Programmatic concepts vs. design concepts

Description

Programmatic concepts are abstract — "integration of activities," "hierarchy of public to private," "primary suite as a retreat." Design concepts are the physical answers — "open plan," "primary wing offset off the main volume." Keep programmatic concepts abstract during programming so as not to foreclose design alternatives prematurely.

Why this exists

The user who says "open plan" has usually decided on a design concept before they've articulated the programmatic concept (integration). Translating their request into a programmatic concept opens up alternatives the client may prefer once they see them.

Categories

Source

Solver enforcement

Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.

Related directives

• Common Areas at the Heart · Pattern 129
• Intimacy Gradient · Pattern 127
• Indoor Sunlight · Pattern 128
• Children's Realm · Pattern 137
• Sequence of Sitting Spaces · Pattern 142