As architectural designers it is our responsibility to produce creative innovative designs, based on sound design principles. When applied in design those principles should create practical, efficient, beautiful and timeless, architecture... Architecture that out lasts the fashions of the moment.A refined piece of art can be timeless.
To simplify is an art - in understanding when simplicity is beauty. Less is more.
We also like to challenge the perceived "normal" way of design in our environment, and maintain an inventive, creative, artistic approach to our work. To find new solutions to old problems...
Proportion is critical to create harmony and balance in the solid mass forms, so is alignment of edges and lines. Often just a simple rhythmic order in the design can create visual simplicity. Beauty and simplicity can be identified in the Architectural plan. Judge an Architect by the look of his architectural plan view. Exploring new forms is a creative and artistic skill that will require some design flair.
Spaces must be positioned to allow a functional, efficient working flow. Grouping of some activities creates form that follows function.
For us to be good at this trade we must "love" it to the point where we will not allow ourselves the luxury of allowing a poor design to be built. Architects crimes are permanent.
The correct application of materials for their intended use and performance so they stand the test of time. This is also achieved by understanding the true nature of the material and what it expresses as a part of the artistic element of the design.
Masonry: Permanence... longevity... build upon supportive... strong compressive load support... design is unchanging over a long time period... inflexible requires high design resolution... future proofing... Everlasting maintenance free... Tough... Strength... timeless... powerful... Unforgiving... Protection... Security... Non penetrating... Safe... Never rots or breakdown. No leaky building risks... Very good external wall solution... not suited to changeable internal spaces. Excellent insulation and heat store. Cool in summer, keeps heat in for winter. Passive slow re-radiation of heat. Slow transferof temperature from exterior to interior. + more
Glass: Bring light into spaces, allow to see through solids to create beautiful picture visuals beyond. Creative design element... Create a connection with what is beyond walls... Create visual interest by sight vistas that disappear around corners... Curiosity... infinity edges (edges where what is beyond can only be imagined and not seen)... Ethereal spiritual transparency... Slimline modern slick clean clear... Opening Natural Ventilation through building. + more
Timber: Changeable, flexible, great ability to cantilever or span open space (the tree branch). Soulful, growth, alive, organic, natural healthy and raw, earthy. Easy to change, finishes can be highly creative, texture, colour. Easy build ability with fixing together structural connections and adjusting fit for accuracy. Very easy to manipulate shape to fit most places and forms. Strong, soft or hard. Accepts other layers of different materials. Structural supportive element. High tensile (pulling) strength and compressive (compacting) strength. Ability to move with Earthquakes and bend under stress. + more
Steel: Extremely good open space unsupported spanning ability. Allows minimum size for maximum strength. Slimline design... Tough... Straight... Accurate... Strong... Hidden... Removing mass and weight from structure. Very structural... Ideal framing material... high strength to weight ratio. Removes need for solid walls. Allowing open large glass area. Very strong as a skin or roofing element. Roof frame and roof cover. + more