Design Process: Theoretical Model

Design process as Conceptualized and thought in school of Architecture, includes number of sequential problem solving steps.
Basically those steps are:

Clue of Findings
The Design Process Model

Step -1 Initiation Recognition and definition of problem to be solved

Step of Design Process

Step -2 Preparation Collection and analysis of information about problem to be solved

Step -3 Proposal Making Prepare to generate ideas and make Proposal

Discussion on focus about the evaluation of alternative proposal and

Step -4 Evaluation typically all design proposals are reviewed by client.

Step -5 Action Activities associated with the preparing and implementing the project

Figure-1: Steps/Stages of Design Process Model

1st Step >> Initiation:
It involves the recognition and definition of problem to be solved, although Architecture is often expected to identify the problem and
opportunities.
2nd Step >> Preparation:
It includes the Collection analysis of information about the problem to be solved. In a broad sense professional education itself a
preparation for delivering designs services.

Identification of problem
If yes, then implement and opportunities
this project for
Action or Implementation of completion
Stage-1
Assigned Project Initiation Identify needs and requirements
of problem from Client
Project satisfaction by client and
implement work start If not, then re-start the
Cycle working process Study of Thinking or Analysis
Stage-5
for rectification for Assigned problem
Action
Stage-2
Preparation
Consider resources and preparation
Evaluate or Rectify alternatives or of thinking about problem according
Given-Solution of Assigned Problem to given program of Requirements
and demand by Client

Evaluate the different alternatives or rectify Stage-4

the already given-solution according to the Evaluation
Making Plan and Solution of
real need and requirements or Assigned Assigned Problem
Problem by Client Stage-3
Proposal making
Make the product and Service or
provide all types of the solutions to
Figure-2: Basic Model of Design Process satisfy the Client’s Needs and
Requirements
3rd Step >> Proposal Making:
An informed Architect is prepared to generate idea and make a building Proposal. Valid ideas can come at any times in the design
process from the first meeting with a client to the end.
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4th Step >> Evaluation:

Evaluation in Architectural design occurs a several scale and includes a variety of participants. These discussions focus on
Chapter: Design Process

evaluation of alternative proposal by the architecture or designer, although the designs are typically reviewed by the client.
5th Step >> Action:
The action of design process includes the activities associated with preparing and implementing a project, such as, readying the
construction document and acting as the liaison between owner and contractor. Construction document includes working drawing
and written specifications for the building.

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 Working Procedure with Design Process:
Cyclic > Feedback < Iteration

Each designer develops his/her own working style within the five steps of design process to complete any project for
the designing or design consultation.

Here, Meaning
Working Style Working Procedure or Process

First Working Procedure Second Working Procedure

Cyclic Iterative
আবতর্ নশীল / বৃ ৎতাকাের িবনয্� পূ নরাবৃ িৎত করণ / পু নরুি� করণ

Sequential Steps are Completed one after one Regeneration of cyclic process with several
with cyclic order >> Rotatory / Revolving / Whirl times >> Repetition / Utter Again / Rebirth
Clockwise Clockwise

I
Start
If yes, then implement Stage-1 I P
this project for Initiation
completion A
P I P
I P
P E
E
I P
I E
If not, then re-start P E
Stage-5 A
P
the Cycle working P P
Action process for
A
Stage-2
rectification Preparation
P
E
E
P Figure-4: Working Procedure Iterative within design process

I
I This procedure is highly graphic

P
>> Typically students and architects are used the expensive
Stage-4 A
A
P
Stage-3 tracing paper as overlays.
Evaluation Proposal making >> Tracing base drawing or features from previous iterations
E
P
E
P and continuing exploration.
>> Intermediate drawing are not discarded rather they form
Figure-3: Working Procedure Cyclic within design process an important documentation.

Briefly Explain: Briefly Explain:

A designer may run through the clockwise revolving sequence A designer run through the cycle a number of times, each
quickly at the advent of project to generate a range of preliminary cycle incorporate a large number of issues and the
Aesthetics and Design (Part-B)

or limited proposal. synthesis become more sophisticated. Successive iteration

This may help to focus programming activities, such as covered a satisfactory solution.
Chapter: Design Process

identification of appropriate information needs or client reaction. From the iterative procedure, the working solution become
From the cyclic procedure, the working solution become less more accurate or perfect than cyclic procedure because
accurate or hypothetical because cyclic process is running within Action working stage is executed at end of the completion
every working stage individually with the execution of Action. of iteration, not in every working stage or step.

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 Feedback (পূনঃ�তয্াবতর্ ন) in Design Process:
Feedback is an important matter in cyclic working procedure of design process that help to find out effective opportunities as new
information and solution from on-going design project by analysis or discussion between Architect and Client according to the client’s
needs or requirements with respect to resources and opportunities of project site. These new information and solution causes the
designer to reconsider existing information as the design proposal progresses.

If yes, then implement

this project for
completion Stage-1
Initiation

If not, then re-start Stage-2

the Cycle working Preparation
Stage-5
Action process for
rectification

Stage-3
Proposal making
Stage-4
Evaluation

Figure-5: Feedback within Design Process

Generally feedback is happened in between two nearest working steps or stages which is sequentially interrelated to each-other.
Basically main sequence start from preparation to proposal making working stage or proposal making to evaluation working
stage….there is happened more times and sometimes from evaluation to action working stage but it is less.

Problem-solving information are incorporated to the infected area in working stages of design process where produced those
opportunities for better acceptable solution. Successive feedback can satisfy both Architect and client which is reviewed by
successful meeting or sitting in every working stage. Here Architect or Designer can play important role to provide his best solutions
and design services to the Client ….This is the real matter or fact of feedback in design process.
Aesthetics and Design (Part-B)
Chapter: Design Process

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 Design Process: Process and Procedure
Although presented as a linear series of steps, the design process is more often a cyclical, iterative one in which a sequence of
careful analysis, synthesis and evaluation of available information, insights and possible solutions is repeated until a successful fit
between what exists and what is desired, is achieved.
Analyze
1st Process >> Analysis
The design problem is first defined. The ability to define and understand the
nature of the design problem adequately is an essential part of the solution.
This definition should specify how the design solution will perform and what
goals and objectives will be met.
Analysis involves gathering relevant information and issues clarified that
would help us understand the nature of the problem and develop appropriate
responses.
An analysis of the problem requires that it be broken down into parts, issues
clarified and values assigned to the various aspects of the problem.

Figure-6: Process of Design

Problem Statement
To find out the Opportunities

[ 1 ] Identify client needs:

>> Who, what, when, where, how, why?

[ 2 ] Set Preliminary Goals:

>> Functional requirements.
>> Aesthetic image and style.
>> Psychological stimulus and meaning.

Programming
To develop Hypothesis

[ 1 ] What exists?
>> Collect and analyze the relevant information.
>> Documentation of physical and cultural context.
>> Describe existing element.

[ 2 ] What is desired?
>> Identify user needs and preferences.
>> Clarify the goals.
>> Develop metrics, Charts, and adjacency diagram.

[ 3 ] What is possible?
>> What can be altered………..What cannot?
>> What can be controlled…….What cannot?
>> What is allowed……………..What is prohibited?
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>> Define Limits: Time, Economic, Legal and Technical Matters.

Chapter: Design Process

Through the design process, a clear understanding of the problem should emerge. New information may develop that could alter
our perception of the problem and its solution. The analysis of a problem, therefore, often continues throughout the design process.

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 2nd Process >> Synthesis

From the analysis of the problem and its part, we can begin to formulate possible solutions. This requires Synthesizing >> Bringing
together and Integrating >> response to the various issues and aspect of the problem into coherent solution.
Design requires rational thought based on knowledge and gain through experience and research. Design processes are intuition an
imagination, which add the creative dimension to the otherwise rational design process.
There are several approaches, one can take to generate ideas and also synthesize possible design solution:

>> Isolate one or more key issues of value or importance and develop solutions around them
>> Study analogous situations that could serve as models for developing possible solutions.
>> Develop ideal solutions for parts of the problem, which could be integrated into whole
solutions and tempered by the reality of what exists.

Concept Development
Make Projections

[ 1 ] Brainstorm Ideas
>> Diagram major function & spatial relationships.
>> Assign value to key issues or elements.
>> Search for ways to combine several good ideas into a single better one.
>> Manipulate the parts to see how a change might affect the whole.
>> Look at the situation from different points of view.

[ 2 ] Draft a Concept Statement

>> Verbalize the principal design ideas in a concise manner.

[ 3 ] Develop schematic design

>> Establish major functional & spatial relationships.
>> Show relative sizes and shapes of important features.
>> Develop several alternatives for comparative study.

3rd Process >> Evaluation

Design requires a critical view of alternatives and careful weighing of the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal until the best
possible fit between Problem and Solution is achieved.
Given a range of possible solutions, each must be evaluated according to the criteria set forth in the problem statement and further
clarified in problem analysis.
Successive explorations of the problem and the evaluation of alternative solutions should help narrow the choices for design
development. While the initial stages of the design process encourage divergent thinking about the problem, this latter phage
requires a convergent focus on a specific design solutions.

Compare Alternatives
Test and Refine Ideas
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[ 1 ] Compare each alternative with design goals.

[ 2 ] Weigh the benefits and strength against the costs and liabilities of each alternative.
Chapter: Design Process

[ 3 ] Rank alternatives in terms of suitability and effectiveness.

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 Make Design Decisions
Combine and Assembling

[ 1 ] Combine best design elements into the final design

>> Draw preliminary plan.
>> Construct scale drawing.
>> Show important interior and exterior Architectural details.
{ For example: walls, doors, windows, built-in-elements, elevations, sections, and others.}
>> Show furniture layout………………….. if Appropriate.
>> Show electrical layout with fixtures….. if appropriate.
>> Show plumbing layout with fixtures…. if appropriate.

[ 2 ] Make preliminary Materials Selections

>> Develop alternative Colour and Finish schemes.
>> Collect materials sample.

[ 3 ] Make preliminary Furniture and Lighting selections.

[ 4 ] Prepare presentation to client for feedback and preliminary Approval.

Final Process >> Implementation

Once a final decision has been made, the design proposal is developed refined, and prepared for implementation. This includes
the production of construction drawings and specifications and other services related to purchasing, construct and supervision.
No design process is completed until a design solution that has been implemented is evaluated for its effectiveness in solving a
given problem. This critical appraisal of a completed design can build up our knowledge base, sharpen our intuition, and provide
valuable lessons that may be applied in future work.

Implement Design
Action for Construction of Building works

[ 1 ] Prepare construction drawings.

[ 2 ] Develop shop drawings for Construction Plans, elevations, sections and other miscellaneous details.
[ 3 ] Finalize specifications for interior and exterior finish materials, furnishing, lighting, plumbing fitting and fixtures etc.

Re-Evaluate Completed Design

Filter for Removing Hidden Bottlenecks & Errors

[1] Design Reviews.

[2] Coordination with Architect, Engineers, Consultants and also Construction Managers.
[3] Client Feedback.
[4] Post Occupancy Evaluation.
Aesthetics and Design (Part-B)
Chapter: Design Process

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 Design Process: Standard Practice in Architecture

The profession proposes that the Architect’s basic services can be divided into five sequential Phases. It is developed
by AIA (American Institute of Architects).
Developed by AIA

Basic Architectural Services

1st Phase Schematic Design

Phase of Architectural Services

2nd Phase Design Development

3rd Phase Preparation of Construction Documents

4th Phase Bidding or Negotiating

5th Phase Administration of the Construction Contract

Figure-8: Steps/Phases of Basic Architectural Services

Architecture can provide additional services and a major changes in the Architect’s self-image is reflected in the variety
of pre-design, post-design and supplementary services that are most important.

Progress through the five steps depends on the approval of each stage by the client. This protects both client and
Architect, since work does not proceed until all agree on the productions to those points or Phases.

For Example: Changes in a building program during the “Construction Document Phage” might require considerable reworking
of the “schematic design development phase”. The Architect can require additional compensation if the changes
significantly deviate from items approved at early stage.

Thus, Professional services are designed to function as elements of a legal contract as well as a process of design.

Phase-1

Sercive-1 >> Schematic Design

Series of Informal Sketches

Can be presented as

The goal of schematic design is to establish the general

Programmatic Report
characteristics of the building design to satisfy the basic program
requirements, disposition on the site, and estimated costs.
Elaborate and Dramatic
Visual Presentation The main purpose of the schematic design is to identify the major
issues and make initial decisions that serve as the base for
Size and Organization of subsequent phases.
Aesthetics and Design (Part-B)

Space, Circulation and Sitting

Architect has an opportunity to raise the aspirations or capture

Chapter: Design Process

the imagination of the client. It is the phase where the Architect

identifies the concept for the building.
Depending upon the type of client and the working
relationship between client and Architect

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 Phase-2

Sercive-2 >> Design Development

Site plan

(With notes that describe the major materials with finishing details)
An Architect begins design work in details after approval of the
Floor Plans schematic design.

Includes drawings and details of:

Elevations
Architects see this phase as the heart of the design process. It
requires the smooth interaction and coordination of the technical
Sections
information and personalities and also all types of works.
Structural Design and Details
The purpose of the design development phase is to describe the
Electrical Requirements specific character and intent of the entire project.

Mechanical Requirements The client is frequently involved in a series of discussions and

decisions in determining the specific scope and character of the
Plumbing Requirements project. It cover the probable cost, appearance, quality and
performance of the project.
Interior or Exterior Finish

Some clients prefer to let the Architect as a specialist make most

of these decisions, while others demand that they be involved.
Also Includes of those
(With notes that describe in details)
The large-Scale drawings done at this stage are necessary for
studying choice and for detailing materials and methods of
Materials Details construction.
Finish Scheme
The estimates of probable costs done in this stage can be
Construction Method
accurate and based upon the use of certain materials and
specifications.
Specifications
Presentations to the Client of work done at this stage are usually
Bill of Quantity keyed to the various detailed decisions that have to be made.

Cost-Estimation

Phase-3

Sercive-3 >> Preparation of

Construction Documents

Combination of It reflects the fact that construction is bases on a combination of

drawings called ‘Working Drawing’ and written requirements
Working Drawing Specifications called ‘Specifications’.
The purpose of the construction documents is to show clearly
and concisely the information that the contractor needs to know
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Detail Scaled Drawing Written Requirements in order to bid on and construct the project.
with Dimension and Instructions
Chapter: Design Process

While there are ‘Addenda’ (instructions for changing the Original

Drawings) and other supplementary drawings like ‘Shop
Identify quality and Drawing’ that are done by each materials, fabricator, the project
Show Location, Function,
Recommended
and Quantity
Procedure should be buildable from a set of Construction Documents.

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 More Specifically,
Working drawings Show:
>> What is involve
>> Where thing are located
>> What the physical dimensions are
While,
Specifications Communicates:
>> What the materials are
>> How they are expected to function
>> Where they can be obtained
Phase-4

Sercive-4 >> Bidding Or Negotiating

With the owner’s approval, the construction documents are

Architect has the role of facilitator in between release for bidding or negotiating.
the Owner and The Contractor or Constructor
>> Several general Contractors or Constructors may
bid on the contract.
Or >> The owner may prefer to negotiate with a single
Contractor or Constructor.
The construction contract is drawn up between the general
contractor and owner, rather than, between Architect and the
Contractor or Constructor.
Phase-5

Sercive-5 >> Administration of the

Construction Contract
Negotiation or Contract between
In the recent years Architectural services especially this phases has
gone through number of changes.
Client Contractor/
Constructor >> Traditional Practice:
Architects were responsible for supervision all aspect of construction
engineering that the building was constructed according to the drawing
Does not favor either
and specification.

Architect >> Recent Practice:

Contractor or Constructor is now responsible for building according the
construction documents. Here the Architects are acts as the agent of
client and interpret and review the correspondences between the
owner and builder.
Act as,
>>A Coordinator “The Architect is responsible for the administration of the contract
>> An Agent
>> An Interpreter between the owner and the contractor or Constructor.”
>> An Advocator
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>> An Administrator “Further it requires that the Architect interpret changes, establish the
standards and judge performance.”
Chapter: Design Process

The contract wording regarding the activities and responsibilities in this

Must interpret documents and make the phase is explicit among those persons like the Architect, the Client and
inevitable day-to-day decisions and
modification
the contractor or Constructor.

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 Additional Services or Works in Architecture:

Architects provide a number of basic services. If in any project, some additional services or works constitute a
substantial commitment of resource where those additional services or works are not considered as basic service, then
they are covered under an additional contract. The AIA (The American Institute of Architects) suggests that such
additional services or works may include:

Predesign Activities
(Includes these additional Services)

Project Administration

Facilities Programming

Marketing Study

Project Budgeting

Site Analysis
(Includes these additional Services)
AIA
suggests
Site Planning & Development

Utilities Studies
Additional Services or Works
They are not considered as basic service,
those are covered under an additional contract. Property Re-zoning Assistances

Site Analysis & Selection

Post Construction Services

(Includes these additional Services)

Programs for Maintenance

Training of Users

Production of Record

As-Built Drawing

Other Supplementary Services

(Includes these additional Services)

Construction Management

Selecting & Placing Art

Value Analysis

Interior Design

Environmental Monitoring
Aesthetics and Design (Part-B)

Demonstration Projects
Figure-9: Additional Services or Works in Architecture
Chapter: Design Process

Graphics Design

Energy Studies

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 Inter-relationship between the Design and Construction Team:

Engineers
Response to Architect

Owner / Client Architect Interior Designer

Project Owner Chief of the Project and Responsible for Design Response to Architect
Consultation and BIM Coordinator

Consultants
Response to Architect

Project / Construction Manager

Responsible to manage the Project for Construction
and Logistic Support

Contractor / Constructor / Builder

Responsible to construct the Project for
all items of Construction Work

Sub-Contractor-1
Responsible to main contractor for specific item of
Construction like Civil Work

Sub-Contractor-2
Responsible to main contractor for specific item of
If Required, then More Construction like Electrical Work

Sub-Contractor-3
Responsible to main contractor for specific item of
Construction like Plumbing Work

Sub-Contractor-4
Responsible to main contractor for specific item of
Construction like Grill & SS Work

Sub-Contractor-5
Responsible to main contractor for specific item of
Construction like Door & Wood Work

Sub-Contractor-6
Responsible to main contractor for specific item of
Construction like Paint & Colour Work

Sub-Contractor-7
Responsible to main contractor for specific item of
Construction like Floor & Tiles Work

Sub-Contractor-8
Responsible to main contractor for specific item of
Construction like Window & Thai-Glass Work
Aesthetics and Design (Part-B)
Chapter: Design Process

If Required, then More

Figure-10: Inter-relationship Diagram of the Design and Construction Team

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 Design Criteria

In define and analyzing a design problem, one also develops goals and criteria by which the effectiveness of a solution can be
measured. Regardless of the nature of design problem being addressed, there are several criteria with which we should be
concerned.

[ 1 ] Function and Purpose

Firstly >> The intended function of the design must be satisfied and its purpose fulfilled.

[ 2 ] Utility and Economy

Secondly >> A design should exhibit utility, honesty, and economy in its selection and use of materials.

[ 3 ] Form and Style

Thirdly >> The design should be aesthetically pleasing to the eye and our other senses.

[ 4 ] Image and Meaning

Fourthly >> The design should project an image and promote associations that carry meaning for
the people who use and experience it.

Useful
Function
Purpose
Smooth

Good
Design
Beautiful
Durable
Affordable
Economy

Aesthetic
Strength

Image
Style

Figure-7: Condition / Criteria of Good Designing

Good and Bad Design

A design may be good in the judgment of the designer, the client, or the people who experienced and use the design for any of
several reasons:
Cause Result

[1] A design may be good >> because it functions well >> it works smooth.
[2] A design may be good >> because it is affordable >> it is economical, efficient and durable.
[3] A design may be good >> because it looks good >> it is aesthetically pleasing.
[4] A design may be good >> because it reflex in mind >> it recreates a feeling remembered from another time
and placing it carries meaning.
Aesthetics and Design (Part-B)

Successful designs usually operates at more than one level of meaning and thus appeal to a wide range of people. A good design,
Chapter: Design Process

therefore, should be understandable to its audience, knowing why something was done helps to make a design comprehensible.
If a design does not express an idea, communicate a meaning or elicit a response, either it will be ignored or it will appear to be a
bad design.

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