Physical Structures

In any design effort"context" is important in determining and designing meaningful structures.

Specifically, developing organizational structures is associated with understanding and visually depicting patterns of human interaction related to the "purpose of the organization". Therefore the "human context" is important to the design of organizational structures.

Physical structures, on the other hand, are reflective of the materials and known techniques used to construct a "form" that is deeply influenced by the geology and geographical conditions in which the physical structure will exist.

The design of physical structures has a deep and long history and includes knowledge of well documented styles that can assist designers to understand and envision form-based outcomes when applying specific materials and techniques.

As such, design standards are often expressed as "styles" and are well documented, well-understood and utilized globally.

Thus specialized industry frameworks now common to organizational design (e.g. Zachman Framework) that assist in establishing inter-relationships between varying organizational components and domains does not exist to guide design work specific to physical structures.

More specifically, an understanding of the framework of "styles" and "patterns" associated with physical structures is gained through formal studies in architecture - a discipline in which I have formal education in.

elements of physical structures

Materials

Construction

Techniques

Building

Technologies

Sub-Surface Conditions

Topography

Form

Safety Codes

(Human) Use

Styles

Patterns

Organizational Structures

Climatic Conditions

geographical conditions

Physical structures inform me of the impact physical environment has on the organization's work environment and the flow and utilization of information.

Knowledge of physical structures provides a deeper understanding of distance and space impediments that may exist within an organization.

The styles and patterns associated with physical structures are classified in terms of historical position and carry "names" such as Greek, Roman, Egyptian or Baroque (there are many more).

The styles not only reflect "relationships" between physical elements, they express well understood outcomes in such terms as the use of light, air movement, sound, and environmental impact.

The styles also reflect the use of specific materials and construction techniques which, in turn, influence the development and utilization of building technologies.