ARCHITECTURAL SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Ideas are developed via sketches, drawings, models and computer
simulations to assist our client’s understanding of a design idea and intend.
Artist impression by Brinn Miracle
In this stage we use the briefing information to
analyse the project scope, while site and climatic
conditions, building orientation, aspects and
views are considered. A final proposed design is
submitted at the end of this stage with all relevant
information for client to make decisions, before
embarking into the next step, which is Design
Concept Stage for construction cost estimation
Typical scope of work we deliver is:
• A Site and master plan of the
building bass based on the surveyor
topographical contour, showing
access & circulation throughout the
site and building
• Relevant floor plans
• Relevant Elevations
• Relevant Sections
• General dimensioning to show the
volume (GFA) and mass on site
• Brief description of the suggested
building materials
• Full set of plan + Report will be
delivered electronically at the
completion of Schematic Design
stage.
Artist impression by Marisa Berquin
Architectural
Schematic Design is a
dynamic design
process that has
constant
communication &
interaction with our
client.
ARCHITECTURAL SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Ideas are developed via sketches, drawings, models and computer
simulations to assist our client’s understanding of a design idea and intend.
Schematic Design – The Basics
The designer compiles all of the required and desired elements into a set of
conceptual sketches. As the word ‘schematic’ would suggest, these
conceptual sketches aim to show the relationship between parts in an informal
and loose manner. The schematic drawings may include a number of different
iterations or schemes, each having a unique feature or focus. For example,
schematic design concepts for an office building may show one option that
features windows oriented towards sweeping views while another concept
depicts windows arranged for maximum solar efficiency. Each schematic
sketch or drawing will respond in some way to the list of programmed spaces,
the qualitative goals, and the site on which it will be located. During the
schematic design phase, many ideas will be brought up, discussed, reviewed
and refined. It may take several attempts before arriving at a particular concept
which seems to best embody all of the goals and requirements. Throughout
the schematic design phase, the needs and goals of the client will be reevaluated in connection with how they will best develop into real spaces.
Sometimes program requirements or goals are in conflict with what is spatially
feasible, and may require some adjusting. It may even be to re-draft the
program after making a first pass at schematic design to ensure necessary
that expectations are clearly stated based on any new design criteria
discovered in schematic design.
Multi-residential Units Floor plan
Schematic design is the stage that is often the
most exciting for clients. They can begin to see sketches and
quick physical models of their dreams coming to life. Sometimes, clients will
be inspired by the designs presented to them and consider increasing their
project scope. While some schematic designs may indicate a change in
scope is necessary, it is always important to refer back to the original
program to ensure the project stays within the guidelines of needs, goals and
budget requirements. As the project is visualized through sketches, models
and inspiration images, clients can quickly get an idea of how their building
will start to look.
Schematic Design – Digging Deeper
Schematic designs consist of floor plans, simple elevations, quick 3D views
and conceptual rough sections. Floor plans will be drawn to scale and may
include suggested interior arrangements. The drawings will indicate the
general location of openings (windows, doors) in addition to any big ideas
the concept was based on. Accompanying drawings which help the client
visualize the main features and really ‘sell’ the concept will be included as
well. As example, if a driving concept for a house was to provide abundant
natural light, the schematic design would clearly indicate the window
placement and possibly include perspective drawings of the windows, doors
and any key views. 3D Mass models are the best way to understand the
relationship of volumes in the vertical plane, similar to the way that floor
plans help us understand the relationship of rooms in the horizontal plane. A
mass model that shows a two-storey living room may be constructed as a tall
box with a triangle roof, which could indicate a lofted ceiling underneath.
Architectural
Schematic
Design work
samples