Functions of the brief

Design work is begun once the operational brief is established and spacerequirements and key relationships have been set out. The design brief canbe useful in many ways. Architects generally agree that the brief canprovide:

• • a channel of information between librarian and architect

• • a basis for discussion and joint problem-solving

• • a record of decisions and milestones; this can supportcontinuity and consistency of the project's development

• • a useful evaluation tool, as it includes aims and resourcesagainst which designs can be evaluated

• • a useful aid for estimating resources required.

The design brief may also be part of the legal agreement between librarianand architect.

Although it is possible to have a verbal brief, a written brief provides aclear source of reference for all involved. Developing the brief is the mostimportant part of the whole scheme; however magnificent anarchitect's creation, however skilful she/he may be in solving aproblem, the solution is useless if the problem's true nature andextent has not been understood. In most if not all cases, therefore, thebrief should be written to ensure that there is a common understanding aboutwhat is required. The librarian is responsible for seeing that the briefdescribes clearly what she/he would like the project to accomplish, forreviewing and signing it off at outline and detailed stages. Thearchitect's team is entitled to have a document which will be theirauthority to spend valuable time in working in a certain direction.

Core elements

At its most basic, the design brief can be divided into three elements:

• 1 statement of the purpose the library is to serveand the place it is to occupy within the social, educational orcommercial framework: the library's relationship to the otherinstitutions, departments or sections of its environment