Need advices from Architects

[koolarsenal]

I'm an architecture student and I need some advices from all of architects around here. When you design a complex project, especially project with some curve or organic shapes, what is your workflow ? I mean, you come from the plans first then the shape or you imagine the shape first and then make the plans according to that shape.

 

I'm not a native English speaker so my question can be hard to understand , but I hope that you can make it. Please share with me some tips or advices, thank you all.

[CliveG]

and I need some advices from all of architects around here. .

 

I'm not an architect but you don't need to be in order to design, even to design organic complex structures.

 

As for workflow In those situations, for me, it varies from project to protect. Always it starts with imagination, I can't see it starting any other way, but thereafter sometimes I sketch on butter paper (old school) and sometimes I develop the ideas in 2d CAD, sometimes 3d CAD, if it is particularly free form I'll develop the ideas in Max. For me it depends on the sort of shapes and forms I'm trying to achieve.

 

I don't think you need a hard and fast workflow, use the tools in the toolbox that help you think your particular ideas through into some sort of workable scheme. As I've said elsewhere there are architects who use a four inch paint brush. Don't limit yourself.

[koolarsenal]

Thanks CG for your reply, I always wonder how they can match the plan with the wonderful shape, now I think I can understand a little bit. The most important is the imagination.

[Frosty]

Always start with the building program and site conditions. Architecture must respond first to these two criteria and then closely to budget.

[badramalik]

Huh The more successful ones are out in the field. Rural areas dont need them much. But small towns to big cities the job is in high demand.

[Reitveld]

I graduated from Architecture school in '94 and 3d computer software was still in its infancy (and autocad was on version 12). That said, most students were still doing most design/drafting work by hand.

 

... getting to your question...

Complex designs were introduced to students every year. The design problem varied each year, but the whole issue was to train students to think in 3D. Plans, Elevations, Sections, Sketches and cardboard models were all done together to help understand a problem (but it took lots of time). Now skip ahead to modern day, and everything is done at the same time with no delays. I really enjoy using the computer to help design/create complex buildings as it's so much faster.

 

BUT... To get at the root of your question... start where YOU feel most comfortable, then work onward. We all have our own ways of creating/designing.