What Processes and Tools do Architects Use to Design?
Architecture by its nature is a very visual discipline. The skill of a good Architect is in extrapolating the thoughts and ideas of the client and turning that into a building. A set of building plans and elevations may be the outcome of the process, but the journey in getting there can be seen as an art in storytelling. A good Architect aims to create an emotional reaction and connection between the client and their new home. Therefore, there needs to be logic behind the building form and the spaces it creates.
What are some of the storytelling tools that Architects utilise?
Sketches and Diagrams: The pen is the basic tool of an Architect. Whether it be on a physical or digital paper. The sketch is often the first step in the evolution of a design. The initial site visit may spark an idea which becomes the catalyst for the whole proposal. Diagrams help in rationalising a scheme. They can be used to explain how the climate, surrounding buildings or views impact the siting, size or form of the building. Developing the fundamental principles through diagrams and sketches are vital in answering the ‘why?’ as the design develops. Depending on how complex a scheme is, Architects may have to spend significant periods of time exploring a number of iterations at the feasibility stage before reaching a clear direction to develop.
3d Models: Programs such as Sketchup and Rhino make it easier for Architects to explore and develop building forms and shapes. The 3d model allows them to look at the design from different angles and perspectives. By modelling the surrounding buildings, they’re able assess the visual impact of a proposal on the streetscape and neighbouring properties. These views can quickly be turned into images that can be added to reports that support a planning application.
Visualisations: When a design has been resolved to a fairly high degree, the investment in time in creating higher-end visualisations pays off. Details of cladding, internal wall and floor finishes can be added to a 3d model and rendered to create a photorealistic view of the building and spaces. This can sometimes be requested by a client to support a larger planning application, to finalise the interior finishes or as marketing material to promote a development.
Virtual Reality: As the technology improves and becomes cheaper and easier to use, many Architects have now incorporated VR into their design workflow. The opportunity to navigate through the spaces, whether with a headset or just on a screen, can create real excitement and anticipation for a client. It can also be used later on in the design process to help with the selection of paint finishes, cabinetry, tiles and flooring. It’s a lot easier to make these changes at a click of a button rather than when the decorator has already bought and painted the first coat!
Physical Models: Clients seem to understand a scheme a lot better when they can see it in front of them. Card models can be made relatively quickly by an Architect as another tool in explaining a design. Depending on the objective, the model can be made in a number of scales. Smaller models might help in understanding the building in context, whilst larger models can be made to see how the spaces and connections within a building work. 3D printers and laser cutting machines have also become standard tools in creating detailed models. The process can be time-consuming, so it tends to be an additional service that an Architect will charge for.