Expert: John Henry Architect - 8/18/2010

Question
Hi, John. I'm a translator from European languages into English. Some of my work is in the area of urban planning, and I've never quite been able to figure out whether native English-speaking planners are comfortable with the way that Europeans use the terms "program" (or "programme"), "programming," and "programmatic." As I understand it, the program for a particular area is the set of activities and uses that are planned for that area. European planners often use "program" as a mass noun ("this area needs more program") or qualify it with a variety of adjectives ("a diffuse program" or "an intensive program"). They might also talk about "programmatic issues" as opposed to construction issues or technical issues. Would all those phrases make sense to planners in the English-speaking world? If not, what would be the most natural way to express those ideas?

Thanks very much for your help. I think I accidentally sent you a dud question before sending this one. Sorry about that.

Answer
Hello David,
Architects in the U.S. refer to programming as the task of gathering information about a project before design of any kind begins.  This term was used by a famous CRS architect in a book published in the 70's.
Most architects here would understand the use of the word as you describe. Saying 'this area needs more program' might be a little confusing though.  Programmatic issues would refer to anything related to site conditions, owner or client requirements, budget, zoning, etc.  Saying you have a diffuse of intensive program will be nromally understood.
Sorry for my late reply as we had a computer issue for some time now.
Let me know if I can assist you further,
JH