Let’s begin by defining a concept; It is “an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances.”
Whether it’s related to architecture or not, any creative individual knows the challenge of finding a good concept! I’ve been in countless situations where I’d end up banging my head until a possible concussion to discover a good idea. Now, I’m not saying to do that because, fortunately for you, we will give you some great starting points, unlike where I was…
It is also essential to target your project’s purpose and define what narrative you want to solidify with your concept. If there is no project in the immediate future, you could still benefit from conceptual thinking by practicing your imagination. In either case, it’s never too late to gather ideas from the following sources! While everyone’s process is different, here are some ways we find concept inspirations!
Non-Architecture Sources
I think it’s safe to say any visual stimulation from movies, concept art, or graphic design can excite our minds with numerous possibilities. I know professors tell you to avoid Pinterest, but if it helps you, then by all means. I find myself scrolling through Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms, too, for any creative graphic that might spur an idea. On the other hand, movies can be tricky to formulate a concept, but it shouldn’t stop you. We previously wrote an article about fictional movies that architects should watch, so maybe it will help you develop a concept.
Biomimicry is when you draw inspiration from nature, you observe the natural biological designs or processes in organisms, and re-envision them in a building. The Beijing National Stadium or “Bird’s Nest,” designed by Herzog & de Meuron in 2008, is a prime example of replicating biomimicry.
However, it’s also essential to know the difference between biomimicry and biophilic. Biophilic design is the building industry’s idea to increase connectivity to the natural environment through direct and indirect nature. You can find countless examples of biophilic design within architecture!
Precedents
You have heard the phrase “location, location, location” when it comes to real estate. Well, yes, yes, yes, should apply to precedents! Studying the built works of masters will always be a great way to find inspiration for a concept. Your professors will love successful and relevant precedents, and clients will feel more confident about your design. Not only that, you can find interviews or books on a specific master or project that could elaborate on a concept that you can begin to explore.
Our newest team member, Dami, just created a new video on YouTube, “How to Present Architectural Case Studies like a Pro,” illustrating why studying past projects can support your concept.
Studio Walk-Throughs
After being displaced from our magnificent homes of the studio, I know this won’t be easy. Nonetheless, I still want to express the beauty of walking through the studio that I didn’t take full advantage of in school.
My professor would always grab something lying around on the floor, table, or outside and present it as a concept. Of course, I was like, “what’s going on in their heads,” but it helped me visualize new ideas! This could still happen with your professors over Zoom, but maybe it can be a fun idea to present an object around your home studio to your peers that you find exciting.
Exploring
It’s not a surprise to find concepts by exploring! COVID has put a major dent into our abroad travel plans, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find inspiration nearby. Coming back to your hometown after a study abroad will bring you a fresh perspective on familiar places. You can try exploring other areas by driving through your neighborhoods and take notes of what you see. Even your hometown can surprise you with unique architectural qualities compared to other cities or towns.
Your site’s surrounding context can largely inform and influence your concept. Some of the most successful real-world projects are the ones that are sensitive to the needs, history and culture of the people you are designing for. Balancing an innovative, purposeful, and context-sensitive concept is something all designs should strive for!
If you really want to explore all over the world right now, plop yourself into street view on Google Maps! Though it’s not the same as being in person, the street view can still allow you to explore your chosen location and at least get some sense of scale, mass, and design. And maybe give you a mental vacation!
I’m sure everyone would still love to travel to see all sorts of architectural goodies after the pandemic, so we already compiled a list of cities architects should visit that are off the beaten path, and no, NYC and Rome are not on this list! Just follow this link to see the article!
The most important thing to remember when finding a concept is to go through an iterative process of concept development to begin to notice which is better suited for the situation. Sometimes the first concept you envision could be more compelling than the ‘N’th iteration, but you wouldn’t have known otherwise. I hope this article helps you how to find inspiration for architectural concepts! If you have any specific topics you want to learn about, write in the comments below!