the three fields of architecture, administration and equipment. These
requirements must be defined in precise and concrete terms whish can be under-
stood by all concerned.
Programming is a tool, and must be regarded as such by everyone. It is a dy-
namic process necessitating continuing studies and the recognition that each prob-
lem should be considered in regard to the whole. This presupposes an ‘overall
view’ of the operation and a ‘critical approach’ to each decisive element. It is
very important that the programmer should inspire everyone with this attitude.
As a dynamic process, programming works out a series of programme docu-
ments which vary both in form and in content, ranging from a macroscopic
approach to detailed studies. Every stage of the process has its own phase of
studies (analysis) and reference document (synthesis); this permits a continuous
and efficient h e c k on the correct functioning of the operation. (Fig. 3).

(general policy)