Architectural Design Conceptualization Process

Design concepts are produce with paper and pen. No computer can replace what is inside the mind of an architect. This is the initial stage in the practice of architecture. An opportunity to create forms that will make architecture design unique.

The process may be done in different methods by different architects. But the most common is to start somewhere.A thought process that is very important to the architect and record that idea into the paper as the mind dictates the hand in creating a unique design solution to every design requirements. Without boundaries, the architect can pick anything that will inspire him to do the design.

How do architects formulate their design concepts?

This video will tell us how and why. 

This is the Design process done by Arhitect Barry Berkus in designing a house. He gives a clear example of his actual design strategies.

The first video will tell us how he observe nature and a crumpled paper to get shapes. By Those methods, he was able to create his own unique syle of architecture.

Truly, this is a great way to understand the design process that is embedded in the mind of an architect. How he thinks and how he respond to the design requirements. The outcome is so amazing and helpful for those pursuing architecture and even those who are running out of ideas in creating the architectural design solutions. More often, the solutions are already right in front of us.

The video below is the second example on How he get ideas with the information available to him, he began to create a diagram while telling the story on how spaces will be organized. Treating it as if the house is already existing and telling stories on how the end-user will occupy the space. Telling how he will be making those spaces respond to each and the regular activities of his client. 

What lessons can we learn?

• Whenever you are confronted with a design problem, be analytic and observant. There must be a information available in the environment you are into.
• Design process must always tell a story.
• A story must have an inspiration that will influence the outward appearance of the house and the the space functionality needed by the client.
• Architecture may influence the way people interact with the spaces or it can also influence the way people will live within the pattern of influence created by the architect.
• Design process is a continuous development of the space required in relation to the functionality of the spaces provided for the client.

Looking for more book resources?

Architecture and Modelbuilding: Concepts, Methods, Materials

How to Generate Design Concepts and Ideas

Concepts and Design Ideas are the most challenging aspects and the most enjoyable stage in the practice of Architecture.

The training starts in the early stage of student taking up architecture.
Generating Design Ideas are developed where students are given the task to create a design solution from simple to complex Design problems.

Usually Giving them the Design Brief and the Architectural Design Process Begins.

Complex Projects in The Architectural practice involves much time researches. Data gathering are necessary then Analyze the Design Problems.

The slides presentation will explain further these processes.



Slide credit to Asaku

Here are some examples of the process I made with actual projects done or on-going. 

Exploring the Site

Part of the project research is the site survey and analysis. We go to the macro and micro level of finding some important and existing features to analyze the project in relation to its location. What are the amenities, neighborhood, transportation by knowing the road networks and the traffic flow, and the growth areas .

Site analysis

Is the result of the site survey. After seeing the existing condition, you can analyze the potential growth. 

The analysis will build the framework of the design proposal. For community planning, rural or urban planning, these step is very crucial as itw will establish a strong foundation leading to the design conceptialization

The Framoerk

Isnot the masterplan but rather a guide leading to the master development plan. Thos principle is to establibish Lines and Circlis. In a macro or larger context, these are the road networks and the growrh areas of the community.

The Schematic layout (design)

The process continues with the schematic layout. This is subject to change as it moves towards developing the plan.

A sketch of the plan is established. These canbecome more specific as to the real inrent of the project proposal. 

These then are the initial steps in the Desig process. We will move towards the design development process in the coming blog. 

Meanwhile, these ends our article, please share your comments below and let me know your thoughts. Let’s have a healthy discussion.

Challenges to Architects - The use of Bamboo

Architects keep on searching for more challenges in terms of creating a unique design. One of the great challenges are the use of materials readily available to the environment. Considering the main factor in responding to the sustainability of the structure.

Here is an example of these challenges, A House Made of Bamboo by Elora Hardy. The video talks about the greater challenges they encountered using bamboo. A brief history of why bamboo has been used from her childhood experience. Her family had a wonderful experience with nature using bamboo in their day to day experience. This led her to make bamboo as the primary source of her designs and took all the potentials in making a design statement. This is an amazing design that paved the way to the way we look at  architectural design and its continuous challenges and its endless possibilities.

What can we learn from this Challenges?

1. We can learn that Architecture blends with nature.

With a strong background in architectural design training gained from school, architects are more free to express their ideas in their relationship to nature. Explore their creativity in creating a livable space with the use of native materials readily available. With the proper treatment of the material, as lessons learned from the past where these materials have deteriorated and gone to dust. The architect re-envisioned and reinvent the use of bamboo.

The strength and durability is tested and compared to the strength provided by concrete and steel, as the major materials used in construction nowadays, especially in Asian countries.

Bamboo had a unique quality. It has proven from this example that architects should not be constrained to use these types of materials incorporated in their design.

2. We can learn that Architecture is a call to reinvent the way we build our environment.

Instead of being controlled by what is readily available in the commercial industry as to the use of building materials. Architects can use materials provided by nature:

• The form, space and building design can be more challenging by the way these materials are treated.
• In terms of Strength
• In terms of creating a unique shape and style.
• In terms of responding to the need of the users like their sense of privacy, need for natural air and light ventilation, their accessibility and the effect of the material in our physical activities, to name some.

3. We can learn that Architecture is a way solve problems.

 This is really interesting because it helps the architect to think and think deeper. With the designer's experience, the use of bamboo is not actually a problem but an instant solution. The greater challenge is how to make bamboo more useful and create a shape that architectural design calls for. The plan layout and the space requirements go together to make both ends meet. A constant identification of problem and its solutions is very much experienced in the construction of this example. Because of the unique shape and its hollow core, the bamboo is treated well and made full use of its potential in order to respond to the need to create a space for the dwellers. 

4. Architecture provides functionality and creativity.

 With the use of bamboo in mind, the architect has now the greater advantage in his design challenges. Whatever building types we are designing, in this case a house, this can now be a subject for consideration in terms of using these materials not only to houses but can also be done in schools and other structures. 

5. Architecture relates to people.

 The dwellers became more involve in the creation of the structure. They are not afraid to explore new possibilities it can provide. At the same time improve their living condition. The native use of material breaks the barrier and the impression that native material, such as bamboo, is not an identity of social stature but rather an identity of culture, character and unique architecture.

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ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO HIS CLIENT

This is the second responsibility of the architect 

The Services of the architect are commissioned based on good relationship and in good faith.

What will the architect's position then?

Aside from gaining popularity, the architect must bear in mind that the responsibilities behind are also as important as it is with their design.

This is where you get your bread and butter. A client who pays you for your professional services must get the best and quality services you have to offer. Once you made your client satisfied, you can never imagine how many more projects waiting for you. This will become a means of your advertisement and promotion, therefore there are certain conditions that you need to take care in carrying out the responsibilities with your client.

What are those things you need to consider? 

Clients have the right to know your responsibilities in a very professional way. They mean business in as much as you mean business. As they come to you, they might want to do something but don't know where to start. These people would like to get a clear picture as to how to get things built with their requirement. It may be a residence, a coffee shop, school or any other type of structure they want to build. They come to you having in their hand a hard earned money.

Sketch it up

The Dubai Metro is one of the best structure that catches your eye. If you love architecture, this will excite you more.

Why not sketch it up? 

Having fun with sketches, this is one of the most enjoyable moment. I want to spend my spare time capturing these structures and post it in my facebook page 3dartrender. I often upload my latest sketches, not as though perfect but I would like to share my skills and at the same know the places that gives more interest in architectural design. 

The image below is the main station point and there are numerous station point to major places in Dubai. There are two zones, the red zone and the green zone. It usually meet up at Gubaiba Station where you have to change zone if you are bound for the green zone.

Another structure is the entrance with the footbridge. To avoid crossing he road, a staircase is covered with the same architectural envelope leading to the other side of the road or the metro.

Here's another sketch of the entrance:

This is a typical design to all footbridges. A major attraction with the best functionality to transport passengers from one station to the other.



Hope you like it.
I will be uploading more sketches. This is part of my exploration to generating and researching architectural design ideas to place I visited starting from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.