What does "schematic" mean?
In the Schematic Design phase, the architect will study the site conditions and other preliminary data. S/he will then take the Library Building Program and translate it into a series of drawings: site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections and sketches or renderings. Communication should be frequent, clear, and straightforward with several preliminary schemes considered during this phase.
Make sure that the architect pays attention to the library's functional priorities. The Building Program is not just a suggestion or guideline; it is the library's written instructions to the architect.
This is not to say that there won't be compromises. There will, but the last thing you want is a beautiful building that doesn't function well.
What is MPLCP Level of Design?
The MPLCP Level of Design is between conceptual design and full schematic design and includes:
- schematic drawings (or more complete drawings as available) prepared by a Massachusetts registered architect, and bearing their registration stamp, including: (a) floor plan(s) with a complete furnishing, shelving, and equipment layout; (b) building sections as appropriate; (c) elevations as appropriate;
- tabulation of square footages called for in the library building program and comparison to the square footages shown on the architectural plans;
- tabulations of the number of book, periodical, audio visual material, library of things, and all other collections called for in the library building program in comparison to the square footages shown on the architectural plans;
- tabulations of the number of seats and staff workspaces called for in the library building program in comparison to the square footages shown on the architectural plans;
- an estimated project budget, prepared independently by an experienced professional cost estimator, based on the site plan, building plans, and construction budget;
- site plan prepared by a Massachusetts registered architect with parking, grading, building location and designation of utilities (one inch = 40 feet or larger);
- a geotechnical report certified by a licensed professional, as defined in 605 CMR 6.02: Geotechnical Report;
- a hazardous materials survey report;
- a stamped topographic land survey, completed within 15 years of the submission of drawings, delineating boundary lines for entire site to be included in the library building project;
- energy modeling as required by code, Mass Save, and/or an MPLCP-approved special certification required to qualify for the Green Library Incentive, if applicable;
- other environmental, structural, and energy related reports may be required as deemed necessary and appropriate for individual projects.
