CHRISTOPHER ANDREWS ARCHITECT & TOWN PLANNER

FORMULATING THE PROJECT LANGUAGE 

Interconnected Arches in an Italian Villa

A  Classic Tuscan Farmhouse Kitchen

The process of site planning overlaps with interior space planning. Before any plans are drawn, we ask our clients to set down in writing a detailed inventory of their need both in terms of use and square footage, and also in terms of spirit, feeling, mood and light. We call this vision the "project language". The client makes the initial effort at this by defining the function of the various spaces-bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens etc. We also ask them to imagine and articulate the overall character of the project. For example the interior vision for the Calistoga clients contained a kitchen, dining and living area that were all in one open space rather than more formally configured in separate rooms. They brought us cut sheets from books and magazines that showed the kinds of spaces they imagined in their house. The overall vision for the gardens and the site landscape will be drafted in much the same way. A vision for an outdoor space might include a spa that looks out onto a nearby flower garden, and has a view to a distant mountain. These visions should be as detailed as the client's imagination allows. We suggest that each member of the family/community prepare their own individual project vision, then for all to come together to integrate the individual visions into a shared project language. It is important that everyone have the opportunity to spend a focused amount of time on this task individually, and then to collaborate in drafting the final project language.

There are some books we find valuable in bringing this kind of vision to light.  The include A Pattern Language and The Timeless Way of Building by Christopher Alexander et al, Sarah Susanka's Not so Big House series, and The Place of Houses by Charles Moore et al. We have used them successfully with many of our clients, as they enable them to be more active design partners.

As our process puts emphasis more on specific activities-the way spaces are used-than simply dividing buildings up into rooms, the spaces that result are multifunctional and adaptable. We also focus on the way that interior spaces are shaped by daylight and by their relation to the outdoors. The thick walls of straw bale construction help soften the way light comes into interior spaces. Landscaping, porches and trellises that are connected to the interior rooms will both filter direct sunlight and extend rooms beyond their interior boundaries.

In residential projects the development of the project language evolves through personal interviews with each member of the family. We also use the project language phase to educate all members of the project team on the challenges and opportunities of sustainable design and construction. We explore the potential of various construction materials and techniques including recycled and non-toxic materials and alternative systems of energy and water flow. This sets a good foundation for a construction process that may include owner participation.

GO FORWARD TO PART VII: HOW THE PROJECT NARRATIVE INFORMS THE BUILDING PLANS

GO BACK TO PART V: HOW THE INITIAL VISION AND SITE ANALYSIS INFORM THE PROJECT SITING

GO BACK TO THE INTRODUCTION/TABLE OF CONTENTS

SEE ALSO THE PROJECT LANGUAGE

The foundation of the integrated process and its application to the design of the classic Japanese Tea House and Garden

PROJECTS

SERVICES

PROCESS

CONTACT

INSPIRATION

HOME