Kuwait University College of Engineering and Petroleum Department of Architecture Architectural Design 4 Spring 2009 Dr.

Yasser Mahgoub

Dr. Yasser Mahgoub

Digitally signed by Dr. Yasser Mahgoub DN: CN = Dr. Yasser Mahgoub, C = KW, O = Kuwait University, OU = Dept. of Architecture Reason: I am the author of this document Date: 2009.03.29 08:37:48 +03'00'

Design Concepts

What is a concept? Why is it important to have a concept in your design? How to communicate your concept?

Introduction
The design process works with information and ideas simultaneously on many levels. Designing is a reciprocal action and reflection. One assembles the puzzle picture by searching for fits; piece after piece is picked up, tried, and found to be a misfit until, finally, the right piece steps into place. The designers mind searches memory to find elements that meet their needs of the given problem.

Introduction
Creativity comes into play and the efforts to find approaches that will be original, aesthetically satisfying, valid solutions to the problems defined through programming. Even experienced and highly skilled designers often find it difficult how this aspect of the design process works. They will say that they think about the problem until they are hit by an idea.

Concepts Sphere Diagram

Definitions of Concept
Idea Theory Notion Parti (French) Conception Opinion Abstraction Philosophy Belief Inspiration Image View Intention Plan Fancy Thought Impression Hypothesis Supposition DESIGN

Dimensions of Concepts
Any building concept should provide: Exterior Expression Interior Experience

Levels of Expression
The concept should be appeal to both: The Normal Layman The Professional Specialist

Elements of Concept Generation and Expression

Function Form Materials Structure Lighting Ventilation Socio-Cultural Experiential Meaning Philosophy

Concepts Translations Visual and Verbal

Concept Generators and Design Levels

Concept

Philosophy Meaning Experience Sustainability Design Levels Socio-Cultural Structure Form Function

Concepts Criteria Summary

Concept Generators

Site Determinants
Topography Climate Geography Demographic Geology History Social characteristics and conditions Economic conditions Legal, legislative and administrative conditions Location and visual aspects Land use Characteristics of man-made environment Circulation Technology Others

Physical Concepts
Location View Harmony with nature Underground architecture

Cultural Factors
Historical factors Religious factors Social factors Economic factors Political factors Functional factors

Spatial Relations
The pragmatic space The perceptual space The existential space The cognitive space The abstract space

Qualities of Space
Proportion Scale Form Definition Color Texture Pattern Enclosure Light View

Visual Design Factors: Form Characteristics

Continuity Sequence Repetition and Rhythm Balance: Symmetrical & Asymmetrical Proportion Pattern, texture and color Hierarchy Transparency Direction Motion Time Sensory Qualities

Visual Design Factors: Visual factors

Visual perception: Structural approach - Evaluative approach Orientation Spacescape Lynch 1 (Image of the City): path, node, edge, district, and landmarks Lynch 2 (Theory of Place): Legibility, Structure and Identity, Imageability and Sequentiality

Visual Design Factors: Visual Organization

Gestalt Theory (Proximity, similarity, continuity, closure) Law of Proximity Law of Similarity Law of Continuity: good continuance Law of Closure: forces of organization Symmetry, Inclusiveness, Unity, Harmony, Regularity, Conciseness, Maximal Simplicity

Illustrations of Concepts

Illustrations of Concepts

Illustrations of Concepts

Examples

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