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UITECTONICS

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“There is no architecture without a concept – an
idea
Generally, a diagram or scheme that gives
coherence and identity to a building.

The concept, not the form, is what

distinguishes architecture from mere
construction …"
Bernard Tschumi
In this way, the composition of the space consists of integrating an entire context of
variables into an efficient and original design proposal that must be guided not only
by a formal character but by a natural, cultural and social context. 1_1 B<yp ml

The designer must understand the basic needs of society, consider the environment,
its characteristics and values that serve as a guide in the conceptualization of the
architectural space and its aesthetic appearance.
First,
One of the most important questions that we as architects ask ourselves is "how is
an architectural concept developed?"

WHAT IS AN ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT?

Concept: an abstract idea, plan or intention. Notion, theory, conviction, opinion...

A concept is an idea, theory or notion, but in architecture we could also describe

the concept as "an approach" to design.

When we think of an architectural concept, we think of an abstract idea, one that

does not change throughout the design process. This is not necessarily the case,
a concept can be linked to many factors and can evolve as the design grows.

Architectural concepts are the way in which architects respond to the design
situation presented to us. They are a means of translating the non-physical design
problem into the physical construction product. Every project will have critical
problems, central themes or problematic essences, and the general problems of
building design can be addressed in several ways.
WHERE DO CONCEPTS COME FROM?

Architectural concepts should be generated primarily from three key areas;

• The site: climate, orientation, views, access, context, history, use… site
analysis
• Design brief: client and construction requirements, accommodation and
construction budget
• Construction typology – Type of construction and use
…But it can also be generated in whole or in part through the development of
programs, culture, society, technology, emotion and meaning.

That said, most of the time, an exemplary piece of architecture will always be well-
rooted and related to its site and context, which is why site analysis plays a very
important role in the generation and development of architectural concepts.

Just look at "Le Corbusier, an analysis of form" for examples of how this is
achieved.
ENCRIC
APPROACHES TO DESIGN.

There are several areas that the architect can focus on in the early stages of the
design that will begin to inform the concept and direction. These areas can be used
throughout the project, woven together, as the project develops. The approaches
can be classified as:

• Functional

• Material

• Contextual

• Conceptual

• Formal

• Collaborative

• Philosophical

The aforementioned topics can be combined and changed to expand and explore
different approaches to design and concept development. .
FUNCTIONAL Should we approach design with function at the forefront of our
minds? Are the functional elements of the building more relevant than the aesthetic
ones in the project?

Certainly, there are some types of buildings that we would make work at the top of
our priority list.

For example, a factory will have quite particular functional requirements, or if we

design a hospital we would like to ensure that the building could be used effectively
above all else.

Just because we focus on the functional approach to design doesn't mean we can't
demonstrate creativity and talent.

Each project will present opportunities to solve problems, be innovative, but it may
be that in some cases the function of the building is our key focus.
MATERIAL

We can approach our design by looking at the materials of the structure as part of
our initial concept.

By focusing on a specific material, we will naturally lead to particular forms of

construction, thus creating a type of organic appearance.

Perhaps we select a material approach based on the context of our site, which
suggests a historical use of a particular material, which we want to use in a more
innovative way.

By selecting local materials, you will give local visitors a sense of comfort and
familiarity, while giving a nod to the natural environment and the environmental
benefits of sourcing locally.

-AND
CONTEXTUAL

A contextual approach to our concept will look at the context of the site and its
surroundings, the historical characteristics of the area, the people who occupy the
area. After all, almost all architecture is for people. With this type of concept, we
once again leverage our site analysis, exploring the data we have collected about
the site, both physical and non-physical.

Every project must have an element of contextual focus, as each design must
consider its context, site and environment.

Some designs may focus more on this than others, and some may take this as the
most important factor in the design.

A contextual approach to a design does not always mean that it will sit
harmoniously in its surroundings.

The architect may choose to return the buildings to context, or perhaps create a
contrast between old and new. There are several approaches to the contextual
concept.
CONCEPTUAL

A conceptual approach to a design is to look at the idea of conceptual architecture.

This suggests that every part of the project is about the concept.

The only goal of design is the idea, rather than a combination of approaches and
processes. Conceptual architecture is sometimes never built, but rather designed
as a form of thought provoking, exploration of ideas.
FORMAL

A formal approach to design relies on the formal language of architecture to

develop a concept.

We look to the architecture of the classical period to inform our approach to

developing the formal rules of our design.

Classical orders are one of the first systems of architectural language, giving
formality to proportion, scale and form.

Although the design may not be classical in style, it may be that the formal rules of
proportions, scale, the gilt section, and so on translate into a contemporary
building.
COLLABORATIVE

Most projects can be considered collaborative. Whether there is a large design

team working on the different aspects of the building, there is also the client,
stakeholders, engineers, surveyors, contractors and many more people involved in
the design.

However, the end user of the building is one of the important parts of the puzzle
that is often not directly involved in the design process.

Some architects are beginning to take the approach that the end user is the expert
on the building requirements, and are engaging in a collaborative exercise that has
the end user contribute to the design process.

This is particularly popular in projects that have a large community or social focus,
where the skills and knowledge of the building users can be included in the
development of the project.

PHILOSOPHICAL

Another approach to architectural concepts is to consider their design philosophy.

This is a set of values that you use to inform your design. The values could be the
designer's life values, or they could be a reflection of the design brief or the context
of the site, or indeed a combination of the three.
Some of the following relationships can be analyzed:

• artistic versus scientific

• rational versus irrational

• personal versus universal

• visual versus non-visual

• needs versus wants

• individual versus society

Later you can go on to analyze its values in terms of design. How do these values
work with the design problems you face in this particular project?

• ordered versus random

• structured versus unstructured

• objective versus subjective

• one answer versus multiple solutions

• creative versus conservative

• specific vs. general

• man against nature

• complexity versus simplicity

• design for now vs. design for the future

• modeled process versus random process

EXERCISES AND IDEAS

The concept must evolve along with your in-depth analysis of the place.

Architectural concept development should not be the first thing you look at in
design.

It is important to regularly analyze site information and continue to uncover

problems that need to be resolved to make a successful design.

What are the parameters being measured for the design to be considered
successful?

The following ideas can help you develop your design concept.
BREAK IT DOWN

Explore the information that has been collected and divide it into areas that have
meaning for the designer. Consider the problems, the influences, the context.

What are the limitations? What are the opportunities? Consider the different
approaches above and see which ones would be relevant and meaningful to the
project.

Understand the problem

Make a diagram of the building's problems or requirements. By understanding

the needs, it may lead to a more targeted approach.
SKETCH

Another useful way to develop your ideas is to outline the concepts.

Whether it is small elements of design details or general shapes of the building.

Keep referring to your sketches as they can inspire design development.

STUDY THE PRECEDENTS

Conducting in-depth research related to design problems will inspire and help
discover solutions.

You can study how problems have been solved in other designs and how you
can address it with your own.

You are not copying, but rather using previous design innovations to inform
your design solutions.
DESIGN SOLUTION

Concepts and solutions will begin to develop as you explore the different factors
required in your design and the values and ideas you can bring to the table.

Hopefully these tips and suggestions will help you develop your design
concepts.