How do you do a complete architectural design concept?

Architectural design is a complex process that involves transforming the imagination of a designer into a tangible product. This is achieved through several mental processes, followed by design and engineering work that adheres to recognized standards in the field of architecture and engineering. The first step in this process is to create a "Design Concept," which helps transform the designer's vision regarding the project requirements and challenges into a clear and understandable idea. Once the design idea is finalized, the next stage is called the "Schematic Design," which is based on the design concept and involves creating a detailed plan for the project. This process requires significant effort and attention to detail to ensure that the final product meets all the necessary requirements and standards.

Our article focuses on how to create a complete design concept. The following process is important to consider.

Before you start:

Did you gather all the necessary information for the project?

Have you studied the client's requirements?

Did you study the project program (function program & space requirement program)?

Have you looked at the standard dimensions?

Have you studied the project site location?

Have you studied similar project examples?

Have you identified design limitations and opportunities?

Have you visually fed similar architectural designs?

Have you looked at inspirational images?

Have you stated the main identity elements and styles of the project?

Have you thought of the solution to the project problem and challenges?

Have you taken time to think, rethink, and rethink again and again of the project and how to design it? You might have used sketches to help you.

Did the design idea flash into your mind? Did you get some kind of inspiration for designing the project?

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If Yes, now you are ready to illustrate your idea and articulate it into sketches and drawings.

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1.?????? Project Overview (Infographic Slide): Prepare a concise infographic illustrating the project's overall goal and specific objectives. This should serve as a visual overview of the project's intended outcomes, including the engineering systems.

2.?????? Summary of Functional and Space Requirements: Consider a detailed summary of the functional and space requirements for the proposed architectural design. Clearly outline the essential features and spaces necessary to fulfil the project's objectives.

3.?????? Summary of Site Overview & Analysis: Consider project site analysis, Including information on site constraints, opportunities, and any unique characteristics. Consider factors such as topography, climate, accessibility, and surrounding context. Illustrate how these elements inform the design process.

4.?????? The story of the design (conceptual philosophy): illustrates the design concept's basis. What was the main inspiration, big idea and the main image of the project? (it should be in alignment with the studies conducted in the previous process).

5.?????? The strategy of the design: illustrates how the designers incorporated the objectives and project requirements within the design's story. How are they going to solve the project problems through the design's story?

6.?????? Conceptual Design (Massing and Orientation): This goes smoothly with the story of the design and suggests a conceptual design for the site plan, emphasizing the masses and orientation of the proposed building(s). Explain the reasoning behind your design choices, considering factors like solar exposure, views, and spatial relationships.

a.?????? Illustrating the relationship between the concept design, the site analysis recommendations and the design decisions are necessary.

b.?????? Illustrating the concept design in terms of zoning and suggesting a reasonable grid (with a suitable module/s) is necessary.

c.?????? Illustrate the concept design in terms of the main entrances and suggest reasonable calculations are necessary (including pedestrians and cars).

d.?????? Illustrate the concept design in terms of the form of masses and its applicability to the functions. (it should be in alignment with the space program).

e.?????? Illustrate the concept design in terms of the main facades and perspectives of the different masses, either for buildings and/or landscape elements.

f.??????? Drawing the concept design at a proper scale on the site is necessary.

g.?????? Use the mood board technique for each design idea as much as appropriate (a mood board is a visual tool used to communicate and explore the overall design concept, atmosphere, and aesthetic direction of a project. It is a collage of images, textures, colours, materials, and other visual elements that evoke a particular mood or feeling).

h.????? Repeat the processes on the buildings:

?? i.????? Illustrating the relationship between the concept design, the site design and the building/s are necessary.

?? ii.????? Illustrating the concept design in terms of zoning and suggesting a reasonable grid (with a suitable module/s) is necessary for each building (for all floors as appropriate). (grid and module will assist you in determining the preliminary structural design of the building).

? iii.????? Illustrate the concept design in terms of the main entrances and suggest reasonable calculations are necessary (calculations inside the building – horizontal and vertical).

?? iv.????? Illustrate the concept design in terms of the form of masses and its applicability to the functions. (it should be in alignment with the space program).

?? v.????? Illustrate the concept design in terms of the main facades and perspectives of each building and surrounding landscape elements.

?? vi.????? Drawing the concept design at a proper scale on the site is necessary.

?? vii.????? Use the mood board technique for each design idea as much as appropriate.

7.?????? Conceptual Design (Sustainability Considerations): Integrate sustainability principles into the conceptual design. Discuss how the project aims to achieve environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and resource conservation.

8.?????? Prepare Conceptual Design Presentation: The presentation should be self-explanatory and easy to navigate. Please ensure that the presentation is clear and concise.

a.?????? Ensure all drawings are presented in high quality and appropriate scale, enhancing clarity and readability.

b.?????? Accompany each drawing with a clear written or graphic explanation detailing the adopted conceptual philosophy. This should provide insights into the thought process behind design decisions.

c.?????? Prepare an oral presentation: Engage with your audience, Define your objective, Plan and structure your presentation, Use visual aids effectively, Practice and time yourself, Use storytelling techniques, Be confident and enthusiastic, Handle questions gracefully, Seek feedback.