DG 1110.3.120
DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
JANUARY 1981
C H A P T E R 2: FUNCTIONAL PLANNING
A. RELATIONSHIPS
overlap, and sequence are relationships in three
dimensions and time, preferably dimensioned
by distance and degree (open, closed, partial;
This characteristic governs relative positions
always, never, sometimes). These considera-
within and among physical components and oc-
tions may seem elementary except to the audio
cupants. First distinguish conceptual from func-
engineer who finds himself in a soundproof
tional relationships.
booth unable to hear what he is controlling, or
to the actor who must leave the building and re-
Conceptual statements express the quality of a
enter by another door in order to cross the stage
space, usually by analogy to common experi-
unseen.
ence (the main entry should be like a front porch,
the proscenium is a picture frame). Conceptual
In the MDC, functional groups that are particu-
statements are important, useful information for
larly sensitive to physical relationship criteria are
the designer and should not be discarded or dis-
the Performance Room itself, technical acces-
counted. But the conceptual characteristics can-
sories like theater lighting, stage dressing and
not be dimensioned or verified operationally,
acoustical supplements, access and circulation,
even though they may have a vital function (to
and process-oriented activities like set and cos-
make people welcome, to provide locational
tume construction.
reference).
Statements of functional characteristics imply
B. SIZE OR CAPACITY
the measure of attainment (light switches within
reach, a vestibule large enough for two wheel-
Unit measure of floor area is employed exten-
chairs before entering the auditorium). The using
sively as a common denominator of many cri-
service should state special or unusual func-
teria, and is therefore especially important. The
tional relationships clearly, and also express
constraints of maximum facility scope and cost
general requirements that affect groups of spaces.
are unfortunately expressed this way, with little
Adjacency, proximity, separation, connection,
Quality Equipment
and other notes
KEY
PROCESS RELATIONSHIPS NOTATION
F I G U R E 2-8.2
2-17
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