FUNCTIONAL PLANNING

Design Objectives
accessible,
Pertains to building elements, heights and clearances
implemented to address the specific needs (e.g. for disabled).
aesthetics,
Pertains to the physical appearance and image of building

elements and spaces as well as the integrated design process

cost effective,
Pertains to selecting building elements on the basis of lifecycle costs (weighing options during concepts, design
development, and value engineering) as well as basic cost
estimating and budget control.
functional/operational,
spatial needs and requirements, system performance as well

as durability and efficient maintenance of building elements.

Whole Building Design Guide- http://www.wbdg.org/design/designobjectives.php

Design Objectives
historic preservation,
Pertains to specific actions within a historic district or affecting a
historic building whereby building elements and strategies are
classifiable into one of the four approaches: preservation,
rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction
productive,
Pertains to occupants' well-beingphysical and psychological

comfortincluding building elements such as air distribution,

lighting, workspaces, systems, and technology.

secure/safe,
Pertains to the physical protection of occupants and assets from
man-made and natural hazards
sustainable and
Pertains to environmental performance of building elements and

strategies.

their interrelationships must be understood and

appropriately applied

Building designer
Aesthetics

Functional

Architect
s

Based on function, healthy living, comfort etc.

Structure and form

Structural safety

Civil Engineers

Building design
Function
General Scope/ Occupancy
Spaces and its interrelationships
Flow diagram and line plan
Climatic considerations
Economy
Form
Structure
Structural design
Materials
Methods
Economy

Aesthetics
Our eye and Nature
Architectural Composition
Character, Interior design, Landscape etc.

Functions of buildings
Building
to provide desired (controlled or uncontrolled)

environment within it for continuous period

for a desired activity (mostly for humans).
Safe and comfortable environment against

undesired external/ internal influences for a

desired activity.
with desired time bound and economic

results

Function of other civil engineering structures

Form and size follow function
Function dictates the dimensions of the

structure
Bridges, Dams etc.

Functional Design (overall form and

dimensions basic requirements )

Structural design (size detailing- Safety main

concern- types of forces and its magnitude)

Buildings - Function of safety

Safe against forces of nature besides forces

induced due to various anthropogenic

actions
Gravity (load or weight), rain, snow, wind,

earthquake)
Withstand the above forces during its design

lifetime

Buildings - Function of providing

comfortable environment
Desirable and undesirable internal and

external conditions
Natural or Man made
Natural
Climatic factors
Air movement, Solar radiation, temperature, Sun light
Rain, lightning, Humidity, moisture ingress, Condensation
Act as an envelope

Manmade
Pollution, Accidental initiation of fire, odour, fumes, Internal
and External Noise

Buildings - Function of providing

comfortable environment
Provision of lighting
Adequate space for activity
Provision for ventilation to keep working

environment comfortable

Functional Design
Occupancy Type
Environmental
Conditions

Site conditions

Furniture and circulation

(especially residential)

Space and Proximity

Aesthetics

Final Form
(i.e. overall shape and dimensions)

Functional Design
Thermal, Visual comfort and Noise control
Desirable air and radiant temperature, Humidity

levels, air movement by proper orientation, choice

of fenestration and envelope.
Proper glare free lighting (day light as well as

artificial illumination)
Noise control through zoning , barriers, insulation

and acoustic design

Functional Design
Building Services
Fire protection
Plumbing, electrical and communication services
Access facilities i.e. ramps, stairs, lifts, escalators
Protection against moisture ingress, rain penetration; e.g.

damp proofing
Detailing coping etc.
Maintenance during service, operation; intelligent building

Functional Design
Conforming to building by-laws
Zoning and land use control
Unobstructed air movement, sunlight
Control of microclimate/ site climate
Fire fighting provisions
Protection against earthquake
Traffic movement and privacy from traffic of

neighbourhood