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The architectural design process may seem straightforward, but there are many things to consider before you begin.
To create a project that is functional, beautiful, and sustainable, highly professional architects base their decisions on the following factors:
Table of Contents
1. Site and Location
2. Environment and Sustainability
3. Functional Requirements
4. Structural Design
5. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEPs)
6. esthetics and Form
7. Regulatory Compliance
8. Financial Considerations
9. Social and Cultural Factors
10. Technological Integration
11. Project Management
A thorough site analysis is conducted before any design is considered. This will reveal the chosen site’s limitations, considerations, and design opportunities.
Completing a site analysis is one methodology used to evaluate the environment and condition of the site itself.
The following factors will be determined from the site and location:
The elevation and slope of the site are considered its topography. Any major hills or dips could limit a certain design or require extra excavation to remedy.
The topography will also determine the drainage path and any potential problems with proper drainage on site.
Landscape elements present at the site could also be a potential for integration into the design or a factor in determining whether a design will fit.
Large boulders could be a major problem — or a major element — in the project’s exterior design.
The current vegetation can dictate how best to proceed with landscape architecture for the site.
Experienced architects know how to maximize natural light and minimize energy consumption by optimizing the building’s orientation.
The sun’s path and direction of oncoming winds will all affect the best orientation of the building on site.
The local temperature, humidity levels, and amount of rainfall expected per year should be considered in the design.
Analyzing soil composition and stability for footing and foundational design is vital. Without this crucial step, your building may have cracked foundations or worse.
Learn more: Mastering Commercial Slab-On-Foundations: A Comprehensive Guide to Unlocking Essential Knowledge
Accessibility for vehicles, pedestrians, and public transport is a factor in designing the entrances, landscaping, and even placement of the building itself.
Nearby buildings, landscapes, and urban planning regulations can also affect the design of a project.
You may want to blend in with the surrounding context or stick out, but you won’t know how to do either unless you know the surrounding architecture and landscaping.
And, no matter how determined you are about a certain design, you will have to readjust your thinking if urban planning regulations don’t allow it.
Sustainable design has become a high priority in construction, especially for commercial projects.
Companies are concerned about their project’s environmental impact on the community and the world.
There are many ways that a project can be made more sustainable and environmentally friendly:
Renewable energy, such as passive solar design, extra insulation, and energy-efficient systems, are all considered in building design to reduce energy consumption.
Water waste is also a concern for environmentally conscious designers. When possible, they incorporate rainwater harvesting and greywater systems into their designs.
Efficient plumbing is always important. Low-flow faucets, leak detectors, and toilets with smaller flushes can help conserve water.
Prioritizing the procurement of eco-friendly, recycled, and locally sourced materials is necessary for sustainable building practices.
As a standard to meet for energy efficiency, sustainability, and green building practices, project owners may aim to earn LEED, BREEAM, or WELL certifications.
These can not only earn the project and company respect, trust, and commendation, but can also increase the project’s overall value.
A designer will also aim to preserve and, when possible, enhance local flora and fauna to help sustain the natural habitats on site.
The first goal in design principles is to create a structure that will function as its intended goal. These elements are all required to make a building functional:
Functional spaces are tailored to the user’s needs and activities.
Another way to improve space planning is to include scalability. In other words, the structure should be designed to accommodate fluctuations in occupancy size and intentions.
Compliance with ADA or other relevant standards is necessary for projects to gain approval from local building committees.
These standards ensure that those with disabilities can access the building safely. The ADA may require a project to build ramps, elevators, accessible drinking fountains, and bathroom facilities.
Adaptability requires multifunctional spaces. This can be accomplished using modular components that can be moved without significant structural changes on an open floor plan.
Traffic flow should always be considered when deciding on the floor plan of a particular space.
To achieve efficient and logical movement paths for people and goods, obstructions must be removed and extra space allowed.
To reduce clutter, every structure should have adequate storage solutions for various needs. Of course, storage can be hidden within any unused space to maximize its potential. Experienced designers can be innovative in finding unique ways to incorporate storage space.
The most beautiful and theoretically functional designs can be rendered useless if they are not built structurally sound. Engineering principles will ensure that a design maintains structural integrity through the years.
The design must sustain the expected loads, including dead, live, and environmental loads.
Choosing durable and long-lasting building materials — such as steel, concrete, and timber — ensures the structure will meet the necessary specifications.
In areas considered to be seismic zones, structural design is fortified to meet the standards for earthquake resistance.
Another aspect of structural integrity is aerodynamic considerations, which ensure the structure can withstand the most extreme wind loads typical for the area.
To further increase the value of the structure, designers make adjustments to make it easy to maintain and inspect for repairs.
Architecture projects are more than just beautiful buildings. They should be well-running machines.
The MEPS design considerations will examine how to improve the efficiency of a structure’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Designers consider the dimensions, equipment, and ductwork of ventilation and air conditioning systems to ensure efficient building heating and cooling.
Incorporating a mix of natural and artificial lighting solutions can transform a space. Another way lighting enters the design is by adding a lighting hierarchy for focal points and visual interest. Lighting controls such as dimmers, sensors, and automation can all add to the efficiency of the building.
The type of electrical systems within the building will depend on the structure’s intended use, the amount of power needed, and the sufficient power distribution.
The location and wattage of outlets will need to be mapped out. Any energy-saving technologies will be considered and incorporated when possible.
Most projects will require water supply, drainage, and waste management. These systems need an organized layout to function properly.
To save lives in case of fire, a fire detection and suppression system will need to be included in the design, along with safe exit routes.
Visual appeal is the artistic design approach that many architects become famous for. From Frank Lloyd Wright’s clean lines to Eero Saarinen’s swooping curves, aesthetics and form are truly memorable aspects of architectural design.
The typology of architecture chosen for the project should align with its vision and context.
Many architects utilize symmetry and balance to maintain harmony in the building’s proportions and scale. 3D and 2D design elements can create these visual effects without actuality.
Good designers choose materials and finishes that enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal and harmonize with its surroundings. This is a principle highly prioritized in interior design.
The use of a cohesive color palette ensures the structure is aesthetically pleasing.
Smaller architectural details contribute to the overall design, such as tactile notes and biophilic elements.
Every construction project has a list of rules to follow. The parameters these rules enforce must be adhered to, or the project could come to a halt.
The design must incorporate the following codes, laws, and standards:
Local, state, and international building codes are published on their corresponding websites. Architects and engineers must educate themselves on these codes before designing a structure and applying them to the project.
The local zoning board, either city or county, will publish zoning regulations and land use policies for each site. Designers must adhere to the zoning laws that govern the project location.
Professionals will always follow structural integrity, fire safety, and occupant health standards.
Responsible parties will obtain all necessary permits and approvals from the relevant authorities by providing them with proposed project plans.
Should the permitting committee deny approval due to the design, recommended changes may be made.
Capital, cash flow, and cost are all key factors in project design. Designers have to stick to the boundaries set by the project owner in this regard.
Designers must have a realistic budget covering:
The design team will also evaluate the cost implications of design choices before implementing them.
Other factors that designers will consider and try to minimize are the project’s long-term maintenance and operational costs.
Limited financing options and funding sources could place restraints on the design of a project.
Behind every building design are the people that will use it. They come from a community with unique cultural and social standards. These standards must be integrated into the design of the project.
Commercial projects address the needs and preferences of the local community to be successful.
The project design should also respect and incorporate the cultural and historical context of the community.
Research and collaboration may be required to truly understand these factors. Ensure you don’t misuse colors, symbols, or images that are meaningful to the community.
Using local traditional building materials and techniques could build trust among your new neighbors.
Designers prioritize user comfort, safety, and satisfaction to enhance the user experience. Proper lighting, ergonomics, acoustics, and temperature control can achieve this.
A balance between privacy and openness will also need to be struck.
Inclusive and engaging spaces for the public to use will add a social aspect to the structure.
New technological advancements in the building and design industry occur every year. These developments can improve project functionality, save money, and bolster structural integrity.
Many designers integrate smart features into the building’s main system, including automation, security, and energy management.
These 3D modeling software programs can be used to streamline design, visualization, and project management.
It also helps keep all team members on the same page and reduces miscommunication-related project hiccups.
In the past, the building industry discovered prefabrication, modular construction, and other innovative techniques to save time and money on building projects.
Commercial projects can take advantage of these innovative methods in various ways. Tilt-up concrete walls and prefab steel frames are two relatively new but common commercial building practices.
The project design must be able to be realized in a real world application.
When beginning a new project, designers will meet with the project owners to discuss the details. They will ask about the scope of work and objectives to better understand the best design approach.
The design must follow a realistic project timeline with achievable milestones.
Designers will do their utmost to promote effective communication and coordination among the project team. They will encourage collaboration and consider any feedback given about the design.
Ultimately, the project has to be completed according to the owner’s wishes. Multiple design reviews and constant communication are essential to ensure all stakeholders are pleased with the result. A post-occupancy checkup will serve as a final seal of approval should everything meet their expectations.
As you can see, many factors shape the design of an architectural project. Our approach to every project is to bring them all harmoniously together.
What are your project’s design considerations?
Contact FMP Construction to discuss how to incorporate them.
