Conventional Architecture Essay

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Conventional Architecture Architecture in today’s society is in a struggle to relieve itself from using conventional techniques in the design process. Conventional techniques are defined as using a set of generally accepted standards or criteria. This idea of going with the norm is not what most architects want to do but are forced to because of different rules and regulations. But how unconventional can the design process be, after taking into account structure, program, circulation, site strategy, etc. Engineers are taught to work with the norm, in the norm. They live and think in a box. Their “designs” consists purely of conventional techniques, using aesthetics, functionality and structure as the only tools in designing. But how different are we? As a student in architecture; what informs our design process, is it this idea of a concept? When we get down to actually making the building work, our designs are completely changed by functionality and structure. The design process consists of limitations. These limitations, such as if the design is structurally accurate, if it meets the client’s needs, and if it conforms to the building code, all regulate and influence the outcome of the project. Architects go through a process. It starts with a client; he or she requires certain criteria and program in a project. After looking at the site context, soil conditions, etc. we start designing, but our designs are already limited by these regulations set up. We then develop a “concept.” This is defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary as “an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances”. This “idea” turns into an expression of space to form a building, but cannot truly be this pure idea of a concept once disrupted by structure, program and circulation. This conventional method must be included in every project to provide the client with a

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