The approach towards any design process initially involves primary research based on the problem, where both the technical and theoretical parts must be worked out a hand – in – hand. There are various approaches to any design process. Such as –
Concept :
Usually, the design process under this category emphasizes one single concept be it any regardless of its topic. The process and the final outcome of the design will majorly reciprocate the concept in all the way possible.
Issue-based :
The issue-based design process will address a major threat/problem that the outcome is designed for. Hence, they’re usually problem-solving techniques that are more practical and applicable in real life.
Design theory :
Design theories will importantly talk about the theories involved behind any design process or the design itself. Theory can involve any characters of the design say it – color, geometry, alignment, etc.,
Hence, for any design process, the information and ideas must be worked out simultaneously.
There are a few simple steps to be followed to balance the technical and theoretical part of any design process. They are,
1. Observe
In order to design a space, one must observe and interpret an existing space much related to it. This will help in analyzing the problem and solving it in a simple way. Usually, one must observe the basic standards that are required to achieve a functional space, and see how each element is used and designed. By observing, one can understand the basic ergonomic condition of any space easily. It is one of the basic skills that every Architect must possess.
2. Read
Reading is one of the best ways to brainstorm any design process. By reading a book, it can give a number of inspirations which will help in building the theoretical part of the design process. Reading can change the approach, representation, and data collection of the process. There are plenty of books to get inspired. Not only reading books written by architects is required but also reading architectural blogs and articles can also help, in order to be updated with the conventional design approaches.
Few basic references :
101 things I Learned in Architecture by Mathew Fedrick
BLDGBLOG BOOK BY Geoff Manaugh
Translation by Aaron Betsky
The architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton
Thinking Architecture by Peter Zumthor
Either they can be referred from books or by observing from the existing condition.
3. Sketch Sketch Sketch!
One of the basic skill-set to communicate with one another is sketching. The initial step to any design process starts with sketching. Different possibilities and solutions can be attempted through rough sketches which can be scaled out later. Though they are not precise and clear, sketching allows one to freely try various possibilities. These initial sketches need not be neat and beautiful, sometimes it can only have few lines and scribbling which can easily portray an idea. The more spontaneous the sketch the more interesting will be the ideas.
4. Working Out The Issue
It is always the design process that is more concentrated and has value than the final design. The result of any design can easily be rated through the steps involved in the design process. There is always an issue to be solved or identified in a design which is achieved through attempting various steps of the design process like sketching, reading, model making, etc.,
The solution to any problem cannot be achieved in a single process; it will involve a number of failures and attempts to figure it out. It is better to try out various possibilities before sticking to one.
5. Practically Relate
Unless and until a problem is related to reality it can never be solved. Another important technique is to relate the problem practically with day – to –day life, which can result in much better solutions. This can be achieved by making a workable small scale model that will replicate the functional and structural purpose of the design. They can either be physical handmade ones or digital ones. These models need not be to detail but an abstract which will deliver the meaning and profile of the design.
Every design has a unique problem to be solved. Though the approach and wireframes are the same, the solution and design process for each design is unique. It is never too late to try and explore the solutions. The technical part of a design process can be developed by dealing with a number of projects. On the other hand, the theoretical part involves plenty of reading and observation, which will obviously take much more time to achieve. By balancing these two parts of a design process can result in finding an appropriate solution to any design problem.
