Architecture is an overwhelming world when one steps into its grand staircase. With growth, one learns to dwell deep into the understanding of what it takes to create a successful design. We see the works of architects who’ve made revolutionary changes, created a new style of dwelling, and who’s impacted the psychology of the users. The same goes for architectural learning from our design mentors, professors, and jurors. When it comes to pop culture, Ted Mosby is probably the last person you should refer to when it comes to work ethics, however, his passion strikes a good deal. So how does the perception change over semesters?
Understanding your Client’s Need | Architectural Learning
For students still studying architecture, the familiarity with a client may not be possible however with a project received every semester, the design mentor is to be treated as one. There is a gear shift where one would design as to what they wanted the place to look like according to their interests in the hypothetical designs given initially to address the design brief by understanding the potential users and the atmosphere around the site. It is always important to first understand the local behavior observed in one’s town or city or in a broader context of the region to deliver projects with precise specificity. We have to understand that we don’t get many project opportunities to design for a group of aliens who’ll land and cultivate our land following the intentions and regulators designed according to an anticipated vision of the space. That also means that as times are changing, spaces can also bring a change in the lifestyle of the people, the way they perceive and communicate to sustain as a community. That progress is very much possible by paying attention to the daily work track of the users/residents.
There Cannot be a Right and Wrong Design
A design usually gets executed by weighing the pros and cons. It is very hard to design a building that doesn’t interrupt the daily lives of the people in proximity or cause changes in the environmental scale. As we dig into the discussions with the peers we get to understand that various points of view get addressed for the same very brief. While one might solely think about the client’s needs and the future scope of expansion, the other to create a landmark, another wanting the new building to blend into the already existent theme of the street. Not all positive aspects can be resolved. Striking a balance increases the efficiency of the building.
Development of a Concept | Architectural Learning
We’ve all crossed the state of taking an abstract object and converting it into a hypothetical building in the initial design classes.
The prospect of designing a building inside out could be a new revelation to some. The different approaches taken towards reaching the final state differ visibly through the various schools of thought. However, the emphasis on the zoning, massing, analyzing the activities resulting in efficient planning takes the design aspect a step ahead. One may not know how the building looks until the planning stage is processed, which means we have to be keen to look into not only the physical view but also a peek into the planned functionality next time while choosing a literature case study for reference.
Difference Between a Beautiful Sketch and a Technically Sound Sketch
It’s about keeping the point of view in mind, the entourage and its behavior towards a sketch, depicting the overall activity encapsulated in a time frame, concerning a human scale.
It could range from the intention of highlighting the background around the building to its minimal tones to the features of the façade of the building as the surrounding takes a submissive take. A parallel example can be drawn from the Falling Waters, which cannot be pictured without the surrounding, the seasonal changes that continue to compliment the building infinitely. Understanding how to correlate the level differences is another detail to be observed.
The Evolution of an Architect
As much as we pay attention to the most celebrated and critically acclaimed buildings of the world-renowned architects, we do learn higher up in the semester that many have not always followed that style of thought. It’s said that architect Frank Gehry‘s earlier influences were around modernism and the buildings he went onto design later had deconstructivism and dynamic written all over. The thought behind the transformation says a lot about the necessary innovation at a given point in time. Your preferences can change and are natural over the years.
Keeping in Mind all the Potential Users (The client is not the sole user) | Architectural Learning
Importance has to be given not only to the primary users but also to the people who become a part of the place. Say a community recreation center is coming up. When the proposal comes from the committee that doesn’t make them or the property holders of the community the sole users. Consideration of the maintenance department, management, public access up to a certain point, the age relevance of users all has to be taken into consideration. Implying it is high time to pay attention to building services.
The basics always remain the same. The design principles are universal. It is the add-on through exploration and practical working that makes a difference. Learning is a never-ending curve that gets ignited by the fuel of curiosity.
