Introduction accommodate, and the needs of the people who will

occupy it. Function also considers social and

organizational aspects, requiring input from
management consultants, behavioral scientists, and
architects with insights into social values.

1.2 Form
Form, the second consideration, delves into the
physical and psychological aspects of the environment
to be created. It encompasses considerations such as
illumination, climate control, quality of construction,
and site conditions. Form aims to provide a space that
not only meets functional requirements but also
influences user behavior and experiences.

3.3 Economy
The architectural programming process is a
comprehensive approach to problem-solving in Economy is a crucial factor in architectural
architecture, focusing on gathering, organizing, and programming, emphasizing the importance of cost
analyzing data to inform the design and construction of control from the early stages of a project. It
a building or space. It is a crucial phase in the design encompasses the initial budget, operating costs, and
process that involves identifying and organizing long-term expenses influenced by construction quality.
essential information to guide the development of Economic considerations help ensure that a project
architectural projects. At its core, programming remains financially viable and within budgetary
revolves around four primary considerations: function, constraints.
form, economy, and time, which collectively shape the
direction and outcome of architectural projects

Chapter 1: The Four Basic Considerations

4.4 Time
Time, the fourth consideration, explores factors related
to change and growth that can impact function, form,
and economy over the lifespan of a building or space.
1.1 Function It involves considerations such as project schedules,
Function is a critical consideration in architectural phasing, anticipated changes, and occupancy
programming as it addresses the practical and projections.
functional aspects of a project. This encompasses the
intended use of the space, the activities it will
Chapter 2: Combining Steps and Considerations d. Step 4: Determine Needs
e. Step 5: State the Problem

Each step is analyzed in terms of its relationship with

the four considerations, emphasizing how they guide
and inform decision-making at each stage.

5.1 Step 1: Establish Goals

This step involves defining the project's goals, which
should encompass all four considerations: function,
form, economy, and time. Clear and coordinated goals
are essential for guiding the subsequent programming
steps. Goals may include defining the purpose of the
facility, quality expectations, budget limits, and time-
related objectives.
- Function: Goals related to the impact of the facility
on activities, processes, and personal/social
implications.
- Form: Goals concerning the physical and
psychological environment, site utilization, and
quality.
- Economy: Goals that establish budget limitations and
cost considerations.
- Time: Goals related to anticipated change, growth,
and project schedule.

5.2 Step 2: Collect, Organize and Analyze Facts

Facts related to the four considerations are collected,
organized, and analyzed to inform the programming
In the architectural programming process, function, process. These facts include site characteristics,
form, economy, and time are considered climate conditions, user requirements, budget
simultaneously at each of the five programming steps. limitations, and projected growth or changes.
These considerations serve as keywords for gathering
- Form: Information about the site, climate, materials,
and organizing information, ensuring a comprehensive
and building codes.
approach to problem-solving (17). Additionally, they
provide criteria for evaluating both the programming - Function: Statistical data on the number of users,
package and the design solution. their activities, and space requirements.
- Economy: Data on budget constraints, cost indices,
and financing methods.
Chapter 3: The Five Programming Steps
- Time: Information about project schedules, growth
This section provides an in-depth examination of the
projections, and anticipated changes.
five analytical steps in architectural programming:
a. Step 1: Establish Goals
5.3 Step 3: Uncover and Test Concepts
b. Step 2: Collect, Organize and Analyze Facts
Concepts that align with the project's goals and
c. Step 3: Uncover and Test Concepts
considerations are developed and tested. These
concepts may relate to organizational structure, These statements address each of the four
functional relationships, and design approaches. The considerations: function, form, economy, and time.
client's involvement in this step is crucial to stimulate The Statement of the Problem serves as a bridge
decision-making. between programming and design, guiding the
designer in developing a solution that aligns with the
- Form: Abstract concepts related to the physical and
project's unique requirements.
psychological environment.
- Form: Statements may describe environmental
- Function: Organizational concepts that address
influences and establish performance requirements.
functional requirements and relationships.
- Function: Unique performance requirements
- Economy: Concepts like versatility, efficiency, and
influencing functionality.
cost-effectiveness.
- Economy: Establishing an attitude toward the budget.
- Time: Concepts such as convertibility, expansibility,
and phasing. - Time: Considering implications of change and
growth on long-range performance.

5.4 Step 4: Determine Needs

Chapter 4: Summary
- Architectural programming is a problem-solving
approach in architecture that involves gathering,
organizing, and analyzing data to inform building
design.
- Four primary considerations in programming:
function, form, economy, and time.
- These considerations shape the direction and
outcome of architectural projects.

Chapter 1: The Four Basic Considerations:

- Function: Addresses practical and functional aspects
of a project, including space use, activities, and user
needs.
This step quantifies the client's needs in terms of space
requirements, budget, and quality. The proposed space - Form: Deals with physical and psychological aspects,
requirements are tested against the budget, and influencing user behavior and experiences.
adjustments are made if necessary to achieve a balance
between these elements. - Economy: Emphasizes cost control and financial
viability.
- Form: Quality of construction and site conditions
influence form and budget. - Time: Considers factors related to change and growth
over the lifespan of a building.
- Function: Functional needs generate space
requirements.
- Economy: Comprehensive cost estimates are Chapter 2: Combining Steps and Considerations:
essential for budget considerations. - Function, form, economy, and time are considered
- Time: The time factor includes escalation and simultaneously in all programming steps.
construction phasing. - These considerations guide information gathering and
organization and provide criteria for evaluating the
programming and design solutions.
5.5 Step 5: State the Problem
In this final step, a series of succinct statements,
known as the Statement of the Problem, is formulated. Chapter 3: The Five Programming Steps:
- Five analytical steps in architectural programming:
Establish goals, collect and analyze facts, uncover and
test concepts, determine needs, and state the problem.
- Each step relates to the four considerations and
guides decision-making.

References:

PeñaW., Parshall, S., & Kelly, K. (1969).

Problem seeking : an architectural

programming primer. Aia Press.