4 PRELIMINARY STEPS IN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Sushma Goel

Introduction

This stage of design process falls as an intermediate phase between the schematic design phase and construction development phase. The design development stage starts when a lot of research and programming has gone into the project wherein the space requirements, site analysis, environment and climatic factors, socio-psychological and economic factors have been discussed and approved of. The details of the research and all the information of the project and the floor plans are compiled and written which help to stay focus during the design development phase and makes it easier to follow.

Today the lesson is planned based on the following objectives:-

1 .To understand the concept of design

2 .To learn to how to work on drawings

3. To acquire in depth knowledge on estimation

Conceptualization

The Design development phase is also known as the ‘Idea Generation’ stage. In this stage brainstorming for the researched program takes place. New ideas for the project are envisioned. The ideas might be conceptualized verbally, written or sketched using schematic drawings which let the creative juices flowing. One concept leads to the second and it goes on until the whole plan is developed. Different schemes are formed from these concepts for the client or user to choose from. The various concepts are conceptualized on the basis of client’s style, preferences, likes and dislikes and his/her taste in brands. The clients might accept, alter, decline or combine these concepts.

The concepts developed by the interior designer basically includes all the information regarding service plans such as lighting, plumbing, logistics and materials, finishes and furniture to be used. Selection of concepts and materials involves careful planning and decision making. It  is a complex matter wherein decision of one design is linked to another and so on. Therefore, proper communication between the designer and client is important for discussion of the selected materials and designs. Sometimes, the client goes back to and fro to choose a different concept and deviates from the original concept chosen earlier. In that case, other designs/finishes also need to be changed. It costs more time, energy and money as some designers might charge extra from the client in case there is a change of plan after the finalization of the original design. But it is always better to alter it during planning stages than during implementation and construction when the materials have been sourced.

The Concepts or schematic drawings include the list of items appointed for selection for the project considering client’s aim, needs, vision, expectations and budget. The designer brings in images and samples of various designs of materials and finishes. The client can also bring in his ideas and images of what he expects from the whole brainstorming process.

1. Materials- These are of prime importance in any project. These include images and swatches of floorings-wooden/ tiled/ laminated/stone/vinyl/others, floor coverings-rugs/carpets, wall designs- wall paper, paints- textured/effects, textiles for wall coverings-types of curtains, blinds and upholstery for furniture items and architectural trims and moldings for custom cabinetry and furniture.
2. Furniture- The style, brand and type of furniture is presented to the client for selection considering the factors such as the size of the room, number of users using specific furniture, basic use of furniture, the design of the room. Sometimes, the client demands the designer for custom built furniture.
3. Furnishings- These include the accent pieces and accessories such as throw pillows, cushions, mats, rugs, durries, wall picture frames, wall art, mirror, vases, door/ cabinet handles, knobs, electrical switch plates, bath fixtures. Lighting fixtures are also selected as part of the concept which includes accent lighting such as standalone lamps, ceiling fixtures, recessed light and decorative lighting such as chandeliers.

All the materials, finishes, furniture and furnishings are chosen from vast resource database such as internet, catalogues, swatches and sample books and showrooms and home stores. It becomes easier to brainstorm and choose different parts of concept at one time to reinforce the whole design concept by fostering harmony. Creation of the concepts is a multifarious process which may take some week’s time to evolve depending upon the span of project.

The presentation of the concepts is made using the

Work drawings which include drawings and floor plans depicting circulation space and arrangement of furniture items. These might be hand drawn or made by assistance of computer software.

Concept boards which have samples of materials and finishes depicting the whole concept and style and type of design. (See fig no. 1.3) Different parts of the concept are sometimes drawn on paper in circles catering to each part popularly called as Bubble diagrams or the objects served as different components are arranged on board next to each other.

Colored handmade or computer generated 2-D and 3-D architectural Renderings showing panoramic views, perspective drawings and virtual tour of the space help in understanding the completed design. Shadows and textures like hatching design are essential component of the renderings as they try to show pictures of building in its original manner Timely sanction of the design concept ensures cost savings and checks the availability while procuring the materials and finishes. The client decides after the presentation whether he/she is on board with the design concept. If the client is not satisfied with the design concept, the design awaits the client’s input until it is finalized before proceeding for execution.

Fig no. 4.3 Concept board depicting Contemporary Style for residential living room

Working drawings

The finalized design concept includes the working drawings, images, schematic drawings, floor plans, blueprints and selected material and finishes. These are 2-D and 3-D representation of the different perspectives of the building. The approved and finalized set of construction drawings and blueprints of the project with detailed specifications and measurements become a part of legal contract between the client and designer. The architecture/working drawings are technical drawings of the building project. The ideas and concept design take up the shape of working  plans which help to visualize the finalized proposal to clients and enable bids and construction by the builder and sets as a record for the designer.

The working drawings are made according to the actual measurements and dimensions fit to scale in order depict the building details which can also be fit on the sheet size. They involve building views from different angles and projections. The drawings might be hand drawn or made by computer software mainly CAD. The set of construction drawings caters to all the departments of the building project including site plans, floor plans, perspective drawings and service plans such as electrical and plumbing. All the plans might include certain details such as title, scale of measurement, an index depicting the specifications and number of items used in that particular space and the designer’s whereabouts.

The following sets of plans are most likely to be drawn for completion of the building project.

1. Floor plan– It is an orthographic projection of building in a horizontal plane. It depicts the space planning of the building from top view as it is a horizontal section cut through the building four feet above ground. It is basically a schematic map showing pathways and arrangement of items of all the floors drawn separately starting from ground level up to roof level or depending upon number of floors in a construction or renovation project. It is a diagram depicting the relationship between different rooms, and the layout of walls, flooring, circulation space and placement of furniture and other details such as openings, windows, doors, stairs, fixtures, appliances etc.(See fig no.4.4). It does not show the ceiling and upper portion of walls and other items beyond four feet. Sometimes, the items above are shown using dotted lines such as overhead kitchen cabinets. It includes an index section consisting of notes of number of rooms, size and usage of rooms, materials and finishes used quantity, sizes and brands of doors and windows, appliances, bath and kitchen fixtures and other details.

                                Fig no. 4.4 Floor plan of two bedroom house.

Specifications- The notes or index section mentioned on the plans usually consists of the following details-

• Scale used for drawing i.e. 1:100 or 1:50 and so on.
• Identification of items such as doors, windows, furniture etc.
• Number of items
• Quantity of items
• Manufacturing and quality details of items
• Dimensions and size of these items
• Price

2.   Site plan– It is a top view of site drawn to scale. A site plan shows the building project with respect to its whole surrounding areas. The roads, pedestrian ways linking to the building, places in the vicinity of the building such as a park, children’s play area, shops nearby and neighborhood buildings. It shows building’s limit, access to the building, landscaping and parking areas. (See fig no.4.5). All the service plans such as drainage, exterior lighting, plantation needs to be shown for construction of building as it serves as one of the legal documents and is made by professional or architect. It is drawn considering the local codes that need to be followed with respect to fire safety, historical limits, build area, restricted areas near airport, army areas etc. It is easier for the client to understand the location of building with respect to urban frame and placement of home with respect to orientation to sun, wind and its directions and neighboring homes and buildings.

4. Cross-sectional plans– A cross section is a horizontal orthographic projection of a building on to a vertical plane, with the vertical plane cutting through the building. Therefore these plans are views sliced through the building. The cross section plan is a p

om a cross section of the floor plan. (See fig no.4.8).

Fig no. 4.8 Cross-section depicting different floors of a house

5. Mechanical plans- These include the service plan such as the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning plan depicting the complete mechanical layout and the equipment list (type and size) including exhaust system for kitchen, baths and dryer, venting systems, size, type, and layout of ducting, HVAC system, exhaust system.

6. Electrical plan provides the details of power, lighting and communication. The drawings may include wiring layout, equipment and cable tray layout, location of lighting system on floor plan, telephone, local area network, special communications or signal systems, or a reflected lighting plan, plot of external wiring of building. Ceiling fixtures plan shows the location of lighting fixtures to be installed in the building like light fixture, ceiling fans and ventilation.

7. Plumbing plan consists of water service location and pipe size and plumbing fixture layouts, drainage, sewer system.
8. Structural plan– A set of plans which explains the construction of building structure. These are mainly concerned with foundation and load carrying structure of the building. They are a part of legal agreement. These do not include materials and finishes details.
9. Perspective plan– It is the view from a particular fixed viewpoint. Horizontal and vertical edges in the object are represented by horizontals and verticals in the drawing. It is a 3-D representation of a room on two dimensional plane. Lines leading away into the distance appear to converge at a vanishing point. Depending upon the number of vanishing points, perspective plan might be one-point perspective, two-point perspective or three-point perspective. In one point perspective, perspective is created by showing the front and one side of an object with all the horizontal lines joining a single vanishing point. (See fig no.4.9 and fig no. 4.10). Two point perspectives, as the name suggests, uses two vanishing points toward which all perspective lines (non vertical) are drawn. When an object is drawn in this way it is even more realistic than drawn with a single vanishing point. See fig no.4.11 and fig no. 4.12).

Fig no.4.9.Perspective plan for living rooms                                      Fig no. 4.10 One-perspective plan

The plans need to be carefully drafted in order for correct execution and implementation of building construction as they also need to be certified and passed by the authorities considering the building codes and safety laws. After the set of construction plans, working drawings, materials and finishes are acclaimed and settled the rough or abstract estimation of quantity of materials and process for implementation is carried out to understand the requirement of finances and time.

Estimation

Estimation involves the planning, controlling and utilization of funds and time required for construction purpose. Estimation for any given building project depends upon factors such as quantity and quality of the materials to be ordered .Estimation is required –

• It portrays a clear picture to the client about the expected amount he/she would be spending upon the entire project and expected time required to complete the project. Therefore, help in making provisions beforehand or control the expenditure wherever needed.
• It sets a record for both the parties.
• To obtain the certification and sanctions from the building authorities.
• To use for bidding, call for tenders for souring materials.

The basic method used for estimating is by calculating the quantity of material. It is done by creating tabular framework which involves the detailed specifications drawn from the drafted floor plans. The area of items is determined, followed by calculation of rate per unit and then the estimated amount is calculated. The designer might add up his service fee and addition charges at the end. Item type    Item quantity    Length    Width      Depth/Height Rate per unit Amount

Cost and time calculation depends upon a number of factors-

• Quantity of items- The items are calculated based on the area/ cubic area/ volume/ sizes of the items and then summed together.
• Materials – Estimation of cost and time also depends upon procurement of materials i.e. availability of materials during season and off-season, time and distance taken to deliver the material, charges for delivery, size and quantity of materials, sole-sourced or bulk orders, terms of purchase are all added up to the master sheet.
• Equipment costs- These depend upon the quantity, availability and other things such as performance, cycle times, technology newness etc.
• Labor costs- It is also added to the list for cost estimation which is determined by number of working hours, productivity, number of staff, hourly rates or lump sum.
• Additional costs are also added to the quote sheet such as legal fees, administration fee, profit of the contractor or designer, temporary utilities used by contactors and laborers.

Conclusion

Currently a lot of software and online tools are used for estimation which makes it convenient to handle all the administration including estimating, ordering and invoicing. It avoids errors and repetition of items and is easy and hassle free.

References:

• Faulkner and Faulkner (1994), Inside Today’s Home, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, NewYork.
• Gandotra.V, Shukul.M, and Jaiswal.N, (2011) Introduction to Interior Design and Decoration, Dominant Publishers and Distributors New Delhi.
• Kasu,A.A,(2005), “Interior Design”, Delhi; Asha Book Center. India.
• Rao,P.M, (2005), “ Interior Design –Visual Presentation”, USA; John Wiley and Sons.
• Seetharaman.P.,Paannu.P (2009) , Interior Design and Decoration, CBS Publishers and Distributers Pvt Limited., Chennai India.