Design is arbitrary. Design is subjective, and there is just no way of getting around the fact, and architecture in many ways is the art of convincing people that one’s design was the right move and one of the ways you can convince people is through case studies. There is no way to avoid that reality, and case studies are one of the methods to persuade others that your design choices are sound. In many respects, architecture is the art of persuasion. Architectural case studies act as a shield that, when properly presented, can be a very effective way for one to defend your design viewpoints, especially if anyone chooses a project that has already been successful and was completed by a well-known architect. This can help one establish a strong foundation for design strategies because it can be much more difficult to critique something that has already been shown to be effective.
Architectural case studies should be presented in an educational, interesting way, and can build a strong case for your project. While performing a case study, one could learn many different things. Still, when giving a presentation, one must highlight the elements one will use in their design, diagram the visuals, and remember that visual continuity is important.
“Every great design begins with an even better story.”
Which case study to choose?
The first step is to determine the type of structure to be developed. Consider whether your project is within the categories of a residential project, a public building, a private mixed-use project, etc. By doing so, you may focus your search and locate projects with similar outlines. This does not imply that a structure that is unconnected at all will not be useful. A building’s components may be more significant than its function.
For instance, Correa stayed away from high-rise housing options, emphasizing low-rise ones that, when combined with amenities and common areas, highlighted the human scale and fostered a feeling of community. This is how case studies help us to view the projects with a certain inspiration to be used in our projects.
The next important point is to confirm that the case study and your project have parallel elements. This may be the atmosphere or climate, anything analogous that you can connect to. You can always decide to include some in your project if there aren’t any. Remember that they are there to help you and frequently have more expertise about various structures. Better still, if your brief mentions any interesting buildings, you may always start there.
What points are to be kept in mind?
- Attractive elements-
One feature of the building may appeal more than any other aspect. To make a building into something much more fascinating, for instance, the usage of a specific sort of beam or steel structure, or even the materials that were utilized for the design, might be crucial. Focus on the space’s fantastic structural features if their intended use is irrelevant, and you can still make use of them.
- Balancing form and function-
Extreme aesthetic aspects in some structures may be more challenging to plan and implement. Utilizing your own smaller test models, ascertain how these shapes were developed and then apply them to your system. The purpose of a architectural case studies is to improve any project. Without using the research, it is pointless to do it.
- Area requirements-
Study the building’s utilization in further detail, including how each room is used. Depending on a project or brief and what precisely one wants to learn from the case study, it can be as detailed as one likes. Try making a physical visit if it’s feasible, and write as many notes as possible on the experience. Consider the interior areas and their functions thoroughly.
- Technicalities-
Concentrate on the case study’s technical components if necessary. The HVAC or other concealed systems may be of interest if the concerned project is geared toward domestic areas.
Last but not least, be sure to provide several important case study photographs. Instead of choosing basic front elevations, examine closer and pay attention to details.
What are the best ways to present?
After conducting a tonne of research and compiling this information, one must figure out how to incorporate it into a portfolio.
- Site analysis-
The most effective way to communicate your results is via a site analysis. This type of page might be a straightforward construction diagram with comments outlining the noteworthy elements you discovered and why they are significant.
- Images and graphics–
No matter how big your page size is, don’t overstuff it. Choose four to five main photos that may be expanded on later. When printing them, make sure the quality is good. It should be required to use text.
Always look for quality over quantity.
- Models and Iterations-
Put these in if you decide to conduct any experiments using physical or digital models. It demonstrates engagement with the undertaking and effort in making decisions on any building. These might be of great use when creating subsequent sketches.
- SWOT Analysis-
Analyzing the strength, weaknesses, and opportunities, threats of the concerned project can be of great help. An opportunities and limitations diagram can be created for architectural case studies and site analyses. Although it’s not necessary, one may undoubtedly construct one if it’s essential.
- Crisp and clear data –
The best way is to use pictures or diagrams to accompany all the data you have acquired, including any historical details. Try to limit the amount of text on the page to what is necessary to convey the main ideas.
In addition to this, bear in mind that using the right color schemes, grids, tags, and human figures, as well as their surroundings, adds valuable information and serves as the cherry on top.
References-
- https://toscaleblog.co.uk/analysing-architecture-case-studies-for-beginners/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0c_BzpLUYM&t=19s&ab_channel=ArchiHacks
