There have been questions re “Where are we in this process?”.  We were asked to define our phases of involvement at the last Pier 5 Association meeting.  To help explain, please see the attached a diagram “THE PROCESS: DESIGNING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT” (P.E.R.T. Chart). 

This original PERT chart was published in my book “Recycling Cities for People- The Urban Design Process, Second Edition” (Used as a Urban Design textbook in the 1980-90s).  Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) breaks down the individual tasks of a project for analysis: We are well into Phases 1 and 2, including 1) Data Base Inventory and 2) Community Participation Phases.   With the initial Engineering Study we are entering a 3rd Phase with 3) Establishing Existing Conditions and Site Analysis. This is where Due Diligence and a Determination of Feasibility should occur. The next step will be 4) Setting Priorities to Establish Design Criteria.  

The Design Criteria will then establish a  5) Design Program including Site Segment Uses, Components, etc.  These Design Criteria and the Design Program can then be used for 6) Schematic Design or a Schematic Design Competition.  (Note:  The Design Program is essential before it can be a valid Design Competition where all entrants are on the same page and schematic design alternatives can be evaluated and refined based on impacts/feedback.) With the selection of a Schematic Design, an urban design scale project then enters the AIA/AILA Contract Phases of Design Development, Construction Documents, Construction Supervision. There is more outline of each component Task or Phase in Chapter 5- The Process and the Prototypes.  If there is interest we could probably send a PDF of that Chapter.

Where are we in this Process? – zcutler@floodbarrieramerica.com – Flood Barrier America, Inc. Mail