The SCAAA Process allows us to derive spatial solutions that add value to projects beyond traditional architectural design. Over the years, we have refined and implemented this method with our clients on a variety of development projects. The process is an integrated research, spatial development, and architectural design process. By prioritizing circulation and experience design as key elements in each project, the SCAAA Process aims to maximize the value of renovations or new construction and create the most functional combination of spaces. Well-crafted circulation between programs optimizes operational efficiency of commercial projects, whereas quality experience design supports customer satisfaction and retention. As a result, both elements work together to improve user experience and drive profits for clients. The Process is comprised of four key phases: 1. Phase 1: Preliminary Research and Analysis of “Ordinal Places” 2. Phase 2: Context and Case-specific Analysis 3. Phase 3: Spatial Program Development and Experience Design 4. Phase 4: Drawings and Plans The process begins with a close study of the evolution of the “first”, “second”, or “third” place (ordinal place)* environments for living, working, and socializing respectively. The notion of the third place was first coined by the sociologist Ray Oldenburg in the 1980s as a vital “anchor” of society and community life. These ordinal places have evolved throughout their history to cater to a society that is in constant flux and change. However, in recent years, the three ordinal places have trended towards integrated, hybrid spaces (e.g. co-working and co-living spaces). As a result, methods of placemaking need to adapt to the increased complexity of these spaces and that of the society we live in. Furthermore, SCAAA incorporates analysis of fourth spaces within the ordinal place framework. The fourth space is where the back-of house operation is located in the form of kitchens, parking lots, elevators, bridges, stairwells, etc. We differentiate these areas as distinct “spaces” rather than “places” as they do not serve a holistic societal need (as the first, second, and third places do). Rather, fourth spaces exist within each ordinal place - they are often where circulation is established and controlled. But importantly, these spaces also have the ability to generate significant revenue and serve their own commercial purpose. By studying the fourth space’s location and proximity to the ordinal place programming, SCAAA identifies areas of overlap and strategically eliminates redundancies. SCAAA has leveraged the capabilities of the fourth space to achieve operational efficiency and increase profitability of commercial projects. By researching the history of the built environment as a series of places that fulfill certain human needs, the ordinal place framework injects the human experience into the places we inhabit. Furthermore, it helps us identify the trends of these societal needs that shape the type of real estate we build. In the second phase, SCAAA tailors analysis to the project's distinct cultural or demographic context to account for the nuances in regional markets and consumer preferences. The third phase, spatial program development, is the heart of the SCAAA Process; it harnesses the research from the first two phases to output, weigh, and configure spatial programming that optimizes user experience and operational efficiency. In other words, it is how the solutions derived from phase two are implemented. Once the exact circulation between programs is established, SCAAA develops detailed architectural designs, elaborating on the proposed user experience and responding to the client’s specific needs that were outlined during the process. Each phase of the process employs artificial intelligence technology to aid the speed and accuracy of the research and analysis process. The technology scrapes large amounts of data to derive responses to research queries with impressive speed and encyclopedic knowledge. Although the core process of the SCAAA Process is evergreen, the tools it utilizes adapt to the technological environment and become more advanced and precise over time. This framework provides a medium between intangible human needs and physical space, finding a way to express society’s changing preferences in architectural design. In doing so, the SCAAA Process not only helps clients generate increased revenue (through operational efficiency and consumer satisfaction), but also helps create human-centered spaces that are not only supportive of, but also contribute to our communities. --------------------------------------------- *We refer to Oldenburg's terminology as "ordinal places" or "OP" for ease of reference.