Architectural Program and Conceptualization Insights
Architectural Program and Conceptualization Insights
UNIVERSITY OF GUADALAJARA
UNIVERSITY CENTER OF ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND DESIGN
PROJECT 3: ARGUMENTATION OF SPATIAL AND VOLUMETRIC PROPOSALS
This category is linked to the essential function of architecture, which is to protect man from
the circumstances he faces in the surrounding environment and provide him shelter
so that it can fully carry out its activities.
Context or environment
This concept encompasses everything with which we begin the process of conceptualization as it does not
we can modify it but we must consider it carefully for it to be successful and
to be able to use it to our advantage. It's all that is given to us in the environment where we will develop.
the project ranges from climate and geographical location to the social and political situation of
place. In general, it is everything with which our building will have to interact and for
this is just as important here as in the architectural program since our work
it will become part of its context and the better we understand it, not only will we make it part
part of it, but it will improve it or even transform it for the better.
Function
The function is what motivates our project in the first place and the practical utility that this has.
it is what will motivate and largely determine our design. It is about solving a
specific concrete problem that will manifest in a specific architectural genre as we see in the
generic term of the architectural program. Although it is not the only thing that should dictate our
the process of conceptualization is definitely the first thing we need to solve to create
a successful project.
Shape
It basically refers to the physical appearance of a body or object, the external image it has and
What is the most characteristic or what most makes things stand out, or in our case, a work?
architectural. For this reason, it is a mistake to remain in the mere superficial use of form because
This serves to manifest the unique content of our work, highlighting its function.
while optimizing it, and this will play a very important role in the process of
conceptualization.
Space
This is the fundamental concept we work with in architecture, and it is basically
any place we occupy. We all interact with space through our
senses, our sight, smell, touch, and hearing, if we consider this when intervening and
Transforming this space into the most livable possible is ultimately the goal.
any project we are carrying out.
Structure
It is perhaps one of the strictest and most logical parts of the process. The structure is what makes
function and be resistant to an architectural object, its parts must be designed so that in
set supports all possible efforts that will be applied to it. Even so, the structure does not
It hinders creativity in projecting; on the contrary, one should use ingenuity to reach solutions.
that even improve the space or help to create unique and functional shapes at the same time.
Enveloping
As I mentioned in the previous concept, the structures of buildings have managed to create
incredible ways today and instead of being an obstacle when designing, they still give us
more possibilities, especially when talking about the envelopes or the skin of a work
architectural as this no longer needs to be structural and now we have many more
options both in materials and shapes, after all, this is the face that our
work and it is the only thing that most will see of it, which makes it even more important. Taking into
tells that the envelope is what separates the interior from the exterior, we must take advantage of it to
protect from the elements and even optimize energy consumption, using them as filters of the
solar and wind light should not only be considered as an aesthetic resource.
Symbolism
It is the way in which the work manifests itself and what distinguishes it in its time and place. It is a
rather a qualitative issue in the conceptualization process and will depend on what you know
very good the space and the context. In my opinion, a very important concept at the moment of
want to create something that stands out and is unique.
Cost
This is a completely quantitative concept but obviously essential to carry out
A work is completed successfully, because in the end, without money, it will not be carried out no matter how good it is.
necessary for it to be. Everything must be planned in an architectural project: labor,
materials, machinery, etc. It can often be an obstacle but it is an unavoidable reality
with which one must learn to work.
Conclusion
Both the architectural program of Villagrán and Díaz Morales as well as the process of
conceptualization outlines a number of well-studied points for the realization of a
project from its conception, a process that is complicated and requires study and understanding of
many factors that we cannot control and that we must use to our advantage. We must have
Keep in mind that when we design, we are doing it in a specific place and time.
to be part of the daily life of individuals and societies that are often very different from one another
so each project will also be different and each decision we make must be justified
and logic. If we understand all these concepts and follow the appropriate process, we will be able to reach
create a functional and aesthetic architecture at the same time, that meets the needs of the
people and integrates harmoniously with its environment.