Appendix 7: Setting out a design brief

Appendix 7


Setting out a design brief


Considerations when preparing the design brief from a universal design approach:

Before you meet an architect or start developing your brief, reflect on the key design considerations outlined below. These considerations are especially important when planning a large-scale retrofit or new build project. While not all aspects will be relevant it is good to consider these points for all projects. Refer to Aistear and Síolta so your project aligns with the guidance in the National Frameworks. 

(see guidance on pages 18 to 32 for more information about design briefs)
 

Set out a strong vision and values for the project:

  • How will our vision and mission be reflected in the setting (indoors and outdoors)?
  • How have we considered children’s rights in our planning?
  • How will access to the outdoor area be facilitated?
  • How easy is access to the toilet/nappy changing area from the outside play space?
  • How will sibling relationships be facilitated?
  • How will parents and families feel welcome and included?
  • How can children of mixed ages play together, inside and outside?
  • Are there clear lines of sight from within the building to the outside?

How will the building relate to the public realm and some overall site design requirements:

  • How will the location of the building and proposed boundaries help to integrate the setting with the community?
  • How will the site design provide a community and child-centred setting? Indicate the kind of layout that would support our vision:
  • Describe the kinds of spaces that will fulfil our vision.
  • Think about access from room to room.
  • Width of corridors and doorways.
  • Flexible use of space.
  • Space for children to play.
  • Space for staff to be comfortable and relax.
  • Space for families to feel comfortable and part of the setting.

Describe the overall qualities of the internal spaces:

  • Will the interior of the building receive high levels of natural light?
  • What kinds of materials and finishes will achieve a stimulating yet calm environment for children?
  • What acoustic qualities would we like?
     

Define the relationship between inside and outside:

  • Is there free flowing movement between inside and outside?
  • Will the children’s spaces have direct access and good views to the outside?
  • Thinking about windows and doors, describe how this might work?
     

Describe how you envisage the outside spaces:

Think about sand, water, construction, climbing, running, loose parts and open-ended materials, pedalling, planting, digging, space for pets, children of mixed ages, building, assembling, space for stories and chats, spaces to sit.


Things to consider in change of use, fit-out, or retrofit projects:

When looking at various sites and existing buildings for projects that involve a change of use (e.g. from a dwelling or office building to an ELC setting), the fit-out of an existing building shell and core, or a major retrofit, there are many things to think about. Issues such as the location of the site, public transport access, and parking will be part of the overall site feasibility. The key things to be considered by the client when preparing the design brief, as outlined previously, will be important. However, since the project involves an existing building, the existing site and building conditions will require careful thought such as:

Internal floor area and circulation space:

  • Will the building accommodate the floor space required as outlined in Table 1?
  • Will the existing floor area provide comfortable and accessible entrance, circulation, and toilet areas?
     

Availability of outdoor space:

  • Does the site provide sufficient uninterrupted outdoor areas for children to run, play, and explore? We Like this Place, (2002) suggests that at least 9M2 of outdoor space per child be aimed for.
  • Will the outdoor space be adjacent to and directly accessible to all internal children’s rooms?
     

Internal layout and structural walls:

  • Will the layout of the existing building allow you to achieve the kinds of internal spaces you require? If not, is it possible to remove certain non-load bearing internal walls, or are there major structural implications?
     

Building services:

  • Are the existing plumbing, ventilation and electrical services in locations that will serve the proposed spaces? For instance, can the appropriate plumbing or ventilation services be supplied to areas in the building planned for toilets, milk kitchens, or nappy changing areas?
     

Children’s rooms on an upper floor:

  • If children’s rooms are located on an existing upper floor, will the existing circulation and stairs comply with fire regulations.
  • Will children on this upper floor have direct access to outdoor space in the form of a roof terrace, balcony or to ground level outdoor space via external stairs?
  • If not how will daily access to outdoor space to be managed?