Best Architecture Design Tips My Professors Taught Me

5. Structural expression 

– Use structure to develop your architecture language, structure shouldn’t appear like a separate element in the design

– For example – Visually balance can be expressed by articulating the plinth in such a way that it appears that it could receive the load. If you know what I mean or is it too much jargon? 

6. Site and Context 

– Either your project can be merging with the landscape or could stand out but it shouldn’t look like it’s placed on top of land without any consideration. 

– The easiest way to do this (or the only way that i know) is to articulate the plinth in harmony with the terrain. 

Medium of design 

1. Small Scale Process Models 

– Do not underestimate the power of small scale models. 

– I have learnt this the hard, I straight away made the final model that the night before jury, I realized so many things that looked wrong. You should not rely entirely on visualization or drawings. 

2. Perspective sketches 

– And by this, I don’t mean technical perspective drawings. Whatever you are visualizing the space to be, just draw it in sketch, not only in plans, sections or elevation. 

– It will help you with proportions, spatial character and how the space is going to be perceived. 

3. Mixed Media Drawing 

– This is part of another exercise that I did in one of my studios. Here our faculty told us to make something to convey our design concept and we can’t use plans, sections, models or anything that we usually do. 

– This will put you out of your comfort, and will force you to think about your concept in more detail. 

This drawing will help you understand the language, strengths and shortcomings of the design. 

4. 3D Block Model 

– At the design stage, draft a 3d block model to do a sun shadow analysis. 

– This will give you actual images to know which facades need shading and also how many and where do you need opening instead of relying on your information or diagrams. 

Underestimated  Parts of Designs 

1. Elevation design 

– It is often neglected in the design process. I have actually designed an elevation only in my sixth semester. 

– I know it looks too simple and not big of a decision. 

You need to draw/draft a number of iterations to see which proportions work out the best with your language and aesthetic. 

2. Architecture is the connection between the land and water 

– This is something that my faculty told me when I was designing how rain water will be collected and removed from the building. 

– We give slopes for rainwater and don’t even think of spouts. Rainwater is usually treated like a design problem to be solved and not an opportunity to design. (A perspective I thought you should know). 

3. Plinth Articulation

– It is one of the most important and difficult elements to design in a project. It is the element that connects all the places, interiors and exteriors and this is the way in which we can design how people can walk through the project. 

What do you think of these ideas? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share any game-changing advice your faculty has given you! I’d love to hear them.

Now, for some exciting news—I’m creating a FREE resource guide packed with must-read books, essential websites, and a step-by-step formula to craft an outstanding architecture portfolio. It’s coming soon, so stay tuned—you won’t want to miss this!