HOUSE PLANNING 153
FUNCTIONAL PLANNING

Functional planning refers here to the designing of house plans
which are based on function and not on some traditional style.
The floor plan is designed around the needs and activities of the
family. When the plan is completed and integrated functionally
a suitable exterior design is found or preferably created to suit it.
This method of planning from the interior to the exterior is far
more logical than designing from the exterior to the interior, which
unfortunately is quite common practice. Obviously it is not
sensible to select a period exterior first and then try to make a floor
plan which will fit the exterior and also fit the activities of a
twentieth-century family. Functional planning requires many pre-
liminary sketches. The usual method of procedure for students
or home makers is suggested below,

I. Draw to scale the plot plan and analyze, showing:
Points of compass. Location of slopes.

Direction of summer breeze. Advantages of site.
Direction of winter winds. Disadvantages of site.
Direction of view. Proximity of houses.

Location of trees. Legal restrictions.

II. Draw to scale a functional floor plan for a house on the
above lot, noting:

Relationship of rooms. Zoning areas.

Continuity of space. Economy of space.

Circulation. Space for furniture.

Flexibility of room. Appearance.

III. Draw to scale interior elevations of important walls, noting

Agreement with exterior. Proportion.

Architectural features. Balance.

Built-in furniture. Emphasis.

Space for wall furniture. Repetition.

IV. Draw to scale exterior elevations of the house, noting:

Family personality. Proportion.

Possible styles. Balance.

Styles of neighborhood. Emphasis.

Type of lot. Rhythm.