Conceptualization Techniques in Architecture

Conceptualization Techniques

• Architectural concepts address key themes, acting as the "BIG IDEA" or "PRIMARY ORGANIZER"
• Approaches can be process/product-oriented and often need a hierarchical structure
• Building design combines multiple concepts needing division and synthesis into a whole
• Design concerns are categorized into functional zoning, space, circulation, context response, and the building envelope while also considering economic factors
• Designer's approach affects design, resolving early issues influences later stages

Contexts for Concept Getting

• Consider broad factors that influence architectural design before building projects

Designer’s General Philosophy and Life Values

• Psychological factors shape philosophy: motivation, self-image, independence, influence, concern for others, goals, resource conservation, simplification, and balance
• Training and experience help designers develop a personal philosophy impacting building design
• Philosophy includes design methods and values, with more sub-categories enriching the design perspective
• Design philosophies evolve as designers gain experience and reflect
• A designer's views are shaped by personal values affecting interpretations
• Early project understanding is crucial before formal planning
• Key judgments include if an architectural solution is appropriate, defining project scope, and establishing categories of concern such as:
• Function
• Space
• Geometry
• Context
• Enclosure
• Systems
• Economic factors
• Human factors
• Focus on the project's core and unique aspects

Design Analysis

• Bionic design imitates nature's solutions like spider webs and anthills
• Tentative solutions for chair design include material, shape and features
• Creativity requires positivity and articulation of thoughts
• Brainstorming is a collaborative solution process
• Patience, faith and constructive criticism are all important
• Criticism stems from different objectives to be open to problem solving
• Tenacity involves commitment, evaluating progress and recognizing constructive criticism
• Overcome societal limits with free thinking to identify real problems for solutions
• Ensure proposed concepts should be acceptable after analysis/synthesis

Operational Process

• Translating sketches into “working drawings” poses new questions
• A holistic or systems approach considers multiple influences for building design
• Initial solutions are tentative for coordinating construction and managing components
• Conceptual design guides sketches and operational design guides final drawings
• Changes are minimal, but modifications are common
• Agreed conceptual plans are vital for complex projects to prevent specialist disruptions

Geometric

• Building components' visual relationships are crucial for unity
• Functional and aesthetic elements should align
• Collaboration between architects, specialists, and engineers is essential
• Architecture requires integration, it is not disjointed

Methodology

• Effective problem-solving requires organization and creativity
• Interior design combines artistic sense with methodical thought

Design Methods and Design Tools

• Design addresses challenges with science and engineering methodologies
• "Imagineering" brings ideas to reality.
• Organization and documentation are key for problem-solving and goal clarity
• Structured approaches identify issues and guide projects throughout

Functional Grouping and Zoning

• Architectural design begins with plan elements and arranging interior/exterior spaces
• Horizontal organization creates relationships and easy movement
• Planning For Potential Circulation emphasizes related space adjacency for access
• Architecture starts with a 2D plan foundation for vertical development

Space Articulation

• System of Spaces
• Humans use objects, people, and meanings for orientation
• Spatial relationships affect "Space Concept," leading to expressive and aesthetic space
• Architectural Space meets existence and addresses needs and perception
• Architectural space is divided into those based on Euclidean Space, its grammar and three-dimensional geometry
• Space is crucial in design problem-solving during the analysis stage and understanding behavior is essential
• Addressing physical needs, like kitchen storage height, is easier due to measurability as standards guide space creation for movement and comfort

Sensory Perceptions

• Nose addresses smell, olfactory (pollution, carbon monoxide, factory nuisances, smogs)
• Sealed buildings control the thermal environment
• Ear addresses hearing with noise and sonic booms which calls for acoustical refinement
• Eye addresses sight: using suitable colors of light
• Physical space needs can include; managing certain types of noise

Noise

• Regular, low-intensity noises are acceptable as people habituate to them
• Background noise like white sound is necessary and causes no problems
• High-intensity sounds, such as sirens and sonic booms, cause physical/psychological damage

Living Architecture

• Focus on "space within a space" versus solid masses
• Architecture tailors space using transparent, translucent, and opaque materials for an inviting environment
• Key principles include
• Utility meeting needs
• Strength for durability
• Beauty for distinction from basic structures
• Organizational type depends on building program and specific characteristics to access views and light

Space Utilization

• Designers can organize and visualize spaces effectively when designers understand utility, strength, and beauty
• Designers translate requirements focusing on 3D volumes
• A large space can contain a smaller one, these provide visual and spatial continuity
• The smaller, "contained" space relies on its enveloping space for outdoor connections
• Interlocking spaces are spatial organizations that overlap or connect to create shared transitional areas
• Adjacent spaces are physically close with shared walls, floors, or boundaries
• Space Link By Common Space connects more spaces creating visual relationships
• Hallways, courtyards or shared areas link distinct spaces: Configuration forms from parts
• Context joins background/environment relevant to an event, personality, or creation
• Space articulation defines space boundaries through material, color, texture, and form changes

Kinesthetic Quality of Space

• Kinesthetic perception relies on sensed movement and position
• In architecture, it shows how space evokes body movement and awareness
• Kinesthetic quality impacts movement and experience within a space depending on design
• It is about how design influences movement and occupancy

Hidden Zone in American Office

• Office reactions show the important fact if they can do things without restriction
• Offices provide varying spatial experiences
• The best office occurs when persons can perform duties without bumping into things
• 3 hidden zones: desk/chair work area, arm's reach, and a max reach when distancing from work
• The eclosure that permits only little movement creates a "cramped" sensation
• An office where they can spread their arms naturally is "small"
• Large natural movements can make a space seem "adequate" or even "ample"
• Spaces can improve when people are not always bumping into each other