The elements of building design

It is always easy to criticise of course, and with the advantage of hindsight, every building would be perfect. It is said that ‘history is a good teacher’ and everyone involved in creating new buildings would do well to study past successes and failures so that the same mistakes are not repeated. This can only be achieved by understanding as far as practically possible the true requirements and purposes of buildings so that significant elements are not ignored or forgotten.

They can be grouped into the following broad categories.

Basic physical needs
Buildings generally provide a sheltered, warm and secure enclosure or interior environment, appropriate for sustaining anticipated human activity.

Cultural influences

The way that activity is undertaken includes consideration of present-day attitudes, beliefs and political organisation, the meaning of historical precedent, the desire to express symbolic values and the extent of current legal constraint applicable to development.

Means of construction

Creating appropriate environments requires the selection of suitable structures, materials, fixtures and finishes to maintain shelter, warmth and security and to withstand the effects of the local climate and the wear and tear of the regular use.

Appearance

Structures and finishes can be seen and have a visual impact, both on the external and internal environments. The appearance of materials may be naturally finished or decorated, and will almost certainly change over time.

Project-specific matters

The way that any new building can be created depends on the demands of the building type and the constraints of the site on which it is to be located. The requirements and expectations of the client and the costs of construction are factors unique to each and every new building.

All the elements of a new building can be found in these categories, and some will be affected by all of them. It is not possible to decide whether any particular element of the building should be by looking at only one area. For example, consider the front wall of a shop in the high street:

• What is its physical purpose?

Does it maintain internal comfort levels? If it is used to display expensive products, how is security arranged? Does it offer shelter from rain to passers by?

• How have cultural perceptions influenced its function and appearance?

To what extent is the shop front a reflection of present-day trading methods? Does the design say anything about the company’s history and beliefs, and is there any symbolic reference to the goods and materials being traded?

• What legal constraints applied to its design and construction?

How was the way the shop works and looks controlled originally? Would current controls mean that it would be different today? Would Planning, Building Control and Health and Safety concerns alter the way the shop could be operated today?

• How is it constructed and maintained?

What materials have been used? How is it fixed to other elements of the structure? Is it holding up the roof? Are there any high-level windows which are difficult to reach and clean?

• Has it stood up to the weathering effects of the sun, rain and frost?

Was the selection and use of materials suitable for the long term? Are elements of the building or its function short term and likely to be renewed in the foreseeable future?

• Has it been damaged through wear and tear, or as a result of vandalism?

Is the shop front capable of being cleaned and/or redecorated?

• What is its impact on adjacent property?

Has it been designed to be sympathetic to other shops in the area, or does it stand out on its own? How does it relate to the public footpath and the road? Is it obscured by parked cars?

• How much did it cost and was it good value for money?

What is the useful lifespan of the building, the materials and the business operation? Is there a relationship between the lifespan of the business and the quality of the building? Is the building energy efficient, the operation sustainable?

• Does it allow any flexibility for alteration by new occupants in the future?

Could a change of use take place without major reconstruction?

There are more questions which could be asked about other issues, factors or elements which may have a bearing on design possibilities for this part of the building, which will inevitably affect other parts of it as well. Some answers are common to all building types but others must be discovered or determined in relation to the specific project.

                                   Tangibles

                                  Intangibles