Schemtic Design

Guidelines for the Thesis Book

Chapter Overview

During the Schematic Design phase, students will integrate research, conceptual goals, programming needs, and site analysis. The chapter will organize the information developed during the Schematic Design phase of Thesis.

Schematic Design (Chapter content)

Schematic Narrative is a written summary of the discoveries from schematic design. The summary can include:

  • Explanation of how the design decisions support the design goals and objectives of the thesis.

  • Exploration of how the design decisions respond to the programatic needs and aesthetic concepts of the thesis.

Conceptual Diagrams can include any of the following:

  • Parti diagram (conceptual and/or functional)

  • Conceptual images

  • Conceptual sketches (doodles, sections, elevation, plan, etc.)

Schematic Floor Plans can include any of the following:

  • Blocking diagrams (sometimes called Building Shell Test Fit diagrams)

  • Stacking diagrams

  • Zones of Use diagrams

  • Circulation diagrams

Three-Dimensional Development can include any of the following:

  • Conceptual perspectives

  • Conceptual isometric or axonometric drawings

  • Conceptual 3d sketches

  • Massing model

  • Study model

Schematic Design Presentation (Critique 2)

Please note: The SD presentation will include additional information from the chapter requirements listed above. Students should discuss these requirements with their Thesis Committee Chair.

Use of Graphics in the Thesis

Graphics from the thesis may be integrated throughout the chapter or placed at the end of each chapter.

  • Graphics may include charts, graphs, tables, photographs, sketches, matrices, etc. that support and enhance the findings and discussion;

  • Graphics MUST be mentioned or described in the text. Explain what is shown, what reader is to see, and how it relates to analysis;

  • Design Project drawings go into the document after the Bibliography and Appendices.

  • Refer to The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association or Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses or Dissertations for graphic naming conventions.