Architectural design is all around us. Whether you’re familiar with the term or this is the first time you’re delving into the topic, this article is for you. To understand what architectural design is, the first step is to realise that it is something that plays a massive part in shaping the world we live in.
For our construction company in Norfolk, architectural design is something we employ the use of for the many home construction projects we undertake each year. As experts in architectural design, we’re well-placed to be the ones to introduce you to this pioneering discipline.
Within this article, we will uncover what architectural design truly is and how it differs from architecture. Plus, we will identify some of the most well-known types of architectural design; how this is used in home construction and the services available; and to finish off, explain why it is so important.
What is Architectural Design?
Architectural design is an architectural discipline that identifies and pieces together the elements that create a building. An architectural designer will utilise a mix of creativity, technological expertise, and particular tools to come up with the technological and aesthetic features of a building.
The name hints at its purpose, which is to consider and establish the design and architecture associated with a building. Within architectural design, many factors are considered and established, such as size, shape, space utilisation, colours, aesthetics, and how these all blend together to create the final result.
Architectural design may be better understood when it is split into the three principles that make up the discipline. Those three principles are:
- The objects that make up a design
- The intention behind a design
- The design’s aesthetic and technical features
To sum up, the architectural design process establishes the design of a building, comprising multiple phases that consider every aspect of creating such spaces, which are geometry, space and artistry.
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The Difference Between Architectural Design and Architecture
Architectural design and architecture can be misconstrued as being the same thing. However, they are different.
As we have identified, architectural design uses artistry and technological expertise to create the design of a building. Not only does this confirm the visual aspect of a design, but also the functionality – its purpose.
Architecture, on the other hand, is the process of taking this vision, created through architectural design, and turning it into a physical manifestation. An architect helps to turn a vision into reality by addressing the technical side of construction. A project will then be passed onto the builders, who will follow the path laid out by both the architectural designer and architect to create the final product.
Types of Architectural Design: Real-Life Examples
At the beginning of this article, it was explained that architectural design has shaped the world around us. Housing, buildings and famous landmarks each have their own architectural design and all fit into a certain bracket.
While each type of architectural design is different, they all share the typical architectural design process, which combines both architecture and design to create a tangible building.
Greek and Roman Classic
Ancient Greek and Roman architecture is one of the most notable and known worldwide. With this architectural design, columns, pediments, symmetry, stone and marble were commonly used. Examples of this include the Roman Colosseum and The Parthenon.
Gothic
This architectural design style is seen all across Europe. Feats of engineering achieved in the 12th-13th century allowed for the construction of very large structures, and Gothic architectural elements, like the pointed arch and flying buttress, became common practice for buildings of this magnitude and importance. Examples include Notre Dame and Westminster Abbey.
Tudor
This type of architectural design was mainly used for domestic homes in Britain. It is chiefly identified through its use of half-timber work, groupings of rectangular windows and bay windows, and brickwork that was sometimes patterned. One example is East Barsham Manor in Norfolk.
Victorian
Buildings constructed during the reign of Queen Victoria were marked as a building style of the Gothic Revival and boasted the use of rich, vivid colours, asymmetry, and decorative details. Examples include The Royal Albert Hall and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Arts & Crafts
Showing off a more rustic and homely design is Arts & Crafts architecture. This type is inspired by the farms and cottages located in rural England. Arts & Crafts architecture can be identified through its use of varying materials, its focus on craftsmanship, and simple shapes.
Modern
With a more “common sense” approach, modern architectural design saw buildings that prioritised function over form. Modern architecture is known for its use of sharpness and simplicity and often is made up of materials such as glass and steel. These buildings were also designed to be practical and make good use of light.
Post-Modern
Post-modern came about as an argument against modern design and the strict rules that came with it. Many different styles can be included in this type of architecture but are typically noticeable by their odd designs and ability to push boundaries set by modern architectural design.
Neo-Futurism
Sparking in the late 20th century to early 21st century, neo-futuristic architectural design is inspired by the future and sets forth the idea of what modern buildings should look like. To identify neo-futurism, look for cutting-edge designs that seemingly defy the laws of physics.
Residential Architectural Design
Some construction companies cater to a residential market, like Bespoke Construction Group, and as part of their offerings can deliver architectural design services to their clients. So, how does residential architectural design work?
When it comes to residential architectural design for new builds this is used to create a living space that perfectly matches the desires and solves the needs of the people/families who will occupy them. It’s during the architectural design process that a living space will be designed to work in tune with the client’s lifestyle and aesthetic. This is why residential architectural design is commonly known as the practice that turns a house into a home.
It’s all about providing the essential assets that will help to take the vision and turn it into reality. As part of the architectural design process, all aspects of a living space are considered and accounted for. Such aspects include daily home life, privacy and leisure. However, it’s not just custom homes that benefit from architectural design services.
House Extension Architectural Design
For people who are hoping to enlarge their home with a house extension, they could employ an architectural designer to help them. They will apply the same principles used for new build projects and work with the client to create a house extension that not only looks appealing but, most importantly, is a functional and practical solution to extending the home.
House Renovation Architectural Design
The same is true for home renovation projects. For those who wish to remodel their home, an architectural designer can act as that guiding hand when giving a home a fresh new look. And, as we know, as part of the architectural design process, there will also be a strong focus on functionality, ensuring a home can still perform optimally following renovation.
What are the Main Architectural Design Services?
A construction company that also offers architectural design services can also be known as a design and build construction company. Within this type of project, there are a few main architectural services that would likely be utilised. These include:
- Preliminary Drawings – These are the initial drawings of a construction project – which could be a new build or home improvement project – and they are used to communicate ideas and concepts to team members or a client.
- Architectural Drawings – These are more complex technological drawings that can be produced by both designers and architects. They will offer more detailed information about the building being built.
- Working Drawings – These drawings go a step further to provide more specific details, such as electrical and mechanical information. The purpose of these drawings is to be passed to different workers, such as contractors or specific specialists, to work from.
- Structural Design Engineer Calculations – To ensure the structural integrity of the building being built, precise designs and accurate calculations will need to be made.
Why is Architectural Design Important?
We’ve explored the fact that architectural design is employed to create buildings and living spaces regarding how they will look and work – aesthetic and functionality. Yet, there are extra concerns that this discipline addresses within construction, such as safety and sustainability. Indeed incredible living spaces should be built with their visual appeal and functionality in mind, but they also must be safe and in some cases sustainable.
In a more general sense, architectural design contributes so much to the world around us. Housing, schools and hospitals are just a few examples of assets that have been made possible with the help of architectural design. So, with that in mind, it’s no wonder why this architectural discipline is seen as something very important.
If you’re interested in accessing high-quality architectural design services for your home or commercial construction project, then Bespoke Construction Group could help. We are a team made up of the best professionals in the industry and are passionate about creating breathtaking living spaces. Browse our architectural design portfolio or reach out to our team with your enquiry and we would be happy to help.
