Design and Applied Technology Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum

Design and Innovation

Video: Design Process

in
Architecture
[Teacher notes]

Organizer

Sponsor

Research Team

Preamble

Teaching plan

Lesson 1: Design Process in Architecture

1.1 What is Architectural Design?

02

1.2 Considerations during the Design Process in Architecture

03

1.2.1 Analysis of the Site

1.2.2 Assigning Programme

04
05

1.2.3 Spatial Design

06

1.2.4 Detailing

07

08

1.3 Architectural Design Presentation

1.3.1 Graphical Representation

1.3.2 Physical Modelling

08
10

1.3.3 Multi-media Presentation

12

Summary, Key words and Further reading

14

Disclaimer
Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part
in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) do not reflect the
views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
2012 Hong Kong Institute of Architects

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

Contents

Topic 01
Video: Design Process in Architecture
Interdisciplinary teaching areas

Design and Applied Technology

Visual Arts:

Strand 1 Design and Innovation

Visual Arts Appreciation and Criticism in context

Design in Practice

Visual Arts Making

Design Consideration
Design and Communication

Related teaching areas

Design and Applied Technology
Strand 2 Technological Principles
Nature of Technology
Strand 3 Value and Impact
Values in Technology and Design
Historical and Cultural Influence
Entrepreneurship and Enterprise

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

Major teaching areas

Learning objectives
To understand what architectural design is about
To be able to carry out an architectural design process
To see how to prepare an effective and comprehensive presentation of an architectural design

Teaching plan
Lesson
Lesson 1

Contents
1.1 Understanding architectural design

Design Process in
Architecture

1.2 Stages of the design process in architecture

1.3 Preparing an effective and comprehensive presentation

These are supplementary teaching notes for the video Design Process in Architecture.
i

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

Lesson 1
Design Process in Architecture

01

Topic 01
Video: Design Process in Architecture
1.1 What is Architectural Design?
Architectural design is a balance between pragmatic requirements and aesthetics.

The arrangement of spaces facilitates human activities and can also create beauty and enjoyment.

Architectural design creates three-dimensional form.

A building is designed through the horizontal and vertical arrangement of spaces with different proportions
and relationships. This requires careful consideration of how spaces should be linked in a user-friendly
manner.

Architectural design must be structurally feasible.

A building must be structurally stable and self-supporting in order to be usable. Like other elements of the
building, the structure must be designed carefully.
Co-operation of architectural designers and engineers is important.
Model testing can be a way to examine the structural feasibility of the design.
Structural and detail drawings are required for construction.

Architectural design must be contextually relevant.

Architecture should react to its context both physically and culturally. A good building can create an identity
for a place by relating to its site, whether urban or rural. Moreover, sustainable architectural design should
consider its impacts on the larger environment.

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

Like all disciplines of design, architectural design must address user needs and should be aesthetically
pleasing.
User activities determine what spaces a building should contain.

02

1.2 Considerations during the Design Process in Architecture

Four major stages we would go through during a design process in
architecture:
Analysis of the site
Assigning the programmes
Spatial design
Design for details

Site Analysi
s

l Design
a
i
t
a
Sp

In reality, architectural designs

evolve not necessary in a step-bystep basis, but concept can come
from one of these aspects and
influencing the other parts.
Helen Fan

or
ign f Details
s
De

Conceptual sketches
Helen Fan (Above) Chris Wong (Below)
Importance of the review process
Between each stage of design, evaluations should be carried out. An
architect might carry out this process of review with colleagues, clients, and
local officials; design students might work with tutors or classmates.

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

grammes
Pro

Record of ideas
It is important to keep a record of the evolution of ideas during the design
process. These records could be in the following formats:

Sketches
Photography
Models
Collage

Even ideas that seem irrelevant and primitive may prove useful in a later
stage of design or in another architectural project.
Trial and error during the design process
A good design arises from many experiments, both successes and failures.
Do not be afraid of making mistakes but simply keep visualizing your ideas
to provide different alternatives for design solutions.

03

1.2.1 Analysis of the Site

Methodology:
Mapping of urban fabric
Research in museums and archives
Photography
Sketches
On-site survey
physical modelling
Computer modelling

On-site sketches Helen Fan

Site analysis diagrams Helen Fan

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

In an architectural design, both the physical and cultural contexts need to be

addressed.
How can the building relate to the surrounding
neighbourhood?
What kinds of public or shared spaces can the building provide for
the surrounding neighbourhood? What does the existing
context have, and what does it need?
What is the cultural context of the site? What is its historical,
current and future urban development?
Should new buildings adopt a harmonious architectural language
to fit in with the existing urban fabric, or would a contrasting style
provide a stronger identity?
How should the building interact with the physical or
environmental context? Should it sink into the earth, sit on the
ground, or should it be lifted above the ground?
p

Evaluation Points
1. What are the impacts of the building on the urban landscape?
2. What is the urban development of the site? Should new additions be
constructed in phases or all at once?

04

1.2.2 Assigning Programme

Once the context has been analysed, a designer can begin to think about
how to fit the required programmes onto the site. The initial design concept
might be context-based, user-based or aesthetically based, depending on
the clients desires as outlined in the design brief.
Programmes should be assigned in a logical, functional, user-friendly
manner. Research on precedents can help a designer to understand the
typical arrangement of programmes in a particular building type.

hat is the desired spatial hierarchy?

W
How should the building be oriented on the site?
Where should public or private spaces be placed?
Are there any outdoor spaces?
How should the programme be arranged: vertically or horizontally,
symmetrically or randomly?
What is the solid and void relationship of the overall building form? Is it
open or it is enclosed?

1: Assigning programmes on a site plan

2: Massing models of existing context
and proposed circulation
3: Massing sketch
4: Massing model
Helen Fan

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

Methodology:
A schedule of accommodation is a list of all functions required
and the areas needed.
Spatial relationship diagrams can help to design a
programmatic arrangement corresponding to the site.
Sketches
Collage
Physical modelling
Computer modelling
1. How would you describe the overall form of the architecture?

Evaluation Points

2. What are the spatial relationships between the architecture and the
site?
3. How is the building accessed?

05

1.2.3 Spatial Design

Different configurations of programmes will result in different spatial experiences and relationships. The
subdivision of the total site area for each programme may begin for practical reasons, but a designer must
also consider vertical and horizontal layouts, spatial proportioning, and other concepts:
Circulation and movement of users
Entrances, exits and means of escape
Pedestrian and vehicle paths
Width of corridors
Lifts, escalators, ramps and staircases
Interaction of indoor space and outdoor space
Balconies and terraces
Semi-open spaces

Arrangement of rooms
Along an axis or loose, organic organization
Single-loaded or double-loaded corridor
Openings of the building masses
Windows and doors
Courtyards

Universal Design
Barrier-free design for all kinds of users
Further development of the form of the
architecture
Flat roof/ Pitch roof/ Roof with skylight
Round shape/ rectangular shape/ sculptural form
Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

Size of rooms and common spaces

Room widths and depths
Storey heights

Sustainable Design
Natural lighting and ventilation
Green roof and wall
Shading devices

Structural arrangement
Structural grid
Columns and load-bearing walls
Electrical and mechanical fixtures
Methodology:
Architectural plans and sections
Perspective drawings
Physical models
Computer models

Evaluation Points
1. Does the interior space fulfil required programmes?
2. Does the building provide an interesting spatial experience?
3. Is the building energy efficient?
1: Formal experiments explore how a design fits into the existing context
2: Models can help to test out spatial ideas Helen Fan
3: Perspective drawings map a sequence of spaces
Helen Fan

1
2

06

1.2.4 Detailing
A buildings details can intensify the users spatial experience and
perception of scale. Materials can enrich the textures and colours of a space
to create a particular feeling.
Choices of materials and colours
Concrete may create a cold but sturdy feeling
Wood creates warmth but it is not water-resistant
Steel provides many design options
Structural details
Wall-ceiling junctions
Column-ceiling junctions
Overhanging roof/ Green roof
Innovative construction technology

Evaluation Points
1. How do the details enrich the users spatial experience?
2. Are the design elements structurally feasible?
3. Does the design continue to convey the initial design
concept while fulfilling the needs of the user?

Details of windows, doors and railings

Artificial lighting installation
Lighting for working
Lighting for exhibition
Acoustic Design
Noise barriers
Sound enhancement
Methodology:
Architectural detail plans and sections
Material selection diagrams
Physical models
Computer models

1: Structural design over an

architectural plan
2: Detail of a door hinge
3: Choices of marble
4: Choice of colours and materials

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

Finishing
Exposed structure
Wrapped structure with a finishing material

2
3

07

1.3 Architectural Design Presentation

A full presentation should show
1. how the design evolved from a conceptual idea,
2. how the design process was carried out,
3. and what the outcomes of the design process are.
Common ways of presenting architectural design
1. Graphical representation
2. Physical modelling
3. Multi-media presentation

1.3.1 Graphical Representation

Picking the right scale

Different scales highlight different aspects of the design. Sketches
should also be proportional even when precise scale is not applicable.
Common scales are used according to what information the graphical
representation wishes to present. Drawings in a range of scales can
help clients and contractors understand the design comprehensively.

Information
Scales used
Context analysis
1:2000/ 1:1000
Site-architecture relationship
1:1000/ 1:500
Programmes
1:500/ 1:200/ 1:100
Spatial design
1:200/ 1:100
Structural design
1:100/ 1: 50/ 1: 20
Detail design
1:50/ 1:20/ 1:10/ 1:5
C hoosing the right medium
There are many ways to produce graphic representations of an
architectural design. Depending on your skills and the time and
resources available, choosing the right medium can convey the
design concept efficiently and effectively.
Concept presenting
Context analysis
Initial design concept
Architectural design
Spatial experience
Choice of materials
Detail design

Tips
1. Always put scale figures and
surrounding context into some
parts of the presentation.
2. A legend of functions, scale
bars and orientation marks
should be used for effective
communication.

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

Graphical representation is the most fundamental tool of architectural

design. The industry still relies on architectural drawings (plans, sections
and elevations) as the central means of communication. Planning your
graphical presentation includes

Medium used
Photography/ sketches/ collage/ digital drawings
Sketches/ collage/ digital
drawings
Hand-drawings/ CAD drawings
Perspective drawings/ Computer simulation
Digital drawings/ computer
simulation
CAD drawings/ Computer
simulation

08

Architectural plan with legends,

structural grids, dimensions, scale
and orientation and landscape.
q Architectural section showing internal
structure, important dimensions and
human scale

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

09

1.3.2 Physical Modelling

Physical models can be a vivid simulacrum of an architectural design,
showing the whole building or important parts of it. In a presentation,
models from different stages of the design process may be shown.
As with graphical representations, things to consider include
Appropriate scales
Different scales of models may be used at different stages of the design
process, or to explore different elements. (Refer to this section in Graphical
Representation)

Purposes
Context analysis
Massing working models (forms
and programmes)
Sectional models and presentation
models
Details

Medium used
Papers/ cardboards/ foam/
acrylic
Papers/ cardboards/ foam/
acrylic
Papers/ cardboards/ wood/
acrylic/ plaster/ bamboo sticks
Wood/ metals/ plastic

Students should be creative and explore different kinds of materials.

1-4: Working models of different design stages

5: Sectional model showing structure and interior space

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

Modelling materials
Making physical models can be time-consuming but it helps
understand the design in a three-dimensional way. Some materials
are very easy to work with while some are more suitable to
convey the final result of the design process. The scale of the model
also determines what kind of materials is suitable. A structural model
should be a good reflection of materials in real life.

10

Teaching Tips
More about making models, please
refer to Science Topic 03: Model
Making Workshop Structure of Tall
Buildings and Towers.
Teaching Tips
For the practical design process,
reference can be made on Liberal
Studies Topic 02: Public Housing improvement in quality of life.

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

u Site model
q Sectional model/perspective drawing showing
interaction of spaces

11

1.3.3 Multi-media Presentation

There are many design software available for architects to use. Some
software can be used to test building performance, or the materials and
lighting of the design. They can also be used to simulate a live tour through
the architecture. Animation can be convincing to an audience.
Multimedia should be incorporated wisely into a design presentation to
show the overall design, spatial experience or any transformation of the
design. However, it should not be the only presentation medium used for
the presentation.

Material and lighting simulation in a design software

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

Common software used includes

AutoCAD
CorelDRAW
Sketchup
3D Studio MAX
Rhino
Maya

12

Examples of Architectural Presentation

1. Design Concept

7. Working Models

3. Testing of Materials

4. Spatial Design

6. Digital Simulation
8. Presentation Models
Helen Fan

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

2. Working Process

5. Architectural Plans
and Sections

13

Summary
1. Architectural design is a balance between user experience and formal aesthetics. A building is a
fusion of three-dimensional spaces that must be structurally feasible and contextually appropriate.
2. The four major stages of an architectural design process are: analysis of the site, assigning the
programme, spatial design, and detail design.
3. Three common ways of presenting architectural designs are: graphical representation, physical
modelling, and multi-media presentation.

Key words

Further reading
1. ChicagoArchToday: Architectural Model Making Videos
ht t p : / / www. youtube.com/w at c h?v=47lD _XQ 5ID 8
2. Barry Berkus: How To Think Like An Architect: The Design Process
ht t p : / / www. youtube.com/w at c h?v=vmHoGicPQQQ
3. Architect Bjarke Ingels: Mountain Dwelling
ht t p : / / www. big. dk/ pr oject s /mt n/
4. RTHK 2007 : (Cantonese)
ht t p: / / r thk. hk/ e le ar ning/ar c hit ect ur et our/index .ht m
5. Hong Kong Institute of Architects. Hong Kong: ET Press, 2002

Organizer

Sponsor

Design and Applied Technology | Video: Design Process in Architecture

Architectural design
Context
Programme
Schedule of accommodation
Spatial hierarchy

Research Team

14