CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

As the user’s requirements become clear, the interior designer begins to formulate solutions for the design. In the concept development phase, those ideas begin to take form through:

1. Space Planning

 What happens within a space determines the perception and experience that the user will encounter. Some important considerations for space planning include:

a. Personal space - Provide for the personalization of each user’s space for display of personal items within limits.Provide individual lighting whenever possible.

b. Functional relationships - Take into account the different groups of people and their working relationships.

c. Adjacency priorities - Identify and prioritize which
employee groups need to be located adjacent to each other.


d. People relationships - Identify the relationships and
interactions of individuals within a group.

e. Status and function - Identify special requirements for
circulation, public/private space separation, VIP areas,
informal gathering spaces (coffee bars, break rooms, and
shared equipment space), and storage (filing, coats,
supplies, etc.). The occupant’s rank or position will
influence the square footage and selection of materials.

f. Equipment usage - Identify all equipment and its users
within each facility or each area of the facility.

g. Efficient use of space - Maximize the use of all spaces
for their functions.

h. Flexibility within the space - Recognize that future
modifications and function changes may require
adjustments within a space to accommodate staff size
changes and new technology.

i. Aesthetics and comfort - Create an atmosphere that
increases human comfort and efficiency (i.e., ergonomics)
in a pleasing way.

2. Architectural Design


a. Codes and regulations - Life safety and fire codes and regulations must be followed in all designs.

◆ Identify all applicable codes early in a project to
minimize the need for reselections or rework.

◆ Be aware that codes apply to furnishings as well as finishes.

◆ Ensure that all designs meet Uniform Federal
Accessibility Codes and comply with the Americans
with Disabilities Act.

b. Location influences - There may be site specific factors
which influence design solutions. It is the designer’s
responsibility to identify which factors need consideration
and determine the best method of addressing each. These
include, but are not limited to:

◆ Architectural compatibility with existing facilities - The
local parameters determining a facility’s exterior features
will affect the size and type of windows, the ceiling
heights, and to an extent, the materials carried into
lobbies, foyers, and other internal spaces. The designer
must work with the project architect to ensure the
complete coordination of interior and exterior designs for
the best interest of the user and the function of the space.

◆ Historical preservation requirements - The National
Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to
consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer and
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation reguarding
proposed changes to properties listed on or eligible for
listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Secretary of the Interior Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties provides guidelines
for making sure that selections do not compromise a
facility’s historic integrity.

◆ Cultural beliefs and customs - Many nationalities and
religious groups attach significance to certain colors,
patterns, and materials. Some are considered sacred, good
influences, and prestigious, while others are considered
taboo. For instance, most Western cultures consider black
the color of mourning. Eastern/Oriental cultures associate
white with mourning. Some Middle Eastern groups wea



CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT