CONCEPTUALIZATION TECHNIQUES OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Architectural Concepts
 These have been the designer’s way of responding to the design situation
presented in the program.
 These have been the means for translating the non-physical problem statement
into the physical building product.
 Sometimes called the “BIG IDEA”, “BASIC FRAMEWORK”, or “PRIMARY
ORGANIZER”

Some general categories under which the concerns and issues of a building may be listed
and addressed in design are:
1. Functional zoning
A method used for dividing land use by its function.
Zoning classification that blends multiple land use in an area is called Mixed-use
zoning.
2. Architectural space
Must be accessible, aesthetics, cost effective, functional/operational, historic
preservation, productive, secure/safe, and sustainable and their interrelationships
must be understood, evaluated, and appropriately applied within the spaces.
3. Circulation and building form
Architectural Circulation is the pathway through the floor plan.
Building Form refers to the shape, structure and arrangement of a building.
4. Response to Context
Contextual analysis will serve as input for the design concept.
5. Building Envelope
The structural barrier between the interior and exterior of a building. It is
responsible for maintaining climate control within the interior of a building. The
building envelope structure includes the Roof, Walls, Foundation, Doors, and
Windows.
Way to Democratize Architectural Spaces

1. Homogenization of space
The concept of space equivalence refers to the homogenization of unit space, the
elimination of hierarchical divisions of space, and the creation of a fair and
objective spatial environment, which is undeniably representative of democratic
politics. By dissolving the volume, boundary, and scale, homogenization of space
can eliminate the hierarchical difference of space and achieve space equality.

2. Openness of the form

The concept of public space visibility is then visually perceived as easy to see and
reach urban space, providing evidence of how citizens can participate, shape, and
construct public life. The visibility of public space on urban streets reflects citizens'
right to participate in democratic spaces. Lowering access conditions and
"opening" public spaces to a welcoming stance are crucial parts of achieving urban
inclusion.

3. Humanization of functions
The democratic public space is open to all and allows for various cultural
expressions by individuals and groups. Consider the various needs of different
groups in space and respect individual differences to strengthen the public nature
of the space. Weakening the architecture and strengthening the human experience
brings democratic, just, and equal spatial qualities to the space, which is part of
the humanized expression of the architectural function.
Contexts for Concept Getting
Before addressing considerations dealing directly with building projects, there are some
broader concerns which form a context for understanding architectural concept getting.

1. General philosophy and life values of the Designer

 Motivation and interest
 Enhancement of self-image
 Concern for fellow man
 Conservation of what is scarce and valued

Design Philosophy of the Designer

View of the problem by the designer presented with a specific
design project
 Function
 Space
 Geometry
 Context
 Enclosure
 Systems
 Economic
 Human Factors

2. Creativity
Essentials to Development of Creative Skills
1. Ideation
Refers to the mental process itself. To ideate means “to think” and
that is of course, how to train oneself; think in new and unique ways.
2. Idea Quantity
Means that the person who is capable of producing the largest
number of ideas per unit of time has the greatest chance or
producing the truly significant one.
3. Imagineering
Letting your imagination soar and then engineering it back to reality.
Stages in Designing
 Design Analysis
We think of many great ideas because design involves problem solving.
Example: Bionics – How did nature solve the problem?
Spider webs – stronger tensile strength as steel
Anthills and the honeycomb – give good housing shape
 Tentative Solutions
Brainstorming – a group process in which several people for a given amount of
time, gather together and discuss a particular problem
Example: To design a chair – Write several characteristics that
describe the chair such as: materials, shape, features.
 Criticism
Spend your time evaluating the situation: What you did right, what you did wrong,
and what can be done to improve things.
Recognize the value of criticisms, and when you give it, be sure it is constructive.
Constructive criticisms tend to be positive and usually elicit a better human
response from the person who is on the receiving end of it.
 Operational Process
Use of the terms conceptual design to describe the sketch, and operational
design instead of working drawings.
The conceptual arrangement is largely a statement of intent for the guidance of
structural and service engineering consultants and for use in obtaining information
from the many manufacturers and suppliers who will be involved in the work.
The result of this process is for the concept to be changed in many ways, usually
for practical purposes, before the operational design reaches the stage of being
final working drawings.
 Geometric
The detailed visual interrelationships between all the parts of the building as the
operational stage develops.
The visual objectives should be kept in mind at all stages but because of the
inherent difficulties of design team working, there is an increasing need to consider
detailed engineering decisions in geometric terms.
Design Methods and Design Tools
1. Pre-statement
2. Problem Statement
3. Information
4. Analysis
5. Synthesis
6. Evaluation