The architectural concept is fundamental in the design process of student projects. Sufficient consistency of the idea means that the project is also based on solid ground. However, the architectural concept is also one of the most challenging points for students. Finding an intellectually sound starting point and turning it into a fully functional structure is indeed a process that requires significant effort. We hope that these essential tips will help you in your search for architectural concepts.
Intellectual Basis
There are ‘right’ and ‘wrong,’ not ‘good’ or ‘bad’ when it comes to the architectural concept. If the idea (or notion) you are working with hasn’t been accepted, it probably isn’t consistent in itself. So you can always try to brainstorm yourself. You don’t have to wait for a jury to criticize your concept. Thinking about the possible criticisms that others may bring will allow you to find the weaknesses and, if any, inconsistencies of the architectural concept.
At the same time, some definitions or concepts cannot be architectural concepts. These, by their very nature, can be the conditions of an architectural project. For example, ‘functionality’ or ‘usefulness’ cannot be words defining an architectural concept because these are the features that every design should already have.
Avoid Imitation
When creating the architectural concept, your starting point can be anything. Of course, there is no limitation in this regard. However, in some cases, your architectural concept’s starting point may be an object with its form. In this case, the state will inevitably shift to the item in question during the design process. In short, you provide an example of biomimicry design.
Although biomimicry is an accepted field of architecture, projects that try to emulate a particular shape or directly imitate it are not considered vital in architectural concepts. Creating an architectural image based on physical similarities may cause you not to fill the project’s underlying sufficiently in terms of thought.
Sketches Are Your Friend
Small sketches describe the architectural concept best. These sketches can even consist entirely of scribbles. All you have to do is take a pen in your hand and record your thought flow while thinking about your architectural concept.
A word you write, half-sentences, or quick doodles can give you the greatest inspiration for the architectural concept.
Mood Board
In the architectural concept, your sketches are the best sources that guide you. But when it comes to presenting them to a group, you need to put your sketches in a much more readable form. At this point, the mood board can help you.
Mood boards are one of the most comfortable presentation options to explain your architectural concept. You can also put your sketches or scribbles on them as is. The purpose of the mood board is to see the stages of the architectural concept in one go.