HOW TO CREATE A DESIGN CONCEPT // How to develop a concept for architecture & interior design

Summary

In this video, Jacqueline, an interior architect at D & B, shares her process for creating a design concept for both architecture and interior design. She discusses key sources of inspiration, including site analysis, narrative, culture, the client’s brief, and design styles. Jacqueline emphasizes the importance of understanding the site and client needs while incorporating storytelling and cultural influences into the design. She also provides practical tips on presenting concepts, from sketches to mood boards. This guide offers valuable insight for designers and students looking to develop innovative, meaningful design concepts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The hardest part of any design project is coming up with a creative and innovative concept, but there are guidelines that can help steer the process.
• 😀 A design concept shapes the final outcome of a project and should be clear and easy for clients to understand, making them more likely to appreciate the design direction.
• 😀 Five key inspiration categories for design concepts are: site, narrative, culture, client's brief, and design styles.
• 😀 Sustainability should be considered as a design element in all stages of a project, not as a separate category or movement.
• 😀 A thorough site analysis, including aspects like location, history, accessibility, climate, and natural surroundings, is essential for developing a solid design concept.
• 😀 Site-specific design, like the Outlook House example, considers natural surroundings, climate, and geography to inspire the architectural concept.
• 😀 Narrative-driven concepts can tell a compelling story or theory behind the design, as seen in examples like The Shard and Deschum Restaurant.
• 😀 Culture, including food, architecture, and local traditions, is a powerful influence on design, as demonstrated in the Moroccan spa and Langji’s Cartilage project.
• 😀 The client's brief is crucial in defining the design concept, and understanding their needs, preferences, and budget is vital to deliver a successful outcome.
• 😀 Designers should consider different design styles and look for inspiration in online tools like Pinterest, but the style must align with the project’s context and constraints.

Q & A

What is the hardest part of any design project according to the speaker?

The hardest part of any design project is coming up with a creative and innovative design concept.

What are the five categories of concept inspiration mentioned in the video?

The five categories of concept inspiration are site, narrative, culture, the client's brief, and design styles.

Why does the speaker believe sustainability should not be a separate category in design?

Sustainability should not be boxed into its own category because it is a design element that should be considered throughout the project, not just as a movement or separate style.

What type of information should be gathered during a site analysis for a design project?

The site analysis should include information on location, history, accessibility, surrounding buildings, views, dimensions, legal documents, topography, natural surroundings, materials, utilities, climate, sun and wind direction, and hazards.

How did the design of the Outlook House in New Zealand reflect the site’s characteristics?

The Outlook House was designed to frame forest views, use thick concrete walls for insulation in cold climates, and incorporate red and orange glass to reference the site’s geology, offering a warm approach.

What is an example of how narrative can influence a design concept, as discussed in the video?

An example is the Shard in London, where the design was influenced by the adjacent railway lines, a sailing ship, and Canaletto's spires, creating a narrative that connected the design to its surrounding context.

What role does culture play in the design process according to the video?

Culture can influence design through various aspects such as food, architecture, fashion, and celebrations. The speaker mentions how Moroccan culture influenced the design of a traditional spa, incorporating colors and materials inspired by Moroccan food and architecture.

How does the client's brief affect the design process?

The client's brief is crucial as it provides the designer with direction and insight into the client’s wants and needs, helping to define the scope and budget of the project. It is the foundation for the designer to materialize the client's vision into a workable design concept.

What is the importance of style when developing a design concept?

Style plays an important role in developing a design concept because it helps guide the aesthetic direction of the project. Clients may have preferences for certain styles like industrial, futuristic, or mid-century modern, which can be incorporated into the overall concept.

What tools and methods are recommended for presenting a design concept to a client?

Tools and methods for presenting a design concept include concept sketches (which can be basic and messy), zoning or programming diagrams, imagery, mood boards, site analysis, physical models, and detailed sketches. Both hand-drawn and digital presentations are valuable, with hand-drawing particularly appreciated by clients.