The Second Studio (formerly The Midnight Charette) is a podcast explicitly about design, architecture, and everyday life. Hosted by architects David Lee and Marina Bourdelone, it features unscripted conversations between a variety of creative professionals, allowing for thoughtful input and personal discussion.
A variety of subjects are covered with honesty and humor. Some episodes are interviews, others are tips for fellow designers, reviews of buildings and other projects, and casual explorations of everyday life and design. Second Studio is also available on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube.
This week, David and Marina from FAME Architecture & Design discuss architecture programs. They explain what programs mean in architecture, why they are important, how they are developed and implemented, and examples of how they can be used in creative design.
Highlights and timestamps
(00:00) What is a “program”?
A program in architecture in its broadest sense is a comprehensive list of requirements that a project must meet. Project refers to building architecture, interior design, and property master planning and design. [Program includes] Functional requirements, activities carried out in the building and on the premises, and technical requirements. (00:00)
(06:55) When the program is decided
Everyone likes to come forward and talk about very specific, often aesthetic, choices. I want this kind of window, I want that color, I want this material. That's totally fine, because everyone definitely has a wish list. But for architects and designers, that's not often the place to start. These decisions are made much further down the line, and what we actually start with is the program. The first conversation we have with our clients is about creating a program list, and once that's 90% written, we actually start drawing. I don't start drawing anything until I understand all the requirements. (04:28)
(08:35) How to decide on a program
Programs are one of the most important aspects of architecture, but they are often mistakenly thought of as the boring part of architecture. If you don't analyze it or deal with it properly, it will just become boring. Creating program listings requires creativity. In fact, that's where some of the most interesting design decisions come from. (10:08)
(20:19) How the program is implemented in the design
(34:45) Original program
Programs are the foundation of good design. If you have an accurate program list and a deep understanding of it, and you can use it creatively, you've built the infrastructure for something really interesting. Even in the end, you may not agree on a particular material or bone matching method. [of the project are still good]. On the other hand, if you haven't come up with that program and you have the best materials and the best details; [none of those details] Case. If the program is not well thought out, the building will not be successful. (47:35)
Check out previous editions of The Second Studio Podcast.
