ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS

&
METHODOLOGIES

What is Architectural Methodologies and its importance?

The architectural methodology that can be considered the casual one, and without which
any design in architecture can’t be imagined, is symmetry. In design, symmetry is the
impression of shared structures, shapes, or points across a focal line or point called the pivot.
Essentially, parts that reflect each other across a hub are even. This is one of the most
established and most constantly involved requesting standards in engineering. Balance helps tie
different components of a design together into a solitary, bound-together entirety.

It is likewise normally used to make a feeling of reasonable request and quiet rationale,
an inclined toward stylishness of the old Greeks and Romans. We can check out evenness on
many scales, from the connection between single subtleties, to the format of the total design,
and even to whole metropolitan habitats based on a balanced network design.

The methodology will have to account for ownership, team responsibilities, governance,
architecture, security, change management, and strategy. An established methodology is critical
to help an organization achieve success by transforming the organization’s analytics from a
low-value departmental approach to a high-value strategic program.
What are the conceptualization techniques in architectural design?

1. Functional -
 The functional approach weighs the importance of including more functional elements
against the aesthetic appearance of the structure. This question generally depends upon the
nature and building to be constructed.

For specific structures, functionality plays a more critical role than appearance. For
instance, a factory needs to have a highly functional structure rather than an eye-pleasing one.
Similar would be the case when constructing a hospital building, where efficiency is critical.

However, even while focusing on the functional aspects of a structure, some space can
be allowed for aesthetics. Every individual project offers a different set of challenges to
overcome, but functionality should always be a focal point during the design process.

2. Material -

One of the techniques to develop architectural design concepts is to focus on the

materials used in constructing the structure. Paying attention to specific material will lead to
other forms of construction, thereby generating an organic appearance.

Focusing on the material using the site’s context will generally lead to historical use for
construction in the area. Using locally available materials also provides the inhabitants of the
space a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Additionally, it acknowledges the environmental benefits of sourcing materials locally.

3. Contextual -

Adopting a contextual approach for developing the concept requires paying attention to
the site’s surroundings and context, historical characteristics, and the local inhabitants. It is
possible to draw inferences from the physical and non-physical data through proper analysis.

It is highly recommended to have some degree of contextual approach in every project.

The emphasis laid on this approach varies depending on several factors, such as the architect’s
priority, the purpose of the building, etc. Some designers might make this the most crucial
element in the design, while others may use it as a guiding factor.

An important point to note is that adopting this approach does not guarantee that the
structure will suitably adjust to the surroundings. One example is that the architect may choose
to create a structure that is entirely opposite to the context for the purpose of contrast.

4. Conceptual -

The conceptual design approach is another popular approach that architects employ to
generate an architectural concept. It takes inspiration from conceptual architecture, putting the
complete focus on the idea.
 Under this approach, the design process emphasizes the idea instead of focusing on
various techniques and procedures. The primary purpose of conceptual architecture is to
provoke thought and help explore different ideas and concepts. Such architecture may not be
actually constructed.

5. Formal -

This approach utilizes the formal language of the architecture for the development of an
idea. Architecture from the classical period provides the required knowledge for developing
various rules during the design process.

The classical system of architecture is one of the first systems of architectural design
development. It helps determine the correct scale, form, and proportions for various structures.

While modern-day structures are not classical in their construction, the rules architects
follow incorporating elements such as the golden section, scale, proportion, etc., come from the
classical conceptual approach.

6. Collaborative -

Most building design projects are collaborative processes, with members of a large team
working on different aspects of the project. It includes engineers, contractors, surveyors,
stakeholders, and more. Yet, in many cases, the end-user of the building is not directly involved
in the design process, despite being a vital factor to be considered.

In recent times, many architects are starting to adopt the end-users approach during the
design process. They engage with the user in a collaborative exercise which also helps the
latter contribute to the design development.

It is a general approach in projects with a social focus or a large community. In such

circumstances, the knowledge and skills of end-users can help develop a good concept.
Although this approach is not very useful in the case of student projects, it is an excellent
approach to design.

7. Philosophical -

The philosophical approach to the development of an architectural concept requires

consideration of the design philosophy. The design philosophy is a set of values that helps mold
the design of the project. These values could be the guiding principles of the architect, adoption
of the design brief, the site context, etc.
What are the design concerns in doing Architectural Concept?

Most projects are driven by a collection of feature requests. While there is a tendency for
project stakeholders to focus on systems’ functionality, feature requests provide a good starting
point for eliciting critical architectural concerns. Questions such as “how fast?,” “how secure?,”
or “how available?” are a helpful starting point.

As explained above, before starting to construct any structure, it is vital to develop an

architectural design concept. There are several concerns why this is the first and most important
step.

- A proper architectural design concept provides the architect with a clear

framework and direction while making decisions relating to design
- It acts as a rule book by giving some basic guidelines to follow for getting the
desired outcomes
- If any doubt arises, consulting the concept provides an ideal solution
- The design concept grounds the architect and helps focus on the goal,
preventing distractions
- Sticking to the idea also helps ensure that resources and time are not wasted
- A structure is judged as average or successful for academic purposes depending
on its adherence to the design concept
- The more relevant and coherent a structure is, the more exciting and engaging it
becomes
- The architectural design concept also helps in determining project clarity and
consistency
What are the 3 essential Creative skills needed to be developed?

1. Design

Understanding the fundamental principles of design is a necessity to become an

architect. Whether you’re creating a school building or a grocery store, you’ll have to follow a
specific design process, while simultaneously making the overall appearance and layout
appealing so as to meet your client’s needs.

Some aspects that you’ll have to understand in the design process include planning,
drafting, sketching and conceptualization. The only way to have exceptional design skills is to
practice. You can also consider taking a few extra basic drawing and design courses.
Additionally, reading architectural magazines and project critiques can further improve your
design skills and increase your knowledge about the industry.
 2. Problem-solving

There are always going to be problems that arise while you’re working on a project —
how you adapt and resolve the issue is what matters. Architects have to deal with difficulties and
complications during each step of the design process including legal issues, overall client
communication, dealing with deadlines and staying within budget. To avoid setbacks, architects
must react and respond quickly, communicate with others and stay calm. For example,
architects have to settle the conflicts among what a client wants, the regulations applied to the
building, and what the public desires.
 3. Creativity

If you decide to become an architect, you'll be thrilled to hear it involves taking a

creative journey in designing state of the art buildings. Clients may have specific requests to
design a building and architects must use their out-of-the-box thinking and creativity to turn that
idea into a reality. You will need to use your imagination to create innovative designs and bring
your visualizations to life.
 Examples of Architectural Design Concepts

1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai

- The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa
is located in downtown Dubai and measures an impressive
828.9 meters high. The construction of the 160-floor
building took place from 2004 to 2010. The monumental
task of creating the planet’s largest manmade structure was
given to the Chicago Office of American Architectural and
Engineering firm that goes by the name Skidmor, Owings
and Merril LLP.

Architect: Skidmor, Owings

2. Villa Savoye, France

- Built in 1928, the Villa Savoye is
one of the early, classic examples of the
international style of architecture, which is one
of the most prominent architectural styles to come out of the 1920s and 30s. Although there
were plans to demolish the building, it managed to escape doom after being declared an official
historical French monument in 1965.

Architect: Le Corbusier and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret

3. Flatiron Building, New York

- The Flatiron Building is one of the
most eye-catching buildings in Manhattan.
Designed in 1902 by Chicago architect Daniel
Burnham, it boasts a distinct triangular shape and
was made to fit into the space between the
intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue. While it
was never the tallest skyscraper in New York, it
has held its place as one of the most inspiring and
memorable buildings for architects all over the
globe for well over a century.

Architect: Daniel Burnham

4. Guggenheim Museum,
Bilbao
- One of the most admired pieces
of modern architecture, the Guggenheim
Museum is a sweeping, beautiful building that
catches the eye straight away. It was created by
Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry after
he won a competition that allowed him to design it. Since its opening in 1997, it is regarded as
one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. It has had more than 10 million visitors
and held more than one hundred exhibitions over the past 20 years.

Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright

5. Pantheon, Rome
- While Rome plays host to a
number of memorable and remarkable
buildings, the Pantheon is one of the most
popular. It was destroyed two different times
and rebuilt beautifully each time. The Pantheon
began as a rectangular structure but has been
reshaped into the dome that it is today. It has
served as rightful inspiration to architects
across the globe for 2,000 years, and its roof still holds the title of the world’s largest,
non-reinforced concrete dome.

Architect: Apollodorus of Damascus

REFERENCES:

- https://www.scribd.com/document/467719585/Conceptualzation-Techniques-of-Architect
ural-Design
- https://www.architecturelab.net/architectural-design-concept/#:~:text=One%20of%20the
%20techniques%20to%20develop%20architectural%20design,forms%20of%20construct
ion%2C%20thereby%20generating%20an%20organic%20appearance
- https://www.njit.edu/admissions/blog-posts/10-essential-skills-needed-be-architect
- https://www.cadcrowd.com/blog/30-famous-architecture-and-building-designs/