The phases of designing and building a construction can be a very long and hard process. In order to organize and clarify the project, architectures design phases to make the process manageable and more efficient for contractors to follow. Here we will check the architectural stages that are a part of any construction project.
Why Do We Need Design Phases?
There are several reasons why following architectural phases is essential. Architects pass through several design phases to achieve a finished project, as efficiently managing a project often requires multiple attempts to reach a final design. With arranged, step-by-step design phases, your project management process becomes smoother, especially when dealing with multiple projects concurrently.
Getting to know your clients taste and expectations Before working on a building you should know your clients’ expectations in order to meet their needs; Since changing a structure isn’t an easy task, you should make sure to present your prospect and the approximate results. This way clients feel more in control and it prevents any further dissatisfaction.
Pre-Design Process:
Pre-design is an information-gathering phase that helps architectures calculate any challenge and issue that might occur. Based on this information, your architect will make the decision-making. Some of the projects that are done in the Pre-Design phase include:
Site Analysis
Site analysis in architecture is a process that involves research and analysis of the social, historical, climatic, geographic, legal, and infrastructure aspects of a location.
Zoning Analysis
It is a formal report that examines the land use and zoning feasibility of your proposed project on your site. It comes in two forms and determines factors such as Land use, property use, types of structures that can be built, the status of parking space, and more.
Project Scope
The project scope is a summary of all the work that needs to be done to complete a project. It defines the exact goals and factors that guarantee its success.
Building Program
Identify and list the proposed uses of the structure to help you determine what needs to go into the design.
Project Budgeting
Budgeting the costs of completing a project is an important factor. it allows you to assess how feasible your project really is. It’s at the budgeting stage that you can take a close look at the project and which elements are proving costly.
The 5 Stages of Architectural Design Process:
The 5 phases of designing a project includes:1. Schematic Design 2. Design Development 3. Construction Documents 4. Bidding 5. Construction Administration, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
1. Schematic Design(Architectural Design Process):
It is the first phase of architectural design. In this phase, architects focus on the function and concept of the structure. They present visuals and schematic drawings to illustrate the basics and developments of the main concept, setting the expectation for what the project will become without knowing all of the variables of the cost and assembly of the building components. Schematic Design often produces rough drawings of a site plan, floor plans, elevations, and often illustrative sketches or computer renderings.
2. Design Development:
This phase involves finalizing the design and choosing such items as materials, window and door locations, and general structural details. Design development usually provides a more detailed site plan as well as floor plans, elevations, and section drawings with full dimensions. During the Design Development stage, the architect creates a more detailed design and implements any revisions. This design will be very specific with both interior and exterior design elements.
3. Construction Documents:
Construction documentation is the process of developing, refining, and documenting design drawings with additional detailing such as product & material specifications, contract requirements, and installation details. Construction documents also refer to the paperwork that defines the work that is going to be done amongst the contractors and architects for a specific project. Through this contract, all the parties that are involved in this construction project define their roles and responsibilities.
4. Bidding:
The fourth phase of architectural design is bidding and negotiating. During bidding and negotiation, the architect will help the owner evaluate contractor qualifications and review bids from them and will help the owner select the best construction company that will perform the work. The owner will rely on the architect’s experience in the field and knowledge of construction documents that will be presented to the bidders.
5. Construction Administration:
Construction administration (CA) is also called “construction observation.” It is the process that the designer goes through to stay involved during the construction process to help solve problems and assist with delivering the best form of the project. During the construction administration phase of a project the majority of the work shifts from the architect’s shoulders to the contractor’s.
After fully understanding all these phases, you will be able to manage your architectural design and fulfill your clients’ expectations.