In architecture, a design concept and the concept design (or conceptual design) process are two important terms to understand. They are both ‘big picture’ elements that set the stage for the rest of the design process.
While the design concept is the ‘big idea’ that drives all the decisions throughout the design process, the conceptual design phase is the first step in bringing the project to life. This includes sketches and drawings that begin to incorporate program and site conditions with the client’s goals and the big overarching idea.
What is an Architecture Design Concept?
The design concept is the core idea that guides the design. You can think of it as being similar to the ‘theme’ of a story. In the same way that you can imagine it being hard to sit down with the goal of writing ‘a really good story,’ it’s hard to start out with the broad idea of designing a ‘really nice building.’
It helps to narrow it down and set up guiding principles. This is why we like to develop a ‘concept’ early on in the project.
In a story, a theme can be something like ‘a coming of age story, darkness and light, tradition meets rebellion’ or something as clean and simple as ‘revenge.’
In architecture, you are working with a more abstract form of narrative, while also taking care of the practical considerations of site, budget, construction techniques, and so on. The range of concept that architects use is broad. Some use very abstract ideas, drawing from literature or philosophy, while some use pragmatic terms, based on spatial flow, organization or a site constraint. Some architects use a concept that defines the overall feel, character or atmosphere of the spaces. It will also be inspired by the client’s vision and personality.
In either case, it’s helpful when you are testing a detail or making a decision to have this unifying idea to go back to and ask yourself: ‘Does this fit with the concept?’ This helps to connect the project elements and make them cohesive. In complex architectural projects, a designer will have many good ideas, but a bunch of disconnected good ideas won’t make for a good building.
A clear concept keeps things cohesive, and helps the architect decide which ideas to keep and which to save for later.
How Does the Concept Design Process Work?
Every architect has their own design process, and has different ways to start a design. Projects have a wide range of conditions, opportunities and constraints to understand before the design can take shape. Some sites require a great deal or analysis to understand. This can involve sun and wind studies, slope and topographic conditions, water table concerns, soil conditions, and so on. There can also be conditions imposed by a regulating authority, whether it’s HOA restrictions, town design review board guidelines, or zoning ordinances. A feasibility study can be part of this early discovery, looking at size, program, budget alongside the design vision.
There needs to be a good understanding of what the client wants, what is most important to them, their hopes, dreams and vision. Some clients are excited about a specific building material (ie. strawbale, rammed earth.) Some want their house to feel like a meditation spa, or want the house to be built in a specific period style. Some have ideas about spatial flow or how their unique lifestyle needs guide the design. Parts of this process will be highly collaborative, with meetings, journaling exercises and brainstorming sessions to understand how the design can best serve the client.
All of this info will guide the conceptual design process, and any of these items could inspire the overall ‘concept’.
Once the designer has worked through this series of analysis, the concept design can start. This is often a loose, free-flowing, visual process to start generating an idea of how the building might take shape. Your architect will be sketching or using software to test building layouts and forms.
Here the ‘concept’ can become the driver of the design. If the concept is abstract, the early diagrams will show how this abstract idea influences the form or the organization of spaces. If the concept deals with specific site conditions, these diagrams will outline how the building will address the site. If the concept is driven by something in the client’s vision, a sense of the overall atmosphere of the building, the sketches might focus on showing how light and shadow and materials define the experience.
The final concept design serves as a roadmap for subsequent phases of the project, guiding the development of detailed architectural plans and construction documents, which become more detailed and ‘real’ at each phase.
What Is The Purpose Of A Concept?
The purpose of a concept in architecture is to provide a clear and coherent foundation for the entire design process.
A well-defined concept is a guiding principle, or spark of inspiration that helps your architect make decisions about form, function, materials, and aesthetics.
A concept can address both practical and creative aspects of design, balancing function with art. It considers the context, cultural significance, and environmental impact of the project.
Ultimately, the purpose of a concept is to serve as the idea that ties together the project’s unique conditions with the client’s vision, so it can develop into a fully resolved and buildable design.
The Importance of the Conceptual Design Phase
Most architects don’t start a design by sitting down and drafting floor plans or building detailed models. They tend to work their way into the design, starting with abstract, conceptual forms and ideas. This round of ‘play’ is important. It lets ideas develop that might not have been discovered had they started trying to think about how to make the walls and roofs work, how big to make the windows, and how, in general, to make a real building right off the bat.
The design process isn’t necessarily linear. It needs to evolve over time, developing the original concept and adding layers, details, changes and improvements at each step.
Architecture is creative and pragmatic. Starting with a conceptual design phase allows the creativity to be designed into the project from the start, where it can continue to drive the design through the development phases.
How to Develop Architectural Concepts?
Developing the architectural concept is a process that requires creativity, research, and strategic thinking. The designer needs to analyze and understand the project brief, including the client’s needs and their vision, site conditions, and any specific requirements or constraints. This research and analysis phase helps the design to get to know the client, the project and the site. From this, they can discover key themes and objectives that can inform the concept.
The architect will engage in brainstorming sessions to generate a variety of ideas and approaches. This creative exploration is often loose and fun, experimenting by sketching, modeling, playing with different forms and materials. There will be regular meetings to get feedback and client participation in the process.
In the modern design process, architects will generally use a mix of sketching and computer modeling to test their ideas. The freedom of sketching can be balanced by the digital process, where accurate dimensions and measurements can be applied to check rooms and forms for scale and proportion.
Once the designer and the client are happy with the conceptual design the project moves into the Schematic Design phase, where the concept moves from abstract diagrams to a design with working floor plans and elevations, and then into the next phases of design development and construction documentation.
Let us help you with your concept design.
At Vera Iconica, we transform visionary ideas into beautiful architectural designs, ready to be built. Our team of experienced architects and designers is dedicated to developing unique design concepts that reflect our client’s aspirations and the specific context of each project. We understand that every project is different, requiring a tailored approach that balances creativity with practical considerations.
By collaborating closely with you, our client, we work hard to make your vision come to life. We are often brought in for pre-design, feasibility and concept design services that include thorough site analysis, creative brainstorming, budget and program development and more. We prioritize clear communication and collaboration throughout the process, helping you get a concept that aligns with your goals, needs and objectives.
Whether you are embarking on a residential, hospitality, or interior design project, we are committed to delivering exceptional design concepts that set the foundation for stunning and functional architectural solutions. Let us help you bring your vision to life with a concept that truly resonates and inspires.
