Book excerpt: First published in 1978, the objective of this book is to provide an authoritative and selective overview of current, user-orientated programming methods within the field of environmental design. The 19 chapters compiled in this volume describe procedures and the information content of innovative approaches used by leading programming experts in the private and institutional sectors. Emphasis is placed on a qualitative and illustrative focus of selected approaches to environmental programming with the eventual occupants in mind. The chapter groupings are intended to reflect three major areas of professional engagement that serve the field of facility programming. The first group describe the approaches of firms or groups that were organised exclusively to provide environmental analysis and programming services. Part II is composed of chapters by authors who belong to established architectural firms with programming departments and Part III presents evidence that pertains to the supporting role of research and guidance literature from authors primarily affiliated with government agencies or supported by large organisations.