Appendix A
Suggested Table of Contents for a Schematic Design Report


1. Introduction and background to the project (executive summary)

2. List of drawings (appended to the schematic design report)

3. Design objectives

4. Assumptions, constraints, limitations and uncertainties

5. Description of the design:

  • 5.1   Site design:
    • 5.1.1   Local context and site characteristics
    • 5.1.2   Site servicing capacity requirements
    • 5.1.3   Environmental and storm water management requirements
    • 5.1.4   Landscaping design requirements and site design conceptual design
    • 5.1.5   Site circulation requirements including vehicular and pedestrian traffic
  • 5.2   Architectural design:
    • 5.2.1   Schematic layout, spatial and massing relationships
    • 5.2.2   Conceptual elevations
    • 5.2.3   Conceptual building sections
    • 5.2.4   Summary of programmed areas (usually in spreadsheet format)
  • 5.3   Structural design:
    • 5.3.1   Structural requirements and challenges
    • 5.3.2   Conceptual structural foundation and framing systems
    • 5.3.3   Special structural systems
  • 5.4   Mechanical design:
    • 5.4.1   Interior space environmental requirements
    • 5.4.2   Energy usage and generation requirements, and operating costs estimates
    • 5.4.3   HVAC systems requirements
    • 5.4.4   Building automation systems
    • 5.4.5   Conceptual HVAC systems design
    • 5.4.6   Conceptual plumbing systems design
  • 5.5   Electrical design:
    • 5.5.1   Functional power and lighting requirements
    • 5.5.2   Communications, security, and fire alarm and fire suppression requirements
    • 5.5.3   Conceptual electrical system design
  • 5.6   Special considerations:
    • 5.6.1   Requirements related to specific functions related to acoustics, laboratory, medical,       performance, exhibitions, etc.
    • 5.6.2   Conceptual plans, sections, elevations and descriptions addressing specific functions

6. Sustainability and regenerative design requirements and objectives

7. System descriptions (standard formats are available for these)

8. Preliminary regulatory analysis (recommended)

9. Design and construction program cost estimate

10. Construction project procurement approach (if appropriate)

11. Design project management approach:

  • 11.1  Building information management (BIM) approach (if appropriate)