Scenario planning: A method used to discover potential futures and existing uncertainties. The method is usually centered around a specific question, and the possible outcomes, while arranged on a four-square grid, provide a spectrum of possibilities. The benefit of this method is to be prepared for many possibilities, rather than just the expected outcome.
Program: Program is the narrative given to a space by a designer. It describes the ways the space will be used--the events, activities and flows that the designer predicts will transpire there.
Dialectic: A dialectic is an approach to debate that allows for contradictory yet simultaneous points of view, and seeks to find common ground between them. In architectural theory, this approach is useful when seeking to discern between movements, such as Modernism and Post- functionalism.
“Furthermore, closely associated with this architecture is a number of ideas -- ideas expressing modernity in one sense or another, nearly always either by analogy with the past or by analogy with some other activity than architecture.” (Summerson, The Case for a Theory of ʻModernʼ Architecture)
“We had begun with a critique of the city, had gone back to basics: to simple and pure spaces, to barren landscapes, a room; to simple body movements, walking in a straight line, dancing; to short scenarios. And we gradually increased the complexity by introducing literary parallels and sequences of events, placing these programmes within existing urban contexts.” (Tschumi, Spaces and Events)
“Our goal is not to try to tell four stories, one of which--we hope, as futurists--we be true. Instead, we recognize that the “real” future will not be any of the four scenarios, but that it will contain elements of all of our scenarios. Our goal is to pin down the corners of the plausible futures. These corners are exaggerated--the outer limits of what is plausible. Thus our scenarios will have a near-caricature quality.” (Wilkinson, Scenarios)
Creating a program for a space is analogous to writing a story for the activities and events that will occur there. It is not a simple linear tale. Instead, the narrative branches as in a “choose your own adventure” story. This is because it requires attempting to predict, as does scenario planning, a spectrum of possible ways in which the story could unfold. Creating program allows one to create space that is prepared for the unfolding of a variety of narratives.