Architectural Design

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1st ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design

Job No: PD0710-67/4028

Chapter 2 final_.qxd:layouts to chapter one 7/24/10 9:01 AM Page 41

Problem solving

› NL Architects: Prisma housing

Restrictions

Critical discussion in practice occurs within the design

studio and between clients and other interested parties such

as planners, building users, heritage groups and politicians.

These bodies throw hitherto unexpected restrictions and

opportunities into the design process, which are rarely

encountered in education. However, the flexibility of an

empirical design process and the familiarity with the

possibilities of multiple solutions should equip the architect

to take a creative approach to such situations.

Architects often describe restrictions and the requirements

of a brief, site and client as examples of positive generators

for design. Many would say that they need restrictions

in order to design. The apparently unwelcome restriction

tethers infinite possibilities to a fixed point of reality, however

mundane. This demands a solution to a real problem that

cannot be ignored and so the design activity begins to work

on the restriction until it becomes something positive.

For example, fire escape regulations may impose conditions

on the means of escape and therefore circulation of a

building. A good architect could use this as an opportunity

to design communal circulation spaces of real quality where

people will take pleasure in meeting on the way to their

otherwise isolated cellular offices.

Architecture seeks to fulfil a need or purpose; to have a

function. The willingness of architects to use their critical

judgement and creativity to challenge assumptions, coupled

with the freedom of knowing that there is no one right

answer, means even the most difficult design problems are

seen as an opportunity for creative thought.

‘It’s not real. You’re not drawing the real thing. You’re drawing something that

gets you to the real thing.’

Graham Haworth, Haworth Tompkins

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1st ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design

Job No: PD0710-67/4028

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