Although, nowadays getting a cheap land is extremely complicated, but leaving aside this generational complexity. If you, a person who has been blessed with having obtained a property, or in this case a virgin land, and you are interested in knowing what are the steps to build the house of your dreams, stay! Let's talk about what an architectural project is and what it consists of, and how this section can help you shape the concept of your ideal space.
What is an Architectural Project? Definition and Concepts
First of all, as a design specialist, I can say that the
content of an architectural project, whether it is a house or any other type of
project, is like weaving a story: first we start from an abstract vision and,
through different meticulous stages, we turn it into a reality that later can
be tangible.
In short, an architectural project only focuses on planning,
where we combine technical, functional and aesthetic aspects to achieve an
environment that meets your needs.
Therefore, this design process not only includes the
elaboration of plans, but it is a somehow “exhaustive” journey that covers not
only the initial conception, but also includes factors such as local or
regional regulations, the context or as it is known in architecture the
“architectural character” and the most important thing in the world, your
spatial needs.
In this sense, we can understand that each architectural
project is born from a guiding idea that is transformed into a conglomerate of
documents that we call the executive project.
This series of documents will guide the construction and
guarantee that the desired result will be achieved with the least
complications. Here the architectural project comes into play to reduce the
problems that may arise during the construction work.
📌 The Starting Point How is an architectural project developed?
First of all, if you have not yet acquired a plot of land,
it is time to try to acquire one with options that meet your requirements,
which may be the following:
- Strategic location: proximity to services, accesses such as important avenues of the city, etc.
- Privileged views: either a view of the sea, mountains or natural surroundings.
- Dimensions and prices adjusted to your budget.
Let's suppose that in your case you acquired a lot in a
private housing development, consider that the architect on duty contemplates
the following basic guidelines:
- Complementary technical standards for an architectural project: they can range from maximum heights, permitted land use and even the color or design of your facade. Some places do not like to break with these design patterns.
- Technical limitations: such as slopes, soil type, space and mobility etc.
- The COS and CUS or actual land use: this concept is related to the coefficient of total and partial occupation of the land and will be determined by the architect.
Don't forget that the previous steps are of utmost importance and can avoid future surprises at the moment of starting construction and ensure that the design developed on the site is aligned with your vision.
The Environmental Dialogue and Analysis
Architecture does not exist in a vacuum. At this stage, we
study the genius loci or better known as the spirit of place. This is done to
integrate the design into its architectural context. And you may wonder how
this is done? Well, it consists of:
- Environmental analysis or sunlight study: It starts by analyzing the orientation of the terrain with the sun, the prevailing winds, and the existing vegetation.
- Physical constraints: Consider the topography of the site and also the density or properties of the terrain as determined by a soil study.
- Infrastructure services: How does the building interact with its cultural and social environment?
In some cases you can add complementary documents such as:
- Descriptive memory with the philosophy of the project.
- Conceptual sketch showing the first ideas in plan.
- Initial cost estimate or referential financial framework (at least 20% of the total budget).
Preliminary project How to give shape to the idea?
Previously there is a concept that colloquially is known as
preliminary design, that is, before sketching the first formal lines as a
painter, it is necessary to have a diagram of operation or relationships
supported by a program of needs, which later will be transformed into a zoning
where each of the spaces will be ordered in a congruent way. Likewise, this
series of graphics are presented in a general way to emphasize or ground what
is intended to be done in the field.
Breakdown of Plans, the Soul of the Architectural Project
Here the idea begins to materialize hypothetically speaking.
In this part of the preliminary project, the master lines of the design are
defined, such as the distribution of spaces, the architectural style, the
volumetry and the preview and consideration of options rooted in the existing
construction systems.
This involves at least 20% of the development of the project
correlated with the preliminary project and the following set of plans is
contemplated:
- Basic plans: It is important to mention that this section will have different scopes because it all depends on the type of project to be carried out. Usually it starts with the location plan, followed by the overall plan, architectural plans, elevations and cuts, all this already defined to scale.
- 3D perspectives or renderings: Here the volumetry is completely defined where the finishes of interest by the client are shown or a proposal given by the architect is expressed.
This is the moment to adjust expectations, because once
approved there is no turning back. Do you prefer to prioritize open spaces or
intimacy in every corner? Do you prefer to opt for warm materials or do you
lean towards a minimalist style? Don't be afraid to accept or make a change,
it's all part of the process.
Legal and Technical Framework: The bridge between the idea and the permits
After having the pertinent plans authorized by the client,
we enter governmental terrain. Don't panic, in public architectural works
governed by the competent agency, they will give the manager or the architect
the complementary information to be able to carry out the necessary procedures
such as the construction license and some authorizations that allow to start
the work. This stage documents and details the following:
- Construction systems: Steel, prefabricated, modular or traditional are indicated in the proposal or structural design, where it is stated which will be the procedure for its correct execution.
- Infrastructural veins such as electricity, closed circuit, hydraulic and sanitary installations must have correct notes and symbology.
- Documentation for municipal licenses: The dimensioned plans, architectural details and the descriptive memory of the architectural project.
Note: Although this project allows to start administrative
procedures, it is still not enough to build. It is like having the foundations
of a puzzle, but the specific pieces are missing.
Executive Project: The Builder's Manual
We have reached the final stage, finally my King! After all
this process, let's go to the technical part. Here we are going to define all
the details to avoid that the resident of work and the workers avoid
improvising on site during the construction and if or if you have to have these
plans at hand:
- Construction details plan: From the special execution of a window, the combination of materials in specific areas or even the finishing of the tiles. It has to be represented in a way that the builder can easily understand it.
- Structural calculations: The most important set of drawings of all, since it is the skeleton that finally defines the preliminary project.
- Dimensioned installations: Here isometrics, the type of material to be used to execute the drawn installations together with their dimensioning and specifications will be specified.
A great complete architectural project is like a musical score: if it is well written, the work sounds harmonious". Makes a lot of sense, don't you think?
A Collaborative and Methodical Process Between Client and Architect
Developing or starting an architectural project for a house,
for example, is a round trip between creativity and technique. Each of the
stages already mentioned add up to important points that become a whole, from
the first sketch to the last nail in the work.
The methodology I have explained is not a big deal, it is
complex for us as architects but for you as a person reading this take it into
account before taking a step in your next construction. Most people believe or
have the idea that having a simple plan is enough.
But it is not so, in the future not having a correct
planning can be more expensive. Be aware that this investment guarantees you
not only to comply with the laws, but also helps you to create your desired
tangible space with a low rate of construction complications.
With that said, I bid you farewell and remain at your
service. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions and better yet,
contact me and let your idea stop being a dream and become a place where
architecture and life meet. See you soon!
