1. List everything that will be better when the project is complete.
2. Using the list from above and the checklist* from below, write down why you’re building.
* Following the checklist is not nearly as important as thinking about why you’re building rather than what you’re building. If you first agree on why you’re building, what you’re building becomes more clear.
Provide shelter/protection:
•Energy efficiency and building performance
•Sunlight/heat management
Provide gathering space:
•Household relax and interact
•Entertain guests
•Outdoors
Create environment:
•Lighting
•Indoor air quality/conditioned space
Facilitate activities:
•Personal – sleep/rest, grooming, spa/exercise
•Food – prep, processing, storage
•Maintenance – mud room, laundry, housekeeping
•Bicycles/sporting – storage, maintenance, practice
Provide Storage:
•Regular access/activity based
•Seasonal items
•Control rain, runoff and groundwater
•Animal-insect-mold issues
•Places to eat
•More room/better organized space
•Spectator seating in activity zones
•Finishes and furnishings
•Sound
•Outdoor – cooking/eating, gardening, work, play
•Office – household, specialized, professional
•Work stations – shop, tools, musical instruments/equipment, visual arts
•Entertainment
•Deep storage
•Display collections/art