top of page
UNIT 5 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
At this point, you should be familiar with the clients needs in detail and the approximate space, sq.ft. area that their built environment will require. You should also be very familiar with the site and its natural and surrounding manmade characteristics.
​
The process of Architectural design begins (most of the time) on paper with 'bubble diagrams', which are preliminary sketches that show primarily room locations and their relationships to each other.
This is the part of the design phase where multiple ideas, concepts and spatial arrangements are explored, mostly in plan view with approximate proportion in relation to the site plan.
Because the creative mindset imagines ideas in a fluid manner, it is restricting and unconducive to creativity, to use and rely on a machine/CAD to do this initial phase of design. Once the 'bubble diagrams' are approved, the design can be developed further with CAD to explore more definitive sizes, massing, volumes, site diagramming and analysis to visually inform the client further of your vision for their built environment.
​
ASSIGNMENT 1 - BUBBLE DIAGRAMS
Develop bubble diagrams of all levels of your project based on their design program, and your design concept including showing their relationship to each other vertically AND location(s) on the site w/north arrow. and in some cases, the surrounding design influences and adjacent buildings.
Typically, this is done on tracing paper so all levels/site analysis and programmatic influences can be seen over the top of each other and illustrate how they interact.
This doesn't need to be drawn to scale, but spaces should be to relative proportions to their functions and to each other.
Clearly label each room or space.
Watch these videos to see how professionals do it.
How to Think like an Architect
Architectural Design Process
DUE - 10/24/22
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Once your bubble diagrams have been presented and approved by the client, you can begin to develop your design further in detail including assigning sizes and shapes to the building's plan and elevation forms simultaneously.
​
There are many influences that will effect your decisions as this process develops. Not only the client & site influences, which guide your spaces and plan orientation, but placement of walls and windows and the materials and methods used to construct them. This of course, is driven by budget constraints and builder and material availability to name a few.
As stated before, the creative mindset imagines ideas in a fluid manner, so it may be restricting and unconducive to creativity, to use a machine to do this phase of design. However, once your ideas and sketches start to take size, shape and scale and volume, you can explore 3d massing models of them on the computer and analyze them on the site to visually inform the client further of your vision for their new or remodeled home.
​
ASSIGNMENT 2 - SCALED FLOOR PLANS
Using grid paper or a scale/ruler, layout your floor plans to a scale that will fit on the paper you are using. This may take a few versions as spaces/rooms may shift location or size in relation to your bubble diagrams. Be open to new ideas emerging in this process as you become more familiar with the design.
It is a good idea at this point to consider all the items such as furnishings/storage space/mechanical and plumbing systems, circulation etc. which may influence and/or alter your design ideas.
Therefore, be open to altering your plans if needed and continue thinking about and imagining all the possibilities for your clients built environment. Note on your plans the utility systems locations and how and where are they present in your building.
DUE - 12/2/22
ASSIGNMENT 3 - PRELIMINARY ELEVATIONS
Develop preliminary sketches of 2 sides of the building. Typically, the entrance and another side are sketched, unless you feel other sides are more important to show to the client.
This should be drawn to the scale off of your scaled Floor Plans and can be projected and aligned directly from them.
Clearly label which sides you've drawn i.e. North, South, East or.....West Side!!! (Elevation).
DUE - 12/15/22
ASSIGNMENT 4 - PLAN & ELEVATION REFINEMENT
Based on response from your client, you often need to revise, refine or sometimes redo a portion of the design. This may be due to the client changing their minds, structural constraints, construction logistics, site issues and preliminary budget estimates.
Once these are all reviewed and approved, you can develop your plans further to include the remaining elevation views.
Be open (still) to changing exterior materials, form, window fenestration in relationship to your scaled floor plans along with considerations to how it affects the structural integrity of the building. Continue to explore design options as this is the time to finalize your design prior to creating the Presentation Drawings.
Clearly label each Plan and Elevation.
DUE - 1/16/23
bottom of page