Design and Applied Technology Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum Design and Innovation Video: Design Process in Architecture [Teacher notes] Organizer Sponsor Research Team
Contents Preamble Teaching plan Lesson 1: Design Process in Architecture 1.1 What is Architectural Design? 1.2 Considerations during the Design Process in Architecture 1.2.1 Analysis of the Site 1.2.2 Assigning Programme 1.2.3 Spatial Design 1.2.4 Detailing 1.3 Architectural Design Presentation 1.3.1 Graphical Representation 1.3.2 Physical Modelling 1.3.3 Multi-media Presentation i 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 08 10 12 Summary, Key words and Further reading 14 Disclaimer Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 2012 Hong Kong Institute of Architects
Topic 01 Video: Design Process in Architecture Major teaching areas Design and Applied Technology Strand 1 Design and Innovation Design in Practice Design Consideration Design and Communication Related teaching areas Design and Applied Technology Strand 2 Technological Principles Nature of Technology Strand 3 Value and Impact Values in Technology and Design Historical and Cultural Influence Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Learning objectives To understand what architectural design is about To be able to carry out an architectural design process Interdisciplinary teaching areas Visual Arts: Visual Arts Appreciation and Criticism in context Visual Arts Making To see how to prepare an effective and comprehensive presentation of an architectural design Teaching plan Lesson Lesson 1 Design Process in Architecture Contents 1.1 Understanding architectural design 1.2 Stages of the design process in architecture 1.3 Preparing an effective and comprehensive presentation These are supplementary teaching notes for the video Design Process in Architecture. i
Lesson 1 Design Process in Architecture 01
Topic 01 Video: Design Process in Architecture 1.1 What is Architectural Design? Architectural design is a balance between pragmatic requirements and aesthetics. Like all disciplines of design, architectural design must address user needs and should be aesthetically pleasing. User activities determine what spaces a building should contain. The arrangement of spaces facilitates human activities and can also create beauty and enjoyment. Architectural design creates three-dimensional form. A building is designed through the horizontal and vertical arrangement of spaces with different proportions and relationships. This requires careful consideration of how spaces should be linked in a user-friendly manner. Architectural design must be structurally feasible. A building must be structurally stable and self-supporting in order to be usable. Like other elements of the building, the structure must be designed carefully. Co-operation of architectural designers and engineers is important. Model testing can be a way to examine the structural feasibility of the design. Structural and detail drawings are required for construction. Architectural design must be contextually relevant. Architecture should react to its context both physically and culturally. A good building can create an identity for a place by relating to its site, whether urban or rural. Moreover, sustainable architectural design should consider its impacts on the larger environment. 02
1.2 Considerations during the Design Process in Architecture Four major stages we would go through during a design process in architecture: Analysis of the site Assigning the programmes Spatial design Design for details Spatial Design Site Analysis In reality, architectural designs evolve not necessary in a step-bystep basis, but concept can come from one of these aspects and influencing the other parts. q Design for Details Conceptual sketches Helen Fan (Above) Chris Wong (Below) Programmes Helen Fan Importance of the review process Between each stage of design, evaluations should be carried out. An architect might carry out this process of review with colleagues, clients, and local officials; design students might work with tutors or classmates. Record of ideas It is important to keep a record of the evolution of ideas during the design process. These records could be in the following formats: Sketches Photography Models Collage Even ideas that seem irrelevant and primitive may prove useful in a later stage of design or in another architectural project. Trial and error during the design process A good design arises from many experiments, both successes and failures. Do not be afraid of making mistakes but simply keep visualizing your ideas to provide different alternatives for design solutions. 03
1.2.1 Analysis of the Site In an architectural design, both the physical and cultural contexts need to be addressed. How can the building relate to the surrounding neighbourhood? What kinds of public or shared spaces can the building provide for the surrounding neighbourhood? What does the existing context have, and what does it need? What is the cultural context of the site? What is its historical, current and future urban development? Should new buildings adopt a harmonious architectural language to fit in with the existing urban fabric, or would a contrasting style provide a stronger identity? How should the building interact with the physical or environmental context? Should it sink into the earth, sit on the ground, or should it be lifted above the ground? Methodology: Mapping of urban fabric Research in museums and archives Photography Sketches On-site survey physical modelling Computer modelling p q On-site sketches Helen Fan Site analysis diagrams Helen Fan Evaluation Points 1. What are the impacts of the building on the urban landscape? 2. What is the urban development of the site? Should new additions be constructed in phases or all at once? 04
2 1.2.2 Assigning Programme Once the context has been analysed, a designer can begin to think about how to fit the required programmes onto the site. The initial design concept might be context-based, user-based or aesthetically based, depending on the client s desires as outlined in the design brief. Programmes should be assigned in a logical, functional, user-friendly manner. Research on precedents can help a designer to understand the typical arrangement of programmes in a particular building type. What is the desired spatial hierarchy? How should the building be oriented on the site? Where should public or private spaces be placed? Are there any outdoor spaces? How should the programme be arranged: vertically or horizontally, symmetrically or randomly? What is the solid and void relationship of the overall building form? Is it open or it is enclosed? Methodology: A schedule of accommodation is a list of all functions required and the areas needed. Spatial relationship diagrams can help to design a programmatic arrangement corresponding to the site. Sketches Collage Physical modelling Computer modelling Evaluation Points 1 1: Assigning programmes on a site plan 2: Massing models of existing context and proposed circulation 3: Massing sketch 4: Massing model Helen Fan 1. How would you describe the overall form of the architecture? 2. What are the spatial relationships between the architecture and the site? 3. How is the building accessed? 3 4 05
1.2.3 Spatial Design Different configurations of programmes will result in different spatial experiences and relationships. The subdivision of the total site area for each programme may begin for practical reasons, but a designer must also consider vertical and horizontal layouts, spatial proportioning, and other concepts: Circulation and movement of users Entrances, exits and means of escape Pedestrian and vehicle paths Width of corridors Lifts, escalators, ramps and staircases Interaction of indoor space and outdoor space Balconies and terraces Semi-open spaces Size of rooms and common spaces Room widths and depths Storey heights Arrangement of rooms Along an axis or loose, organic organization Single-loaded or double-loaded corridor Openings of the building masses Windows and doors Courtyards Evaluation Points 1. Does the interior space fulfil required programmes? 2. Does the building provide an interesting spatial experience? 3. Is the building energy efficient? Sustainable Design Natural lighting and ventilation Green roof and wall Shading devices 1: Formal experiments explore how a design fits into the existing context 2: Models can help to test out spatial ideas Helen Fan 3: Perspective drawings map a sequence of spaces Helen Fan Universal Design Barrier-free design for all kinds of users Further development of the form of the architecture Flat roof/ Pitch roof/ Roof with skylight Round shape/ rectangular shape/ sculptural form Structural arrangement Structural grid Columns and load-bearing walls Electrical and mechanical fixtures Methodology: Architectural plans and sections Perspective drawings Physical models Computer models 1 2 3 06
1.2.4 Detailing A building s details can intensify the users spatial experience and perception of scale. Materials can enrich the textures and colours of a space to create a particular feeling. Choices of materials and colours Concrete may create a cold but sturdy feeling Wood creates warmth but it is not water-resistant Steel provides many design options Structural details Wall-ceiling junctions Column-ceiling junctions Overhanging roof/ Green roof Innovative construction technology Evaluation Points 1. How do the details enrich the users spatial experience? 2. Are the design elements structurally feasible? 3. Does the design continue to convey the initial design concept while fulfilling the needs of the user? Finishing Exposed structure Wrapped structure with a finishing material Details of windows, doors and railings Artificial lighting installation Lighting for working Lighting for exhibition Acoustic Design Noise barriers Sound enhancement Methodology: Architectural detail plans and sections Material selection diagrams Physical models Computer models 1: Structural design over an architectural plan 2: Detail of a door hinge 3: Choices of marble 4: Choice of colours and materials 1 2 3 4 07
1.3 Architectural Design Presentation A full presentation should show 1. how the design evolved from a conceptual idea, 2. how the design process was carried out, 3. and what the outcomes of the design process are. Common ways of presenting architectural design 1. Graphical representation 2. Physical modelling 3. Multi-media presentation 1.3.1 Graphical Representation Graphical representation is the most fundamental tool of architectural design. The industry still relies on architectural drawings (plans, sections and elevations) as the central means of communication. Planning your graphical presentation includes Picking the right scale Different scales highlight different aspects of the design. Sketches should also be proportional even when precise scale is not applicable. Common scales are used according to what information the graphical representation wishes to present. Drawings in a range of scales can help clients and contractors understand the design comprehensively. Information Scales used Context analysis 1:2000/ 1:1000 Site-architecture relationship 1:1000/ 1:500 Programmes 1:500/ 1:200/ 1:100 Spatial design 1:200/ 1:100 Structural design 1:100/ 1: 50/ 1: 20 Detail design 1:50/ 1:20/ 1:10/ 1:5 Choosing the right medium There are many ways to produce graphic representations of an architectural design. Depending on your skills and the time and resources available, choosing the right medium can convey the design concept efficiently and effectively. Tips 1. Always put scale figures and surrounding context into some parts of the presentation. 2. A legend of functions, scale bars and orientation marks should be used for effective communication. Concept presenting Context analysis Initial design concept Architectural design Spatial experience Choice of materials Detail design Medium used Photography/ sketches/ collage/ digital drawings Sketches/ collage/ digital drawings Hand-drawings/ CAD drawings Perspective drawings/ Computer simulation Digital drawings/ computer simulation CAD drawings/ Computer simulation 08
t q Architectural plan with legends, structural grids, dimensions, scale and orientation and landscape. Architectural section showing internal structure, important dimensions and human scale 09
1.3.2 Physical Modelling Physical models can be a vivid simulacrum of an architectural design, showing the whole building or important parts of it. In a presentation, models from different stages of the design process may be shown. As with graphical representations, things to consider include Appropriate scales Different scales of models may be used at different stages of the design process, or to explore different elements. (Refer to this section in Graphical Representation) Modelling materials Making physical models can be time-consuming but it helps understand the design in a three-dimensional way. Some materials are very easy to work with while some are more suitable to convey the final result of the design process. The scale of the model also determines what kind of materials is suitable. A structural model should be a good reflection of materials in real life. Purposes Context analysis Massing working models (forms and programmes) Sectional models and presentation models Details Medium used Papers/ cardboards/ foam/ acrylic Papers/ cardboards/ foam/ acrylic Papers/ cardboards/ wood/ acrylic/ plaster/ bamboo sticks Wood/ metals/ plastic Students should be creative and explore different kinds of materials. 1-4: Working models of different design stages 5: Sectional model showing structure and interior space 1 2 3 5 4 10
Teaching Tips More about making models, please refer to Science Topic 03: Model Making Workshop Structure of Tall Buildings and Towers. Teaching Tips For the practical design process, reference can be made on Liberal Studies Topic 02: Public Housing - improvement in quality of life. u Site model q Sectional model/perspective drawing showing interaction of spaces 11
1.3.3 Multi-media Presentation There are many design software available for architects to use. Some software can be used to test building performance, or the materials and lighting of the design. They can also be used to simulate a live tour through the architecture. Animation can be convincing to an audience. Multimedia should be incorporated wisely into a design presentation to show the overall design, spatial experience or any transformation of the design. However, it should not be the only presentation medium used for the presentation. Common software used includes AutoCAD CorelDRAW Sketchup 3D Studio MAX Rhino Maya q Material and lighting simulation in a design software 12
Examples of Architectural Presentation 1. Design Concept 5. Architectural Plans and Sections 4. Spatial Design 2. Working Process 3. Testing of Materials 6. Digital Simulation 7. Working Models 8. Presentation Models Helen Fan 13
Summary 1. Architectural design is a balance between user experience and formal aesthetics. A building is a fusion of three-dimensional spaces that must be structurally feasible and contextually appropriate. 2. The four major stages of an architectural design process are: analysis of the site, assigning the programme, spatial design, and detail design. 3. Three common ways of presenting architectural designs are: graphical representation, physical modelling, and multi-media presentation. Key words Architectural design Context Programme Schedule of accommodation Spatial hierarchy Further reading 1. ChicagoArchToday: Architectural Model Making Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47ld_xq5id8 2. Barry Berkus: How To Think Like An Architect: The Design Process http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmhogicpqqq 3. Architect Bjarke Ingels: Mountain Dwelling http://www.big.dk/projects/mtn/ 4. RTHK 2007 : 漫遊城市建築 (Cantonese) http://rthk.hk/elearning/architecturetour/index.htm 5. Hong Kong Institute of Architects 建築師的見觸思. Hong Kong: ET Press, 2002 Organizer Sponsor Research Team 14