OUR PROCESS



No two projects are exactly alike but we still begin with the fundamental phases associated with architectural design and construction. Our process ensures we will hit milestones toward completion while remaining flexible enough to incorporate new ideas as they present themselves. The phases below provide a rough outline of how we will collaborate and what deliverables 12 Squared will provide at the end of each phase. Following an initial meeting, we would provide a more detailed proposal that will further outline your project’s specific scope. Contact us to set up an introductory meeting to learn more about what we do and how our collaborative approach keeps your audience and your brand at the center of the creative process.


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A PHASED APPROACH





INITIAL MEETING



We will work together to determine the best way to begin YOUR specific project, determining a project scope that fits your budget, short-term, and long-term goals. Some potential approaches include:

  • Starting small - plan for enhancements that can be accomplished on a smaller budget and shorter time line but resulting in immediate visual and visitor experience improvements
  • Phased approach toward fund-raising - utilize the two initial phases in the process to develop solid ideas, experiences, and designs to create a fund-raising design package for presentation to potential donors
  • Phased approach toward installation - a deadline driven approach including a budget and schedule for all phased work in order to hit a predetermined opening date

We will also discuss options ito determine the best project model that will fit your needs.

  • “Design Build” model - adding a fabricator to the team and working under one contract toward a predetermined budget
  • “Design Bid” model - seeking multiple bids following construction documentation and graphic production at the end of phase 4


Phase I



PLANNING AND CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

  • Communication Strategy - establish team, contacts, communication tools, and project management responsibilities
  • Resource audit - review client research and development work done to date including image assets and collections. Review any master plan, strategic plan and/or brand documentation.
  • Concept development workshop I:
    • Brainstorming and mind mapping exercises facilitated by 12 Squared to create exhibition main messages
    • Establish the “Big Idea” to set the vision for the exhibition and preliminary exhibit concepts


PHASE 1 Deliverable
Concept Development Package - Two exhibit concepts in written and rough sketch form for approval



PHASE 2



SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Exhibit areas take shape and the story begins to organize exhibit elements and experiences into a meaningful flow of visitor experiences from beginning to end.

  • Concept development workshop II:
    • Refine exhibition messages and begin story development
    • Goals and objectives
    • Preliminary list of exhibit elements and experiences


PHASE 2 Deliverables

  • Schematic Design Package (Fund-raising Package):
    • Mission, exhibition goals, audience
    • Conceptual space plans (bubble diagram and initial floor plan)
    • Design approach including design intent imagery, sketches and/or renderings
  • Initial budget allocation and preliminary schedule


phase 3



DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Ideas get developed and refined to a point when everyone can fully understand details of each area and the exhibit components they contain. Team bi-weekly meetings provide the opportunity when 12 Squared work product can be reviewed and discussed. Ongoing review of content and experiences against exhibit vision, goals, and design intent.


PHASE 3 Deliverables

  • Exhibit Intent package - Detailed plan including location call outs for all elements (objects, structures, media and graphics) and elevations as appropriate
  • Graphic Intent package - Hierarchy of sign types and sample layouts of each type. Selection of fonts, colors, patterns, and materials that will be used throughout graphic production
  • Interpretive package - Final script as label copy keyed to exhibit elements
  • Interactive development (if required)- 2 separate packages -
  1. concept sketches including written dIscription
  2. built prototype and evaluation package
  • Updated budget allocation and schedule


PHASE 4



CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND PRODUCTION FILES

Phase 4 moves the project from development into production with the creation of documents for final approval and fabrication.


PHASE 4 Deliverables

  • Exhibit Production package - final construction drawings for fabrication.
  • Graphic Production package - layouts of all exhibit graphics including 2 rounds of proofs for approval
  • Media Production package - final media storyboards for approval (if applicable)
  • Updated budget allocation and schedule


PHASE 5



FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION

The work now shifts to the fabrication team with project management by 12 Squared. The fabricator produces shop drawings, places orders for materials, products, and equipment and builds functional prototypes as required. Exhibit pieces are built and periodically set up in the shop for client reviews. Graphic files are output and shipped to the fabricator to be integrated into the exhibit structures.


PHASE 5 Deliverables

  • Detailed installation plan (by 12 Squared)
  • Delivery and installation of all exhibit elements (by fabricator)
  • Exhibit operation and maintenance manual (provided by fabricator)
  • Review and testing of all exhibit elements (by client and 12 Squared)
  • Final punch list (by 12 Squared)
  • Summative evaluation plan (by 12 Squared)


Jeanne Maier



Principal / Creative Director


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