Chapter 10

Architectural Design

Objectives

• After reading the chapter and reviewing the materials presented the students will be able to:

• Distinguish between architectural design and engineering

• Identify factors common to architectural design problems

• Describe steps of the design process

What is Architectural Design?

• Architectural design is a process for developing and evaluating solutions for planned communities, shopping centers, and individual structures.

• Engineers typically design highways, bridges, dams, and utility systems.

• Engineers also solve design problems related to structural, mechanical, and electrical systems for buildings.

• Architects work with engineers to solve these type of problems in the buildings they are designing.

Factors Common to All Architectural Design Problems

• Five factors are common to all design projects: function, appearance, cost, strength, and materials.

• All factors are interrelated.• Function: The design solution must meet the needs of the design problem. For

example, a garage must be large enough for the vehicles that are to be parked in it.• Appearance: Bothe the exterior and interior of the building should be attractive. • Cost: A project cannot be built if the cost exceeds the money available for

construction. The architect develops an initial budget, dividing the total amount in categories: foundation, structure, roof and exterior walls, interior partitions and ceiling, mechanical, electrical, interior finish, and landscaping.

• Strength: Foundations must support a building and its contents. Walls, beams, joists, rafters, and all other structural components must meet design requirements.

• Materials: Characteristics such as strength, weather resistance, fire resistance, and resistance to heat transfer determine if a material will be appropriate for a given use. Appearance is important for visible material such as drywall, wood paneling or siding, and brick. These materials must be attractive, but also functional.

The Design Process

• Step 1 – Identify the Problem: A design is always based on a need. Gathering additional information clarifies the problem and establishes limitations that must be taken into account. Finally, designers need to know the budget for each portion of the design. This serves as a realistic limit for what can be included.

• Step 2 – Generate Preliminary Ideas: Preliminary ideas are initial thoughts generated by architects regarding possible solutions to the design problem. Preliminary ideas are often recorded as sketches. Some preliminary ideas are recorded in list form. The goal is to record all ideas so none are forgotten as the design process proceeds.

• Step 3 – Refine Ideas: When the idea is refined, the sketch is converted into a scale drawing. This helps determine if the idea is workable. Elements from two or more preliminary ideas might be combined to create a workable solution.

The Design Process

• Step 4 – Analyze Ideas: Structural analysis examines the strength requirements of the structure. Site analysis: is an analysis of how the proposed building will fit on a site. The location of the main entrance, driveways, parking lots, and other facilities will be studied. Functional analysis: determines if a design will work as planned. Cost Analysis: Once the analysis of the various design ideas is completed, the architects prepare their ideas for presentation to their clients.

• Step 5 – Select the Design: Based on the analysis, the architects decide which design alternatives to present to the client. If the client chooses to continue with the project, the architects will be authorized to prepare construction documents.

The Design Process

• Step 6 – Prepare Construction Documents: Once a design is chosen detailed, dimensioned drawings of every part of the building are prepared. Specifications for materials and construction methods to be employed are also prepared.

• Step 7 – Implement Design: This includes all the activities in completing the project, from managing the project to closing the contract and transferring the project. The first step is to hire contractors so work may begin. The design architects are often hired by the client to oversee the work being done by each contractor in the project.

Summary• Architectural design is a process for developing and evaluating solutions for planned communities, shopping

centers, and individual structures.• Engineers typically design highways, bridges, dams, and utility systems.• Five factors are common to all design projects: function, appearance, cost, strength, and materials.• The Design Process: Step 1 – Identify the Problem: A design is always based on a need.• Step 2 – Generate Preliminary Ideas: Preliminary ideas are initial thoughts generated by architects regarding

possible solutions to the design problem.• Step 3 – Refine Ideas: When the idea is refined, the sketch is converted into a scale drawing. This helps

determine if the idea is workable.• Step 4 – Analyze Ideas: Structural analysis examines the strength requirements of the structure. Site

analysis: is an analysis of how the proposed building will fit on a site. Functional analysis: determines if a design will work as planned. Cost Analysis: Once the analysis of the various design ideas is completed, the architects prepare their ideas for presentation to their clients.

• Step 5 – Select the Design: Based on the analysis, the architects decide which design alternatives to present to the client.

• Step 6 – Prepare Construction Documents: Once a design is chosen detailed, dimensioned drawings of every part of the building are prepared.

• Step 7 – Implement Design: This includes all the activities in completing the project, from managing the project to closing the contract and transferring the project.

Home Work

• 1. What is architectural design?• 2. What factors are common to all design

projects?• 3. Explain why identifying the problem is

important and what are the steps involved in identifying the problem?