INTRODUCTION
When you develop a design, it can be difficult to know where to begin. You come to ask yourself, should I start sketching over the project site? Should I research what I envision the space to be? What do I envision the space to look like? Take a moment to just step back and think of how to structure this process, and I am here to help you. Below is a structure of developing a design in the concept phase of your project.
1. KNOW THE DEMOGRAPHICS
As a student or professional, always cater to the demographics you are designing towards. Remember that every project is different, and the client would have different needs. To know the demographics will drive the project’s programs, space planning, requirements, and aesthetics of the spaces.
TIP: Take note of: Who, what, where, when, why, & how.
2.RESEARCH THE SITE'S SIGNIFICANCE
While researching the significance of the site, this can really hint elements that you can include in your project.
TIP: When developing a design, the beauty of the architecture project should be reflected by the use of all building components coming together. Please avoid literal representations within the architecture, unless there is an intended purpose. For example, using cnc’d wood to represent a tree, people may use this design for biomimicry purposes. This may benefit the user as the design has a significance of nature, as well as bringing comfort to the space.
3. ACCOMMODATE TO ENVIRONMETAL FACTORS
Sun, wind, temperature, salinity, sea level rise and more all play an important part when it comes to studying the factors that affect your project. This will contribute to the material application, shading devices,
TIP: When presenting your project formally, present the environmental factors when necessary and with purpose. Many professors have seen many sun and wind diagrams, and where the sun and wind comes from. So please avoid saying ‘‘This is a sun study I did’’. In other words, do not add the sun study or wind diagram as just a display. Instead think about how the sun or wind plays an impact on your project, and why you decided to place sun louvers, for example.
4. THINK ABOUT THE USER EXPERIENCE
Envision the space that you are designing, how would the users feel throughout your design? This experience is dictated by the designer, and remember every project is different. Depending on where is site is, and what the design is going to be. How would you want the user to feel. For example, when designing a home you would want the space to feel bright and comfortable. As opposed to designing for a memorial where the experience is more abstracted in a way of personal reflectance.
TIP: Think about the human senses: Sight, sound, taste, touch, & smell.
5. ROUGH SKETCHES
When doing sketches, please stop yourself from getting too detailed or wanting the layout to be perfect. Rough sketches are rough sketches, you will be surprised what ideas will come up when you layer your sketches.
TIP: Use your trace paper and keep layering, when you get to design sketches that you are satisfied with, then please scan them for documentation.