As part of the Detailed Design Phase, the project team typically engages with school faculty to hold “programming meetings”, which tend to be ongoing through the completion of design. The main goal of the programming meetings is to review the function, equipment, and resources of the existing spaces compared to the design features of the proposed new space. Led by DRA, the project team has started to meet with NEMT staff for each program. The image below is an example of the first session held for the Automotive Technology program, the black text/images represent the initial design developed by DRA and the red text/images represent the proposed changes from NEMT staff to better reflect the intended use of the shop space.
The programming meetings are very helpful for the project team as they not only confirm all required equipment and resources have been provided for each space but also help verify everything fits correctly. The shop spaces require a strong attention to detail when designing them as it is not just simply arranging the layout of typical classroom desks, chairs, tables, etc. For example, within the Automotive Technology shop as shown below, DRA must ensure there is enough room to move vehicles in and out of the shop, allow for enough space to work on the vehicles while also locating relevant tools and equipment.
The project team regularly met with NEMT educators, school faculty, and NEMT advisors for programming meetings during each phase of design.
In the early phases of design, programming meetings largely involved reviewing the function, equipment, and resources of the existing spaces to confirm goals and ideal layouts for the proposed new spaces. Led by DRA, the project team met with NEMT staff representing each program during every phase of design. Shop layouts were reviewed in detail as design progressed, ultimately culminating in a fully detailed review of all elements of the proposed spaces prior to finalization of the drawings in August 2023.
The image below is an example of the first session held for the Automotive Technology program, the black text/images represent the initial design developed by DRA and the red text/images represent the proposed changes from NEMT staff to better reflect the intended use of the shop space.
Considerations discussed during programming meetings include:
- Furniture, technology, and equipment needs
- Layout of spaces – location of equipment and related classrooms
- Clearances and safety provisions
- Staff supervision & demonstration space
- Public access (if applicable)
The project team would like to extend a sincere thank you to all NEMT staff and advisory personnel involved in the design process – your involvement has greatly improved the
final design and maximized future learning opportunities for your students.
