Architectural design methodology tips

[edit] Introduction

Design methodology refers to the development of systematic processes or methods applied in the design activities of a particular field of study or practice like architecture, urban design or industrial design. It incorporates theories, principles, guidelines and steps necessary to achieve desired design goals.

Design methods are established and commonly used actions, tools, strategies and approaches in the design processes, performing various organised tasks that a designer might execute to reach the final stage of design activity.

The act of designing in architecture is a complex process. Many designers fail to express the real actions that made them create such designs. They allege feelings and intuitions as factors that led to such creations, but often struggle to explain why they reached such conclusions, or post rationalise the process to make it seem logical.

[edit] Design approach

The architect's approach to design is greatly influenced by the nature and the level of the client involvement in the project. Often, clients dictate how the final design should appear, which elements to include, or not, in a design either for financial reasons or for other goals and intentions. This limits the architect's freedom to input their ideas into the form and appearance of the final composition.

Therefore, there cane be a clash between the client and the architect on which elements are the best fit and which are not. Eventually, all these interplays have an impact on the solutions for the problem and the quality of the final product.

[edit] Design tools

The purpose of design tools are to provide a set of instructions, templates, or models for designers to follow when performing their design tasks.

Tools may provide a primary understanding which can increase and refine design analytical and theoretical skills. Design tools can also be used to describe the conceptual structure of the proposed design alternatives, since design results are often products of the tools used.

The parts of the framework used to arrive at design solutions can also be taken as design tools. It may require an understanding of the design hierarchies established, philosophies and theories set to judge outcomes, thinking styles and evaluation strategies.

For more information see: Design methodology.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Architect.
• Building design process.
• Concept architectural design.
• Design.
• Design coordination.
• Design methodology for building projects.