The time required for this extended thought about the preliminary design may vary from several days to a week. These will have to be reworked. In this example, the shape of the pavement, design of the steps, and organization of the plant materials have been refined in relation to the preliminary design. Fences
One of the first steps in preparing the master plan is to seek the clients’ feedback about the preliminary design. However, the designer should make it clear to the clients that there are many critical steps that must be undertaken before the master plan can become reality. During this presentation, the designer should review all the changes, refinements, and additions made to the design after the preliminary design presentation. In other places, the design may work, but doesn’t yet “feel right” to the
Figure 12-76
Example of a preliminary design. And finally, the designer may study and show some areas or elements of the design in greater detail in comparison with the preliminary design (Figure 12—79). The master plan starts with the preliminary design and goes beyond it to study the design in a more detailed manner. Figure 12-78
An example of a master plan that has been refined in comparison with the preliminary design. The designer should offer (with proper compensation) to stay involved with the installation and implementation of the design so that the intended quality is fulfilled. The following paragraphs describe how a preliminary plan for a pool area was revised in terms of the three master plan activities (Figure 12—76). If they don’t, the designer should ask for their thoughts after the presentation has been completed. To facilitate the process of getting feedback, the designer should leave an extra copy or two of the preliminary design(s) with the clients. In many instances, this final presentation of the master plan is the end of the project for the designer. On the other hand, it is best not to give clients too much more time than this because they may begin to forget many of the points that were made during the presentation. Second, the designer may revise or improve certain areas of the design. 1. These areas may need some “massaging” and adjustment to improve their quality. Figure 12-77
An example of a master plan that has been redesigned in comparison with the preliminary design. In addition to seeking the clients’ feedback, the designer should also take time alone to review the preliminary design. After the clients have been given adequate time to comment on the preliminary designs, the designer should have a clear direction for proceeding with the master plan. In this example, the shape of the pool and location of the pool house have been changed while still maintaining an overall axial design. 3. Remember, never leave the original drawing with the clients; the designer should keep that in the office. If the preliminary design consists of only one alternative, then the master plan proceeds to add more refinement and detail to it. Refinement. If the preliminary design is made up of two or more alternative plans, then the master plan is based on the best alternative or combination of alternatives. After receiving the clients’ feedback and reviewing the preliminary design(s), the designer can “return to the drawing board” to revise the design. Figure 12-75
Examples of potential caps for walls and fences. This often involves selective repositioning and modifying of certain forms and/or elements of the design (Figure 12—78). designer. The clients are apt to need time to think about important ideas or to make decisions about key aspects of the design. First, the designer may have to change certain areas of the design so that a new solution is created. This is the most radical type of revision and often involves completely altering some forms and/or elements of the design (Figure 12—77). Depending on the nature of the situation, this involvement may vary from occasional supervision or review of the implementation to direct and complete control. The designer should not expect the clients to make hasty judgments that both parties may regret later.
