Useful Tools and References

Some of the tools and techniques discussed in this blog are shown below.  Use the Tags or Search to find specific posts related to each tool.

Adjacency Matrix (Triangular)

Used to show relationships between spaces and areas in a design.  Relationships can be either positive or negative indicating they should be together or separated.  Sometimes referred to as an Interrelationship Matrix or Interaction Analysis.   Can also be produced as a square matrix.  See Tag for Adjacency for more details.

Completed triangular adjacency analysis

Functional Diagrams

Used to layout spaces in an area to show how they will work together and how each area flows from one to another.  Sometimes used synonymously with Bubble Diagrams.

Functional diagrams have irregular shapes with close proximity

Heat Maps

Heat maps help visual identify client priorities.  They are based on client input by having the client rank importance of characteristics and spaces / usage.

Five Issue Heat Map

Mind Maps

Use to capture ideas, thoughts, and other information in brainstorming sessions.  Can also be used to take notes in meetings.  Also useful creating documents in lieu of an outline.

Sample mind map with front yard area flushed out

Space Overlay

Overlaying a base plan with the space usage or allocation helps identify site working areas and can be used to educate clients about areas for improvement and the relationships between spaces.

Overlay of base plan with areas

Visual Space Utilization

Based on the same concept as function or bubble diagrams, the visual space utilization diagram can be used to portray space occupancy.  This gives clients a sense of how their space can be occupied and utilized in various circumstances.

Visual Space Utilization Presentation