Architectural Design

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1st ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design

Job No: PD0710-67/4028

Chapter 3 final (3.5)_.qxd:layouts to chapter one 7/24/10 12:24 PM Page 169

Prototype design exercise

As the project progresses, the architect is required to

design at every scale and level of detail. The most critical

decisions are made first and are followed by secondary

decisions. There is no one right way to prioritise this: an

architectural concept can begin with the design of a light

fitting and end with the roof or vice versa. It depends on

the requirements of each project and the sensibility of the

architect. Studio-based projects place less emphasis on

the construction phase, but it is possible to explore this

aspect of architecture in the studio, such as the example

below, to help develop a design project and design skills.

1 Design a prototype element to be found within the

proposed project. This could be a door handle, a piece

of furniture, a window or even a new material.

2 Make the element or part-element, preferably using the

actual materials proposed.

This process acts as a testing ground for the application

of conceptual ideas. It enables you to gain invaluable

feedback on your proposals while still in the process

of designing the overall project. It also provides material

and textural information that can be fed back into smaller-

scale representations of the project. If there is enough

scope within the project, the process can be taken further:

3 Make an instruction booklet describing how to make the

piece. Communicate with a level of graphic quality and

detail that would enable a third party to make the piece

without further instruction.

This provides valuable experience in preparing drawings

that can be read by a contractor and will also enable you

to think through the process from inception to completion.

Development and detail › Construction and occupation

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1st ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design

Job No: PD0710-67/4028

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