Architectural design is a broad topic, with many different subcategories. As such, it makes sense that there are eons worth of design tips for the topic. With that said, we’ve tried to focus on the elements of architectural design that are most relevant to aspiring architects and non-architects alike in our list of five. You don’t have to be an expert in philosophy or engineering to understand them; they’re accessible tips meant to enrich your knowledge of architectural design and ultimately get you thinking like an architect — not just another layman. So what are we saying?
Architects aren’t just drawing up amazing buildings. They’re thinking about the logistics of a building, the flow between spaces, the impact on acoustics, and even what it says about the people who will be using it. Take for instance online website design, the website’s login button, it should be the first thing that a user sees on the homepage. It should also have a clear and large font, in order to stand out from other text or images. If a visitor doesn’t see it, they won’t register and might not return to your site again. The good example is BoVegas login that is in an easy-to-find location, at the top of the page near other crucial data like About page of the company and links to Promotions.
- Listening to Clients: Design that is foreign or strange to the client is not design they will feel comfortable with, nor one they will be comfortable with paying for. You have to understand your client in order to design something they are excited about.
- Create Structures: Great architecture is built and designed to last, creating structures that are sustainable and have a long lifespan
- Effective Planning: Architects must always have an idea of what their final project will look like before construction starts. The needs of the client, the materials available and how the structure will be constructed all contribute to when the Architect goes from a rough plan to detailed designs and blueprints
- Collaboration: Architecture involves many different trades, especially when it comes to building large-scale projects, so working closely with other professionals is critical.
- Research Elements: The best architectural designs often come from taking inspiration from existing works or nature and adapting these elements into new creations.
Better Digital Design
The modern architect must be familiar with the latest technologies, software and applications readily available at his or her disposal. These include not only programs for drafting and design but also for construction administration, scheduling, model generation (3-D), contract communications and managing field works. This article does a great job at assisting you to get this knowledge as well as give you a great base for your first steps.
Take into Account All Aspects
Fathy’s words of wisdom echo to us today in a new way, as we ponder how to design for our digital world. If you want to design your own app, use web or wireframing software to create interactive wire-frame models like those created by architecture companies. We can also gain inspiration from architects’ collective experiences. Although apps are a relatively new medium, their users are essentially the same as any other product. Designers must make products that align with users’ needs and desires – not just what will make them stand out in the crowd. For this reason, more structured brainstorming sessions may be more appropriate than fun free-for-all ideas marathons.
It is important to remember that the architect’s perspective is one that helps you challenge your creative thinking. It pushes you to think more creatively about design, to make you more flexible, and more open to various possibilities for design. It may sound slightly abstract, but it is a very concrete process. Applying this perspective in all aspects of your work can help make your designs successful.
- Concept
- Alignment
- Hierarchy
- Spacing
- Proportions
Symmetry and Asymmetry
It’s been said you should have “architectural vision” to become a successful designer. But what is architectural vision exactly? It’s the kind of thinking that when the solution to a design problem comes to you, everyone around you stands up and takes notice. They slowly lean in towards you, eyes wide and jaws dropped, asking: “How did you just do that?” And you proceed to explain something so simple: “Cuz I’m an Architect.”
As the saying goes, “The devil’s in the details,” and when it comes to your own designs you’ll definitely want to pay attention to those details. With a little bit of right symmetry (or dissymmetry) and detail, you can easily create a design that is stunning and exciting.
Bottom Line
Like interior designers, architects focus on the aesthetic value of their work. But unlike interior designers, architects think not just in terms of a few rooms or even a single house. Instead, they think about homes and neighborhoods as a whole. In other words, good architecture must consider the “whole picture.” It’s this holistic approach that gives their designs transcendent value and makes them so memorable — and it’s this same holistic approach that you can apply to your own designs. Through thinking critically and creatively, you can learn to approach design in the same way as an architect. There is no substitute for inspiration, but even without it you can force your creativity to make something great.