Architectural project

In the field of Architecture, an architectural project

is the set of plans, drawings, diagrams and
explanatory texts used to capture (on paper,
digitally, in a model or by other means of
representation) the design of a building, before it is
built. In a broader sense, the complete architectural
project includes the development of the design of a
building, the distribution of uses and spaces, the
way of using materials and technologies, and the
preparation of the set of plans, with details and
perspectives.

Stages of project design

1. Definition of scope, needs or objectives: To
develop an architectural project, a prior research
process is carried out that guides the Architect in
his task throughout the entire project. The
Architect's interpretation of the results of this stage
is what largely defines the personality of the project.
Three basic activities are identified at the start of
this process:

Program approach. It refers to the initial stage where a Client looks for a specialist (in this case, an
Architect) to design a building that solves their specific space and use needs. The client also
describes to the designer the resources that must be used (existing land or construction, allocated
budget, execution time, etc.).

Interpretation of the program. The architect studies the client's needs and, based on his interpretation
and professional ability, establishes the objectives to be investigated before making a proposal. The
Architect's interpretations of the client's needs will serve as a guide in the next stage, but are always
subject to subsequent modifications as the architectural design process progresses.

Investigation. Taking the results of the two previous stages, the analysis and also the synthesis of the
information is done. Firstly, field and bibliographic research is required to determine the details of the
building, according to its typology.

2. Design Program: From the results of the research synthesis, the designer makes a list identifying
the components of the system and their particular requirements. This list is called the Architectural
Program. For example, in the project of a house, or single-family room (apartment), the program
would include several of the following elements:

 Access
 Portico
  Garage or garage
 Hall or entrance hall
 Living room or living room
 Dining room
 Kitchen
 Service room
 Guest bathroom
 Bedrooms
 Bathrooms
 Terrace
 Garden
 Yard

3. Based on the Architectural Program, the designer

makes a graphic diagram, similar to an organizational
chart, in which he represents each and every one of the
elements of the program and relates them through lines
or arrows according to the relationships between the
spaces. For example, the kitchen should be related to
the dining room, but not to the bedrooms. This type of
relationship is indicated by the presence (or absence) of
arrows. This graph of the relationships between spaces
is called an architectural diagram.

4. Basic layout design: Studied as a stage in the execution of an architectural project, design is the
process of translating into useful forms the results of all the previous stages, which will be graphically
represented in the subsequent stages. It is considered a creative process, in which elements such
as:

Design Hypothesis It is a conceptual approach to the object to be designed, which will subsequently
be subject to modifications. Aspects of architectural context, structural criteria, form, function, budget
and even fashion are considered at the same time, with equal or varying importance (according to the
design philosophy of each Architect).

Zoning: It is the arrangement of the design components established in the architectural program
based on logical and functional relationships between them.

Diagram: It is the three-dimensional structuring of the Architectural Diagram, applied in a specific

space with emphasis on the qualities of the system, subsystem, components and subcomponents.

Party: It is the materialization of the solution to the architectural problem, giving shape to the spaces
designed so that they fulfill their function. Sometimes the designer will draw up two or three designs
(preliminary design options) before settling on one that will become a Blueprint.

Using CAD for the graphic representation of a project.

5. Preliminary project: Consisting of a set of plans, models or other means of representation that
explain for the first time, in a graphic but preliminary manner, how the building is designed. The
building is represented in plan (horizontal section, seen from above), elevations (front view of the
facades), sections and perspectives. Generally, although the drawing is to scale, only the general
dimensions are included. Its purpose is purely preliminary, so that the client can decide whether the
design is to their liking and meets their requirements. If the preliminary project is approved, then the
final project is carried out.

6. Basic Project or Architectural Project: It is used to describe the general concept of the building:
shape, functions, distribution, construction system, represented in plans, computer models or mock-
ups, with a descriptive report and a general budget. It includes the urban characteristics of the
building and is usually used to check its viability with official bodies and, sometimes, to request the
processing of the "building license", subject to the presentation of the corresponding Execution
Project (in Spain).

7. Execution Project: The end of the entire design process is the Executive Project, which is defined
as the set of plans, drawings, diagrams and explanatory texts (General Report and Budget) used to
adequately define the building. The building is represented in plans, elevations, sections,
perspectives, models, three-dimensional models (using computer or CAD techniques) or others, at
the discretion of the client and the designer. All plans must be to scale and properly dimensioned
according to the technical drawing guidelines, indicating the dimensions of the building and its
location on the land, its orientation with respect to the magnetic north, the configuration of all spaces,
their quality and materials, and any design details that deserve special mention.

Project Components (Basic)

Example of a building based on a previous
model as an auxiliary means of representing a
complex architectural project. The elements that
make up the Architectural Project or Basic
Project are the following:

 Land plan.
 Location and site plans.
 Overall plan.
 Architectural floor plans.
 Architectural elevation plans or elevations.
 Architectural section plan or sections.
 Architectural detail plans.
 Budget
 Additionally, all or some of the following means of representation are usually included:
 Perspectives.
 Model.
 Three-dimensional virtual visit or animation, using CAD software.
Executive Project, Execution Project (Construction plans)
This is a step subsequent to the actual Architectural Project, and is drawn up when the design has
been approved by the client and its construction is imminent. Its main difference with the Architectural
Project or Basic Project is that the former graphically describes "what is going to be done" while the
Executive Project specifies "how it is going to be done." Working on the basis of the plans that make
up the Architectural Project, the same Architect or a Civil Engineer forming a work team, adds
information and technical specifications intended for the builder and the various contractors that
explain in detail what materials and techniques should be used. In addition to the plans that make up
the Architectural Plans package, at least the following plans and documents must be included:

 Topography
 Dirt road plan, or topographical plan.
 Structure
 Foundation plans.
 Plans for setting out walls, or setting out walls.
 Plans of porticos, with beams and pillars.
 Plans for floor and roof slabs, or for slabs.
 Facilities
 Buried sanitation plan.
 Installation plans: electrical, hydraulic, sanitary, fire, mechanical, special, voice and data, etc.
 Enclosure and compartmentalization
 Plans defining the enclosure and compartmentalization elements: walls, partitions, doors,
windows, railings, roof, etc.
 Finishes
 Finishing plans: flooring, paint, plaster, acoustic and thermal insulation, waterproofing, etc.
 Urbanization
 Plans of the elements that make up the outdoor areas: sidewalks, landscaping, fencing,
facilities, etc.
 Construction details
 Construction detail plans (by trade).
 Descriptive and constructive memory with
 Applicable regulations.
 Regulatory compliance sheets.
 Justification of the solutions adopted
 Programming of the work.
 Structural calculation report.
 Catalogue of concepts or specifications.
 Budget

Quantification of work or Budget (with detailed measurements and unit prices). Guidance regarding
elements that affect the site such as light, sunlight, views that can be admired, as well as conditions
for electricity, water and drainage supply, during and after construction.
Once the above has been resolved, the space requirements of the building must be assessed, such
as constructed surface area, height of floors or plants, relationships between spaces, uses, etc. The
set of architectural requirements is also known as the Architectural Program.

Just as important as the previous point is to consider the budget available for construction, because
before drawing up the plans it must be clear how much money can be invested, to avoid designing a
project so expensive that it cannot be paid for by the owner or developer.