Here is a blank Adjacency Matrix template for you to download and use: GDS Adjacency Matrix
Programming in architecture is the defining and analyzing of the problem that the client is attempting to solve for the projects’ goals. The project goals and client objectives drive the information that needs to be addressed in order to solve the problem with the physical structure of the project. In order to complete the design, a well defining program must be given to the architect in order to efficiently understand the aesthetics, space needs, adjacency requirements, organizing concepts, outdoor spaces, code implications, budget estimates, and schedule limitations.
Programming is typically an additional service and not in a standard contract. Therefore, it is up to the client to determine if the scope of work warrants hiring their architect to work with them on programming (which is recommended because it is a more efficient use of the client’s time), or if the client is able to complete it themselves. Either way, as the client it is in the best interest of the project to have a well organized system to convey the goals and objectives to the architect. A main tool in order to do so is the Programming Matrix, also called Adjacency Matrix.
Basically, the matrix is a grid to sort and organize the information and relationships of spaces to each other space. The way it works is: you list the desired spaces/rooms that you need and want in your project. Then you fill in the other information that is important to your project – such as size of spaces, if plumbing is needed in that space, do you need to have natural light in the space, etc. Finally, you describe the location of the spaces to other spaces. For example, in a single-family home you would want to make sure that a pantry is close to the kitchen, so those spaces need to be listed as having “mandatory adjacency”. In that same home you might not want the master bedroom near garage, so those spaces need to be listed as having “mandatory separation”. Also, there may be some spaces that you would like to be near each other, but not necessarily immediately adjacent, so those spaces would be listed as having “secondary adjacency”. In our example of the single family home, a mud room and laundry room would be convenient to be close, but not necessarily be directly adjacent. Please keep in mind that adjacency and separation requirements can also be vertical spaces. Space/room adjacency need to be considered from floor to floor as well.
Here is a sample matrix and floor plan that was completed for a small-scale, single story veterinary clinic (the client thought they could only have 3 exam rooms, however, with efficient space planning there are 5 exam rooms in a smaller, and therefore less expensive building. The actual size of the building was 2,600 sq. ft.):
The way to read/fill out the adjacency requirements is to find the two spaces you want to describe, follow along the diagonal to the box where the columns intersect, and that specific box contains the symbol to describe the relationship of those two spaces. In the example above the Staff Restroom and Treatment have a mandatory adjacency. So, locate the Staff Restroom and Treatment on the horizontal and follow the Staff Restroom diagonal down until the meets the Treatment diagonal up, and that box has a solid dot. Likewise the Treatment and Laundry have a secondary adjacency. Follow the diagonal for Treatment down and follow the diagonal for Laundry up, and that box has an open dot.
Again click here for your own blank Adjacency Matrix template to download and use: GDS Adjacency Matrix
You are more than welcome to contact us regarding any questions you may have, clarifications regarding the programming matrix, or if you would like a one-on-one tutorial about using the matrix for your project – info@gdsatx.com