What is Ideal Function Diagram

[Tianyi Jiang]

I have seen this term several times in different sample questions, can not find an accurate explanation of what is it. My understanding is that it is the same as functional bubble. 

Anyone knows?

Thanks!

[Lindsay]

We had the same question in our study group and none of us knew what it meant until I read the old PPI 'Mastering section C' and they address it there. Chapter 3 entitled “Understanding Program Relationships” talks about the functional relationships between program elements (e.g. parking and circulation) and the degree of connection between them (little relationship -> strong relationship). Sure enough, these relationships are diagrammed in non-site specific and two dimensional diagrams that identify functions and spaces as bubbles (so you are kind of right here but the functional part is more about the necessity of proximity or adjacency).

There is a lot of reference to the old LARE reference manual but I found this document helpful especially in its discussion of site access and site circulation (parking, drop-offs, etc). Definitely worth a review - hope this helps!

[Tianyi Jiang]

Thank you Lindsay. 

I could understand that the degree of connection among different program elements, such as you should set the ramp to the ingress and egress of the building, so they should have strong relationship for any type of site. But I know for bubble function diagram is more site-specific because you have to consider the relationship of all these elements on site. Is it correct? 

Thanks

[Lindsay]

Here is a link to a preview of Norman Booth's book for a description, not all pages are included but you do get a definition of an ideal functional diagram: 

https://books.google.ca/books/about/Basic_Elements_of_Landscape_Architectura.html?id=7a0QAAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=ideal%20functional&f=false

[Tianyi Jiang]

Thank you Lindsay, I have taken look at the link you posted, I noticed that page 283 listed the steps of the design process. Under the "Design" part, the ideal functional diagram is prior to site-related functional diagram. I suppose ideal functional diagram is just element-related instead of site-related. Functional bubble is that you have to both involve elements relationship and site-related elements(like context, site features, etc.)

[Lindsay]

That's my understanding as well - although I don't think we are likely to see this term on the exam anymore (anyone that has taken section 3 yet??) It sounds like the language the exam uses is now more like Russ and the Design Workshop book, i.e. Pre-Design, Conceptual design, etc, with the 'ideal' functional diagram being explored in the pre-design --> conceptual design phases and the functional diagram (i.e. site specific) being explored in conceptual --> schematic design phases. That's how I am thinking about it anyway. Good luck!

[Lindsay]

I was wrong! I totally had a question about functional diagrams on my exam - luckily it is a pretty basic concept, the preview on google books will give you enough info. 

[Tianyi Jiang]

Oh, did you take section 3 or section 2? Really appreciate that you come back and comment on this!!

I feel the test still repeats some old questions, I asked my colleague who took section 1 a few years ago, he actually was asked similar question as I did a few days ago for section 1!

[Lindsay]

I wrote section 3 - and now I remember that there were a couple other references to Booth as well, like what is the ideal spacial enclosure. Sorry for the delay hopefully you haven't written yet! I am sure you will nail it tho :D 

[Tianyi Jiang]

Hi, Lindsay, do you know that if ideal functional diagram is actually space adjacency analysis? I have seen some source has the following sequence: adjacency analysis - bubble diagram - functional diagram

How do these show in the real test? 

Thank you so much!

[Lindsay]

Sorry I just saw this - and the testing is over for April so won't help this time. The functional diagram is just about the relationship between spaces (indoor/outdoor) and what makes the most sense from a FUNCTIONAL perspective (so adjacency, yes). This is a really simple concept so don't overthink it. 

[Tianyi Jiang]

Hey, Just came back to post a few points that could help the others for Sec 2. I am studying Sec 3 and accidentally came across the explanation of  Ideal function diagram/functional diagram which I feel is a great summary for it. Should be helpful for whoever will take Sec 2.

Ideal Functional Diagram

• The purpose is to identify the best and most appropriate relationships that should exist between the major proposed functions and spaces. The intent is to gain insight about which functions and elements should be associated with each other and which ones should be separated.

• It is nonsite related

• It represents as general bubbles or outlines in an abstract graphic manner

• It can be drawn at any scale on a blank sheet of paper not relating to any condition of the known site

Site Related Functional Diagram

• Adapt the relationships established in the ideal functional diagram to the known conditions of the given site.

• The functions / spaces should (1) relate to the actual site conditions including the interior rooms of associated buildings (2) the functions / spaces should now be drawn keeping in mind their approximate size and scale.

• The designers should consider (1) the location of the major functions / spaces with respect to the site , and (2) the relationship of the functions / spaces with respect to each other.   

[Tianyi Jiang]

Hi, Larely, 

I feel this is an extract from a book ( sorry this is a PDF my friend passed to me so I do not know the name) talking about pre-design, programming, conceptual design, etc. If you want, I could send to you. But I do not think the rest of this extract is much helpful for sec 2.