Demystifying design processes of architectural details

[edit] Introduction

The design process can refer to an activity with series of distinctive and instinctive tasks involving intense progression of creative thinking and imagination. During the different steps and options of design processes, innate and impulsive skills may be used rather than conscious and voluntary decisions.

Detail design is the systematic process of producing illustrative information, solutions and methods to problems in an effort to translate conceptual design into a buildable, physical form in a finished appearance.

[edit] Creativity in detailing

Due to the numerous choices of materials and construction approaches, detailing can be looked upon as a design process. The complexity of selections and installations make it appear as more of a thoughtful procedure rather than an instructional one.

Additionally, building performance requirements make it even more complicated to design an architectural detail. Fire prevention measures, thermal characteristics, lighting demands and many other requirements for evaluation of buildings compels the architect to be more vigilant and take extra cautions in the development of design details for the intent of achieving these optimal goals.

[edit] Creativity or process?

Detailing is related to the selected types of materials and technologies available. It is also connected to the extent to which these two can be integrated in order to produce the desired results.

When developing a design detail, it is necessary to give maximum attention to design trends of that particular detail. Overlooking past achievements can unnecessarily cause architects to waste time and resources in the development of a detail. Criticisms of the formerly designed details may help to shape new details in a way that can improve the functionality and practicality.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Concept design.
• Design process.
• Detail design.
• Detail drawing.
• Working drawing.