ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES

What is the responsibility of the Architect?

The architect is a person who have undergone years of training to plan, design and supervise the construction of a building. This is a means for him to provide professional service in terms of rendering a good and quality design of a structure, analyzing the functionality of the space, arranging them in such a way that it will provide comfort, ease of movement, safe and secure environment, all of which are dedicated to human occupancy.

The Architect's responsibilities are governed by the law concerning the practice of architecture to any particular country. This is called the Architect's code that deals with the Code of ethical conduct. What is written here are practical insights about the practice of architecture. To know more about the detailed responsibilities, refer to the architect's code.

There are several areas where we can consider the responsibilities of the architect in relation to the following:

1. The Architects responsibilities in relation to the Public

With that in mind, the major consideration in the design of a structure by an architect is to safeguard the life, health and public property. Before coming up with a design, the architect has a long way to analyze, think and reevaluate his design strategies in relation to public safety.  He may have to ask himself with the question, 

"how will my design affect the safety of the people, their health and the environment?"
"What will be the safety measures that needs to be considered in the implementation of the design?"

As a designer, the architect's lead role in improving the life standard of the people and creating a beautiful environment is no wonder a great privilege. Not only thus he create a user friendly environment but also safeguarding the life and health of the public. On the other hand, this responsibility may  open an opportunity and challenge to the architect in providing a reasonable design proposal to his community. A place where he can evaluate the existing condition of his environment, thus making a thorough investigation and giving a recommendation as to how to improve his environment considering the safeguarding the life and health of the public. Topping up with the local government and other private institutions in the information dissemination and somehow get their attention and eventually consider his design solutions.

The brilliant idea may have save a lot of money and effort should the architect provide a practical design solution. This will also promote the practice of architecture and educate the public in terms of providing a professional advise in the initial stage of the design process, eliminating the impression that the architect is not only after the beauty of the structure, rather the public would realize that their environment are improving and their safety is well considered.

 

Architectural Design Course | VISUAL TECHNOLOGY

Visual Technology or visual arts - Creating a work that is visual. In the architecture course, visual art is one of the basics that you need to develop. This will include your ability to develop freehand drawings, learn the principles of shades and shadow, understand color, use of multi-media presentation and model making. 

For a freshmen, the focus will be on the basics of freehand sketching, use of graphite pencils, different line type artistry, understanding the monochromatic drawings and different tonal values,   still life drawings and outdoor sketching.

WHAT ARE THE MATERIALS NEEDED?

To start with this course, you will be needing a pencil and a sketchbook.

HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?

Getting started with your first training with visual arts will require a lot of time in your drawing exercises. First is to let your mind control your hands and not your hands controlling your mind. There will be exercises to  be accomplished before you will be given an actual visualization work. Be familiar with your tool, even though there are only two materials used here, you still need some time to know how to use the pencil and what are the different types of graphite pencil do you have. There are so many different shades and grade values of each pencil that you will be using, ranging from "F" to "HB" and "B"

LINE EXERCISES

Here are some drawing exercises that you need to start with. These are freehand line exercises.


a. Draw vertical lines without any guide, repeat the whole process until you are able to control your hands and able to draw straight vertical lines. 

b. Draw horizontal lines without any guide, repeat the whole process until you are able to control your hands and able to draw straight horizontal lines. 


c. Draw diagonal lines without any guide, repeat the whole process until you are able to control your hands and able to draw straight diagonal lines.


d. Draw vertical lines (reverse) without any guide, repeat the whole process until you are able to control your hands and able to draw straight diagonal lines on. 


The book Learn how to sketch is a helpful book to explore and master the art of sketching. Click Here!

LANDSCAPE RENDERING - Challenges to 3D Landscape artists

Challenges to Landscape 3D artist

Similar to any 3d rendering - Landscape rendering is engaged with the rendering of landscape. It can be more frustrating at first especially when the 3d renderer/artist is challenged to depict a photorealistic models of plants, trees, shrubs and groundcovers, due to the limited resources of real 3d models, more often the design intentions could not be achieved properly. It is more often supported by the representation of plans and section with the actual photographs of plant species. 3D rendering is just one of the tools and imagery that will be included in the total presentation of the Landscape design.

For the purpose of exploring which method should be used, These 3 rendered images are shown to help us explore the possibilities in achieving our goals to have an effective means of communcating the landscape design in relation to the challenges that a 3dartist should be experiencing.

Blending landscape with  the built environment would be more effective in the presentation though this might be tedious to 3d modellers. It would be wise to decide which camera view you would be rendering and model only that captures in the view. Compare all other renderings below and see the effects of rendering an image with no architectural elements as the background. Will it give a different effect?

3d landscape rendering with structure as background

 

3d landscape rendering without any background structure




3d landscape rendering post edited in photoshop applying hue and saturation adjustments

 3 different images with three different ways of presenting may give 3 different impression. Whichever is acceptable, it would be the discretion of the landscape designer which one should be more suitable in the final presentation of the design to the client.

The major deciding factor to be considered is time. if you have the luxury of time to do all the models and render in a short period of time, then the artist has the freedom to do whatever he wants for as long as he considers the time element in finishing the job without compromising the quality of his work.

There are other factors to be considered in the type of 3d presentation you should consider.
It should be clear to any 3d artist and Landscape designers the type of 3d rendering and the intensity of presentation they should be working.

Here are some list to consider:
1. Using 3D presentation for marketing promotions
    The main goal in marketing is to sell the product. With this in mind, the type and quality of 3D
    renderings should be the best! As there are many competitors, the design and presentations
    should impress the prospective buyers/clients. This is to catch their attention in a short span
    of time where the first impression should always lasts. This type of presentation is shown in a
    high-level marketing tools like brochures, presentation boards, scaled models with multi-
    media presentations and animations.
2. Using 3D to visualize the effect of the Landscape design in coordination with other 
    elements affecting the design.
    This is to coordinate and visualize the effect of landscape design with the utilities
    underneath, existing pavement and level differences. This may not be as high level type of
    presentation but needs to me more accurate in the size, shape, distances as if it is already
    existing. This type of presentation is geared towards the decision making of the concerned
    professionals in resolving technical issues.

3. Design Competitions
    This is similar to marketing promotions, the aim of the presentor is to compete and ultimately
    to win. As you will be dealing with colleagues who are of the same intention, then this type of
    presentation should be as highly competetive as it is but bear in mind also that the criteria
    for judging is not only based on the manner of presentation but a combination of both the
    artistry and the technicality. You may give a very nice impression but you must also take care
    of the deign solutions you are offering. 



                                                 

Learn more about Landscape Design by enriching your knowledge in Landscape Design Ideas here, 

landscape design ideas

Exploring Architectural Design: Understanding Space Functions and Standards

Introduction:

Architectural design is a multifaceted discipline that goes beyond mere aesthetics; it's about creating spaces that serve specific functions while adhering to established standards. From residential homes to commercial complexes, every building is a carefully orchestrated interplay of form and function. In this article, we delve into the realm of architectural design, exploring the significance of space functions and the importance of adhering to standards to ensure both functionality and user satisfaction.

Understanding Space Functions:

Space functions lie at the heart of architectural design. Before laying down a single brick, architects must meticulously analyze the intended purpose of each space within a building. Whether it's a living room, office cubicle, or laboratory, each area serves a distinct function that influences its design and layout.

Residential Spaces:

In residential architecture, spaces are tailored to meet the needs and lifestyles of the occupants. The living room, for example, serves as a social hub for family gatherings and entertainment, thus requiring ample seating and open layouts conducive to interaction. Bedrooms, on the other hand, prioritize privacy and relaxation, with considerations for comfort, lighting, and storage solutions.

Commercial Spaces:

Commercial buildings, such as offices, retail stores, and restaurants, must cater to the needs of employees and customers alike. Office spaces are often designed to promote productivity, with layouts that facilitate collaboration while providing private areas for focused work. Retail environments prioritize customer experience, with strategic layouts, lighting, and signage to guide shoppers through the space efficiently.

Public Spaces:

Public buildings, such as libraries, museums, and civic centers, are designed to serve the community at large. These spaces must be accessible, inclusive, and adaptable to accommodate diverse user needs. Libraries, for instance, offer a range of spaces for reading, studying, and community events, each tailored to different user preferences and activities.

Importance of Standards in Architectural Design: Standards play a crucial role in architectural design, providing guidelines and benchmarks for various aspects of building construction and operation. These standards encompass a wide range of considerations, including building codes, accessibility requirements, environmental sustainability, and ergonomic design principles.

Building Codes:

Building codes set forth regulations governing the design, construction, and occupancy of buildings to ensure safety and structural integrity. These codes cover aspects such as fire safety, structural design, plumbing, electrical systems, and occupancy loads. Adhering to building codes is essential to obtain permits and approvals from regulatory authorities.

Accessibility Standards:

Accessibility standards aim to ensure that buildings and spaces are usable by people of all ages and abilities. This includes provisions for wheelchair accessibility, ramps, elevators, handrails, signage, and tactile indicators for visually impaired individuals. Designing with accessibility in mind not only fosters inclusivity but also helps comply with legal requirements.

Environmental Sustainability:

With growing concerns about climate change and resource depletion, architects are increasingly embracing sustainable design practices. Standards such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) provide frameworks for designing environmentally friendly buildings that minimize energy consumption, reduce waste, and promote indoor air quality.

Ergonomic Design:

Ergonomic design principles focus on creating spaces that are comfortable, efficient, and conducive to human well-being. This includes considerations for ergonomic furniture, lighting, acoustics, and spatial layouts that support natural movement and reduce strain on the body. By prioritizing user comfort and health, architects can enhance the overall quality of the built environment.

As previously discussed, 3 main components are essential in Architectural Design namely: SPACE, FUNCTIONS, AND STANDARDS

On this page, we will explore the first component which is the SPACE

SPACE  is defined as a continuous area or expanse that is free, available, or unoccupied.
In architecture, we can set the boundaries of space. Space can be exclusive or it can be shared. The main element that can be considered to define the boundaries of space is the human body. The space can then be measured by the measurement of size and proportion of the human body - this is called Anthropometrics. This enables us to properly size items, including system interfaces, to "fit" the user.

the Anthropometrics

From the illustration above we can formulate a minimum length, width, and depth of a space dedicated to the human body's reachability. This is the human space. Observe from anthropometrics, starting from a standing position with arms stretched sidewards, length is established. As the arm moves upward or downward,  with a corresponding size, radius, and reachability of human body movement, you as a designer can now start determining the required size of a particular space dedicated to the end user's activity.

a. Activity - After defining the space according to its size, we can now determine its activity. How are we going to define space for human activities? Going back to a simple residence, how are activities classified in each of the user's activities? 

In this exercise, we can now define which one is private, public, semi-private, and semi-public.

This will introduce you to the functionality of the space. The boundaries that define the space are also considered to make it private or public. There are spaces in between that relate to the functionality of the adjacent space. like the dining and kitchen. The living and dining, The hallways and the bedrooms, the bedroom and toilets. 

Identifying these activities and their interrelationships of functions, you can group them in a bubble form. This is a good starting point to see how these spaces interact with one another.

b. Function -  The Balloon diagram is your guide to determine the groupings of each space according to function. In a bigger house design scope, all spaces are under one roof. But all are divided accordingly according to function and consider the next principle which is accessibility. The space hierarchy can start from a public space to a private space. In between, you can play around with how you, as the user, will move in and out of each of the spaces. 

The Functionality will consider the safety, ease of access between spaces, and the visibility of each space. 

Conclusion:

In the realm of architectural design, space functions, and standards serve as guiding principles for creating buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, safe, and sustainable. By understanding the unique requirements of different spaces and adhering to established standards, architects can design environments that enrich the lives of occupants and contribute positively to the built environment

DESIGN 101 Architectural Design | The INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 101?

DESIGN 101 is the first course you are going to undertake once enrolled in architecture.  It is basically from design 101 to design 110. This will be your ladder. In order to complete the whole course, you have to finish 10 design courses. Each course is unique and is a pre requisite of the next higher design class.

Design 101 is an introduction to the basics of architectural design. This will enable you to learn the tools and the skills you need to become a designer and understand the principles in designing a structure.

While you are learning to develop your visual skills and the standard drafting,
Design 101 will develop your analytic skills. You will learn the value of space, functional grouping and minimum standards.

structures are categorized according to functions and complexity of design, therefore Design 101 will guide you through your learning process from designing basic structure, that is learning the first place where we got involved with in defining space and it's functionality.
What is it? that is the place you live in - your house.

1. Starting with your house - Have a look around you and observe what you see inside your house. Let your observation be focused on the spaces within your house and determine the function of each area that is within your house. Then let your observation be more focused on the building elements like the windows, doors and other details - this will help you become more familiar with the minimum standards.

The DESIGN PROCESS

This is your first journey to develop your design skills in architecture. The first stage will be the ANALYSIS. Let's determine and develop some design principles by taking the example below:
( you can also make your own sketch of your house and see how they are arranged. The floor plan as shown is a top view of the house. As you see the spaces arranged together, start drawing your own plan as you enter and then link them altogether)

a. In determining the space - What are the spaces  can you find inside your house?
you can list down all the spaces you see. Let's have an example on the plan shown below:
 


floor plan

  
These are your space requirements. 

starting from far left down, there are two groups of spaces that are arranged without any partition.

Notice the furniture placed in the first area, 3-seater and two-seater sofa with single sofa, center table, tv console and a cabinet. Can you now identify this area? Yes this is a

LIVING ROOM / AREA

second area, is a dining table with six chairs, this area is the

DINING AREA


Next one is a long corridor connecting 3 mores spaces:

One with an office table and chair, with credenza this space is a

PRIVATE OFFICE

Another one with a table with 3 chairs, sink, working counter, this is the

KITCHEN

and lastly, there is a water closed and a lavatory. This space is the

TOILET

You can also identify the stairs along, this is the access leading to the next floor level.

Putting them all together, you have now established the space that are available within a simple residence. These are:

LIVING AREA ,DINING AREA ,CORRIDOR, STAIRCASE, PRIVATE OFFICE, KITCHEN and the  TOILET                    
 

isometric view



b. In determining the function - How was it arranged? This is where you determine the public areas, private areas, semi-private and the common areas. This is what we call Functional Grouping

The best way to classify the spaces as private and semi-private and common area, we can best express this by balloon diagramming. Place a circle as to how the plan is arranged and identify the classification of its spaces.

Analyze: 

How are these space interrelates with one another other?
What are the areas that are considered private in relation to its function?
What are the areas that needs to be adjacent that will compliment to their function?
Can you arranged them better?

This is the best exercise to group the spaces together and analyze it according to the usage and interrelationship of each space.

In relation to the question "can you arrange them better?", this question is more appropriate to ask when you are analyzing the activities within. In exploring your idea within the design process, keep on thinking about the ways and means to improve your design in terms of arranging the space in accordance to the most efficient way of solving the problem.  


You can make your own arrangement and try to move each balloon representing the area. Make you own sketch and move the areas you think should be in close connection with each other. Once you have done that, you can make your own reason why you are placing that space next the space you think would be more reasonable. Arrows are good representation showing a circulation pattern. Draw an arrow to interconnect these spaces and determine which one should have direct access and which one should have indirect access.

After establishing your functional grouping, you can now start doing a single line presentation. What is the single line presentation? The balloon diagram is now translated into a more accurate space plan, that is the layout of your floor plan. As shown on this example, you are now going into the next phase of the design process.

c. In determining Minimum Standards - Do you see all the building elements that were put together? What do you see? if you noticed all those elements, these are the components within the building that were set to standards in relation to its size.

a. Let's start with the floor, do you see varying sizes? what's connecting the floor and the wall? what about the level changes from one area to the other, do you recognized the heights of each level change?  

b. what about the walls? do you see anything that are attached to it like the doors and  windows, do they have varying heights and widths?

c. and lastly, let's look at the ceiling. how are lights fixed? what are the attached elements that connects the ceiling and the wall? Aside from that, you can also see all the furniture that are within the rooms or areas. You can also observe that all have sizes relevant to the space and the usefulness of each furniture in relation to the end user - you. 

All these are set to a minimum standard in order to guide you, as the designer, to know the required size of each of the space you are dealing with.

DESIGN 101 Architectural Design | SPACE