Real-Life Communication -- Solution
Try saying something like this:
"This model was made to show you how the stadium will operate.
"You can move the layout and the location of things, but basically we just want to give you an idea of how things will look.
"We've set up this model to demonstrate to you how things can work and to find the best way to set things up in the plan."
Facilities designers do a lot of this kind of translating!
"Explaining things to clients is one of the most difficult challenges in the job because you may be working with people all week who are architects and designers, and suddenly you're dealing with people who don't immediately know what you're talking about," says designer Erin Dye. "You have to remember this."
Facility designer Brian Arnott agrees that communication skills are important.
"The most important thing in terms of communication is knowing what you're talking about," he says. This means knowing all about the building type and its history.
"The second most important ability is to listen," he says. You've got to be able to listen to your clients and then be able to dialog with them.
"Oftentimes, the best buildings will be a result of a partnership we enter to with the clients."
Arnott has found that the best form of communication is with cardboard models. Of course, his office is fully computerized. There are programs that allow someone to "walk through" a design by looking at a computer monitor. Arnott prefers the scale 3D model. It gives clients a good idea of what is being considered.