Programming sequence: criteria matrix to block diagram (4 steps)

One-line orientation

A common progression is to record room criteria, map adjacencies, sketch relationships with bubbles, then test approximate size and fit with blocks. The tools may be repeated or used in a different order.

Key points

• Criteria Matrix: A chart where each space is a row and desired features (square footage, access to daylight, acoustic requirements, etc.) are columns. Purely tabular; establishes what each space needs.
• Criteria Matrix with Added Adjacency Matrix: Extends the criteria matrix by adding a written grid that labels each space on both X and Y axes and records whether adjacency is desired between each pair. Still a chart (not a drawing); both feature requirements and adjacency requirements are now documented together.
• Bubble Diagram: A graphic tool that moves adjacency data out of the matrix: circles represent spaces, and line types between them show the required adjacency strength. It does not show actual shape, area, or orientation. It can be drawn at macro or micro scale.
• Block Diagram: A more formalized version of the bubble diagram. It introduces shapes and sizes (actual proportions representing approximate area) while preserving relative adjacency relationships. It begins to resemble a schematic floor plan arrangement but remains a programming tool.
• Direction of the sequence: These tools generally move from abstract information toward a sized arrangement. They may be repeated or adapted; the important distinction is what each tool adds.

The four-step programming sequence, from criteria matrix to block diagram

SCHEMATIC

These tools can move from written criteria toward graphic relationships and approximate shapes and sizes.

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Key

• Required adjacency
• Optional adjacency
• Blue = a graphic (drawn) step

Bubble diagram = relationships only; shapes and sizes appear only at the block diagram (step 4).

Read the matrix the same way every time: spaces are the rows, features are the columns. The step-2 adjacency matrix is still a chart, not a drawing; the block diagram is a programming tool, not schematic design.

Confusions / comparison

Step	Type	What is added at this step	What it does NOT yet show
1. Criteria matrix	Chart / table	Each space’s required features (SF, daylight, etc.)	Adjacency, shape, size relationships
2. Criteria + adjacency matrix	Chart / table	Whether each space pair should be adjacent	Shape, size, graphic position
3. Bubble diagram	Graphic	Spatial relationships and adjacency strength (circles + line types)	Actual shape or area of spaces
4. Block diagram	Graphic	Shapes and sizes (approximate proportional areas)	Detailed layout, structure, MEP — that is schematic design

Related

→ prog-adjacency-diagrams (this module): detail on adjacency chart and interaction matrix — the analytical tools that feed into step 2 · prog-area-types (this module): NAA figures that populate the criteria matrix space requirements · prog-efficiency-net-to-gross (this module): how efficiency ratios translate net program areas to gross building size before the block diagram is drawn.