Architectural Design

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1st ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design

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The design studio

› The design process

Design studio, NL Architects

This photograph taken at NL

Architects’ office shows a

scene common to both

professional and student

design studios, with flexible

shared working space

equipped for drawing, making

and collaboration.

The design studio

This chapter places architectural design in its familiar

context: the design studio. This is where the creative

work happens; it is an environment common to both

architectural education and the profession. It is a place

of practical things; a place of production containing

equipment for making models, for drawing digitally and

by hand. It is often supported by specialised workshops

and printing facilities. Resources for research, such as

architectural books and journals, will also be on hand.

The studio has its own culture: it is a place where

research, experimentation, discussion and the testing

of ideas can take place before they are put into action

on site. The gathering together of like-minded colleagues

capable of collaboration and constructive criticism

assists the development of architectural proposals and

the fostering of mutual preoccupations.

‘I think we believe very strongly in the discussion forum culture of the studio

compared to what you might call an office. So everyone has the same chair

and everyone has the same desk. Everything is open and everyone has

access to everything. Everyone’s opinion is aired. I like that and I like to be

able to talk to and reach everybody. I wouldn’t like to be in a separate place

at all. If I want a separate place I just go for a walk.’

John Tuomey, O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects

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1st ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design

Job No: PD0710-67/

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