Overview of design process in architecture.

1. Theory of Design
SSU University
Design Process Overview
Ar Shakti Nanda

2. Drafting Terminology
— Plan: properly called ‘plan section’. A horizontal view that is the
result of ‘cutting’ through the object/space horizontally, to reveal
what is below the cut.
— Section: usually, but not always, meaning ‘vertical section’. A
vertical cut through an object or space to reveal the thicknesses of
the objects that have been cut, such as walls in a building.
— Elevation: a straight on, frontal view of a surface, such as a chair,
a wall, a guitar. An elevation drawing only shows the surface
characteristics of its subject
— Axonometric & Isometric: three dimensional images that convey
the mass and some of the surface of an object or space.

3. Scale
— What is a scale drawing?
— A scale is a ratio representing the size of an
illustration or reproduction, especially a map
or a model, in relation to the object it represents.
— It is a comparison of sizes.
— The purpose of creating scale drawings is to allow the
drafter to create a drawing which is proportionately the
same as the artifact it represents.

4. Isometric Projection
— Isometric drawing is drawn around three lines, or an
isometric axis.
— The three lines are similar to the edges of a cube.
— The two base lines are drawn at an angle of 30
degrees.

5. Development of
CONCEPTUAL PLAN

6. Orthographic Projection
— This method of drawing takes any object and breaks it
down into each of its six sides.
— Imagine an object placed into a clear cube so you can
isolate one of the sides at a time.
— By tradition the front, top and right side are used. This
would allow you get the information you need to draw
the object.

7. Perspective Drawing
— The object gets smaller the farther away it is.
— This is called ‘diminution.’
— The artist/draftsperson is free to choose 1,2 or 3
vanishing points on the horizon.

8. What is a Site Plan

9. Site Planning
Site planning involves arranging structures on the land and shaping spaces between them.
It is an art linked to architecture, and city planning. The site plan locates objects and
activities in space and time. It may be concerned with a small cluster of houses, a single
building and the surrounding space, or a small community built in a single operation.
Environmental Factors
Environmental study for architectural design involves collection of data, reconnaissance
survey, creative ability and imagination, and the design of solutions to solve building
problems.
When an architect is given a design assignment, there are many environmental factors that
are to be considered. The site is the major factor that has to be considered. Site means the
area or the land that is meant for the construction of the proposed project. Site Planning is
the art and science of arranging the various portions of a particular piece of land according
to their uses. The site planner decides on the uses of the site in detail by selecting and
analyzing it for the various characteristics of soil, slope, vegetation, etc.
The landscape involves the design of outside space. This should be thought about carefully
to make an architectural design complete. The climate at the location at the site is very
important as it affects the building that is to be constructed. Services such as water supply,
drainage, sanitation, electricity, fire protection, air-conditioning system, etc. also have to be
considered in order to make an architectural design complete.
Identification of site and its preparation
Each site has a unique nature of its own. The purpose for which it is to be used should be
clearly understood. Every site when disturbed takes time to experience the mutual
adjustment of its elements. For example, the flow of water creates a drainage pattern. Many
factors are involved in the analysis of the site. These include the factors above the ground,
below the ground and on the ground, as discussed in the following.

10. Natural Factors
Geology
Topography-slope analysis
Hydrography-streams, lakes, swamps
Soil – classification of types and uses
Vegetation
Wildlife
Climate factors – solar orientation, summer, winter winds, humidity, precipitation
Geology
The type of rock below the surface of soil, the depth, and the characteristic features of rock should be
identified. Such rocks could act as a foundation for many buildings. These are natural and could form
visible landforms. The stability of such geological formations is also important.
Topography
The form of land is called its topography. This is the most important factor to be analysed. Geology and
the slow process of natural erosion (soil being worn away because of wind or water) are responsible for
landforms and slopes. A topographic survey will reveal the badly drained areas and natural drainage
channels. It will be also reveal places that have good views and parts of the site that are visible or hidden
from any selected point outside the site. The slopes will decide the roads and paths; a steep slope will
increase building costs.
Hydrography
Hydrography provides information about all types of water bodies present in and around the site: lakes,
streams, any marshy land(swamps), or natural wells. It also reveals the availability or otherwise of a
groundwater table and the depth at which it is available.

12. Soil
The different types of soil present are analysed. Soil decides the stability of land,
foundation, suitability, excavation, erosion, drainage, and plant growth(as the top soil is
essential for good plant growth). The bearing capacity of soil is an important factor to be
considered while locating buildings.
Vegetation
A study of vegetation helps in locating large existing trees, which can be retained. These
can be used for providing seating. The ecology of the area should also be examined to
know what plants or shrubs would grow in that area.
Wildlife
This is an important consideration when choosing sites for parks and recreation. Fishing
and hunting are major recreational activities. The selection of land suitable for such
activities depends on natural wildlife present in the area. Wildlife also adds form, colour
and movement to the landscape.
One might also want to be informed about the wildlife present in the area to preserve it and
not disturb the animals natural habitats due to the construction.
Climatic Factors
Across a piece of land, the elevation difference, character of topography, vegetation cover,
and water bodies influence the climate of that area. On the other hand, precipitation and
temperature are the major factors affecting vegetation. In cool and temperate climates,
vegetation may be used to block winter winds.

13. Cultural Factors
Existing land use – ownership of adjacent property and off-site nuisance
Linkages
Traffic and transit-vehicular and pedestrian circulation on or adjacent to site.
Density and floor area ratio
Utilities – sanitation , water, gas, electricity, storm water drainage.
Existing buildings
Historic factors – historic buildings and landmarks.
Existing land use
This implies a survey of the present status of the land-whether it is residential, commercial, industrial or
recreational. The ownership of the adjacent site will also affect the land being surveyed.
Offsite nuisances: Disturbances from outside and around the site have to be studied.
Visual nuisance elements: Power lines, water tower, certain industrial complexes, highways, advertisement
boards, junkyards(waste dumps), etc., are some examples of eye-sore elements that have to be taken into
account.
Possible auditory nuisance: Noise produced by heavy automobiles, trains, air traffic etc. and the
surrounding population has to be studied.
Olfactory nuisance: Dumps, chemicals, other wastes in and around the site have to be taken care of.
Safety Hazards: Severe or sudden changes in landform, such as a steep cliff at the edge of the site have to
be noted.

17. Site plans
Site plans usually show the extent of the site but no surrounding detail. Recommended scales
are:
1 : 500
1 : 200
The function of the site plan is to show:
• The location of the building or buildings in relation to their surroundings.
• The topography of the site, with both existing and finished levels.
• Buildings to be demolished or removed.
• The extent of earthworks, included, cutting and filling, and the provision of bank and
retaining walls.
• Roads, footpaths and paved areas.
• Planting.
• The layout of external service runs, including drainage, water, gas, electricity, telephone,
etc.
• The layout of external lighting.
• Fencing, walls and gates.
• The location of miscellaneous external components – bollards, litter bins, etc.

18. Development of
CONCEPTUAL PLAN
Understand and analyze the requirements, flow, circulation, space needs, connections,
zoning etc by developing a flow diagrams and bubble diagrams on the site.

19. Development of
CONCEPTUAL PLAN
Understand and analyze the requirements, flow, circulation, space needs, connections,
zoning etc by developing a flow diagrams and bubble diagrams on the site.

20. Development of
CONCEPTUAL PLAN
Single line plan and proportionate sketching

21. Development of
CONCEPTUAL PLAN
Single line plan and proportionate sketching

22. Development of
CONCEPTUAL PLAN
Single line plan and proportionate sketching

23. Development of
CONCEPTUAL PLAN
Single line plan and proportionate sketching

27. Basic floor plan
If a set of working drawings for a project is prepared, the floor plans may
be divided into five elements in the following manner:
(1) Primary elements
(2) Secondary elements
(3) Plumbing Services (piped and ducted)
(4) Electrical Services
(5) Fittings

28. General arrangement plans
Should included:
• Walls
• Main openings in walls (i.e. doors and windows)
• Partitions
• Main openings in partitions (doors)
• Door swing
• Room names and numbers
• Grid references (when applicable)
• Stairs (in outline)
• Fixed furniture (including loose furniture where its disposition in a room is
predetermined - e.g. desks set out on a modular gird, etc.)
• Sanitary fittings
• Cupboards
• North point