Project conceptualization
The beginning of conceptualization is the creative process of translating the results of all previous research and analysis into useful forms, which will be represented graphically.
The concept is the essence of architectural design, it is understood as the transition of a subjective idea and its materialization, as a metaphor projected in a space that gives meaning to the architectural process. A clear concept that guides the function and aesthetic value of any design, avoiding falling into formal whims.
The choice of concept is usually a headache for the architect or student, many of us have Having gone through the “blank paper crisis”, the first step to land ideas is perhaps the most difficult in the design process, and creativity is developed by exercising graphic expression as a fundamental quality in the composition process.
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In reality, there are no good or bad concepts, but rather a poor approach and development of conceptualization. To do this, prior knowledge of variables that can be interpreted by one or more qualities is required. The conception of the idea must be studied and understand what you want to express, be clear about where you want to go and how you want to get there.
The conceptualization process consists primarily of a collection of information and analogies, in the search for key points to structure an architectural proposal that comprehensively meets the needs raised. To clearly define the concept of a building or architectural space, questions such as:
What is it for? How does it develop? What is? How does it transcend time? What does it mean for the author and for society?
In this way, the composition of the space consists of integrating a whole context of variables in an efficient and original design proposal that must be guided not only by a formal character but also by a natural, cultural and social context. The designer must understand the basic needs of society, consider the environment, its characteristics and values that serve as a guide in the conceptualization of the architectural space and its aesthetic appearance.
During the creative process of design conceptualization, elements intervene, of which I will name the most essential:
1. Hipótesis de diseño. Acercamiento conceptual del objeto a diseñar, que posteriormente será sujeto a modificaciones. Se consideran al mismo tiempo los aspectos de contexto arquitectónico, criterios estructurales, forma, función, presupuesto e incluso estética.
2. Zoning. Ordering of the components of the design established in the programa arquitectónico based on logical and functional relationships between them.
3. Outline. three-dimensional structuring of Architectural Diagram, applied in a specific space with emphasis on the qualities of the system, subsystem, components and subcomponents.
4. Starting point. Materialization of the solution to the architectural problem, shaping the spaces designed to fulfill their function.
Sometimes two or three matches (preliminary design options) are made before deciding on one that will become a Blueprint.
The most used analogies in the conceptualization that have served as the basis for the development of a project are:
- Relevance and contribution to the construction system. The construction technique becomes relevant in the use, exploitation, combination and creation of construction systems, installations, among others.
2. Contextual adaptation. Its base of inspiration is the physical environment that surrounds it, natural and artificial.
3. Formal metaphors. Relates your design formally to known objects, without copying them identically.
4. Historical implications. Through the play of well-identified historical elements, the design provides a derivation from its base of inspiration or a new language.
5. Religious, mythological inspirations. Expresses materially, spiritual concepts based on common beliefs with personal interpretation or individual ideas.
6. Vernacular inspirations. They have as bases the architecture made by its inhabitants.
7. 7. Formal Exploration. Formal, regular or irregular language predominates, being able to use the module. The perceptive game, light and shadow, comes into action.
8. Metaphor of some idea. The designer expresses in three dimensions some intangible idea such as tranquility, silence, passion.
9. Analogy with nature. Study the organic forms of animals, plants or minerals, to interpret and express them in a design.
10. Political-social-economic expression. It tries to represent or give the image of the historical moment that its society is experiencing.
These concepts should not necessarily be seen individually, rather understand them separately in order to make decisions when designing.
“If a work is intense, valid and has a powerful idea, it will make the imperfections remain in the background”.
Alberto Campo Baeza.
As an example of this phase of the creative process, I share with you the conceptualization work of the ANTILLES Center for Mental Health Healing project.
Sarah Tió | Professor of Architecture and Design