Why architects should learn to code?

Why architects should learn to code?

We know that we have to be contented with numerous topics besides computer science and it is also necessary for us to expertise those subjects that drives our real projects. It's true that an architect cannot expertise in all the domains related to an architectural project; like the whole list of design process, planning, managerial skills, administrative skills, project management, the business side of architecture, building rules, codes and list goes on.... Along with this never ending list of topics, do we need to learn programming? Then, why is the need for a computer programmer? If you look into the current scenario, the design tools are not considered as a tool for assistance, it is not driven by the architect, instead, the architect is driven by these tools making him to familiarize and use its limited functionalities hindering the designer to cognitively reason and to critically think; In short, the design solutions are not the actual solutions but an output produced by familiarizing the tools. Coding gives the designer an opportunity to practically apply logic through algorithms allowing the designer to customize and make iterations to the available tools. So, we also have to think about tools that are iterative in nature. I won't say that everyone should learn to code but learning allows an architect to produce rational and meaningful solutions. Also, I won't say that you have to be super expert in it; at least at a level of understanding the common logical operations would be fine. Fundamentally, at its core, all programming languages are similar; it can be related to the different languages we talk - sounds different but meaning remains the same. So, choose the best language.

We welcome your suggestions and your inputs on this subject. We'd like to know more about the most effective programming language used by architects today in the design domain and software development domain. Please share your thoughts on this and we welcome criticisms if you disagree with us. Hope this helped. Thanks for visiting our blog. Have a great day!

Web development for architects

Do architects have to learn web development? 

Let me try to answer this question in a way that directed me to explore the area of web development. You can share your opinion if you don't agree with me.

Now, let's discuss on it.

Why? What & How? Let's keep this in mind before we start.

The big Y.

Firstly - why to learn web development?
Web development - The subject is definitely inclined towards IT, Information Systems and Computer Science. Learning web development helps an architect to design his/her own architectural web portfolio independently and also know about the most advanced areas of web development that the architect can implement while creating the website design brief. I won't say that every architect should learn web design or development. But, when we look into the phases of design process involved in web development, there are specific areas related to design, especially the wireframing phase, which an architect can easily learn. While communicating with frontend developers of your website UI, it can easily help in translating your ideas. I won't suggest learning the backend technologies because it's bit complicated but an architect can know about the functional side of it.

At an inceptive stage of an architectural firm, a designer may not be able to afford the deployment of professional website as the cost involved in development and services are too high, especially, for website services and maintenance. This is what led me to learn about website development and blogging. And, many  other reasons too. Anyway, let's not talk about that because you would have visited this blog to know about web development. I'll share here few steps involved in web designing. Very soon, I'll update the blog with a presentation on the same.

Basically, we need to know about the overall process involved in the website development.

1. Detailed Specification (Brief)
2. ‎Wireframing and Structure
3. Look and Feel
4. Development
5. Testing
6. Launching
7. ‎Maintanence

Almost similar to the design process involved in architectural design. Ryt! But with little changes.

Wireframing and structure is almost like 'concept development' which an architect can easily learn. I'll share here few sketches used in wireframing. You can also relate this to the term 'diagramming' used in the analysis sketches for making design decisions but with different needs and applications.

The next big questions is..

What?

• What are the needs?
• ‎What should be the UI design?
• ‎What is the structure of website?
• ‎What is the content?
• ‎What should be the user flow?

Getting the answer for this is time consuming and its one of most critical stage for the designer. and by this time you'd be exhausted with no more watts. So let's end with what and shift to how? Now you can relax and see how the website functions and the improvements to be made for which, oftentimes, a feedback processes will be carried out.

How?

• How to make iterations?
• ‎How is the website functioning?
• ‎How the site works?
• ‎How is the UI?
• ‎How to test?

‎and finally,
• ‎How to improve?

Key points to remember during the whole process.

• Needs
• ‎Goals
• Plan
• ‎Content
• ‎Structure
• ‎UI Design
• ‎User flow
• ‎Performance Indicators
• ‎Front End - UI
• ‎Back End - Servers

Thanks for visiting our blog. Hope this helped.

Differentiating site analysis from site planning

Many architecture students find it difficult to differentiate site analysis from site planning. Here we are sharing with you a figure to help  you better understand the stage during which the site analysis is conducted in an architectural design process. Also the key points to be considered while conducting a site analysis is also given.

Also check out this PPT link to know more about this.

Google Slides

Tongkonan Indigenous Architecture

In today's post I'm sharing about a literature review done for a vernacular architecture in Indonesia. Here I've included a post presentation that compares the responsive and resilient features of the identified building.

Why Vernacular Architecture?
Vernacular Architecture is more challenging than any other field as it not only considers the technology associated with construction but also the local traditions and needs are answered in the most ingenuous and functional way.

An overview of Tongkonan

Tongkonan, is an indigenous house in the South Sulawesi island of Indonesia. The topography of Indonesia makes the place vulnerable to various hazardous situations such as flooding and earthquakes. The study area is in Indonesia, an archipelago, with a population of more than 230 million of which the majority of population depends on the local ecosystem's resources for survival. Tongkonan is a traditional house of Toraja District in Southern part of Sulawesi Island.

The climate of South Sulawesi is majorly classified as Af (Equatorial Climate - Rainforest) by the Köppen-Geiger system. The southern part of Sulawesi is characterised by humid tropical climate with constant temperature and the seasons are differentiated by the amount of rainfall received. The Tana Toroja regency covers an area of 3205km2 located in South Sulawesi, Indonesia and is located approximately 300-600m above sea level. The Torojan people are known for their culture and tradition. As their place was isolated for a long period of time by natural barriers they have practiced what they had inherent in them.

Resilient and responsive features in the case of Tongkonan

An architectural solution that facilitates the rational functioning of eco system is needed for the local people and built environment to be resilient and responsive during unexpected challenges and vulnerable scenarios. The characteristics of the built environment may be influenced by the environmental and cultural factors. Here an identification of the spatial and structural features is carried out to review their responsiveness to contextual climate and resilience during vulnerable scenarios. This helps in relative classification of resilience and responsiveness and also the to see the extend of its influence over the comfort parameters and structural stability.

iLeads - Integrated Learning Environment in an Architectural Design Studio and Interactive Media Design Lab (IMDL)

An initiative from team ids exclusively for architecture students. The program is to assess the performance of students in their academic design studio and interactive media design lab  for an integrated and holistic learning. We will be updating on the program and the iLeads leadership program in the upcoming posts.  This program is at its amateur level now; we are working as a team to improvise this program. A brief overview of the program and assessment criteria is given below.

Assignment Stage 
Exercise on specific tasks that are holistic in nature are given to students.

Participation and Involvement Program
iLeads Student Design Leadership Titles: Students are honoured with titles and tags for their performance and contribution which is considered as the two major categories. And the titles are given on the basis of the interdisciplinary nature of subjects.

Assessment modes

Credits‎ with feedback from expert panel

‎Participation and Involvement Program

Panel Review

Thanks for visiting our blog.

Vernacular SEA (South East Asia) - Major Elements and Technology

This post will give you an overview of the major elements and component considered in the study of vernacular architecture. Some of the parameters are listed below and the same are considered for reviewing indigenous responsive and resilient architectural features in the upcoming posts; (Review 1 - Tongkonan). 

Technology

• Materials - Use of locally available materials Well adapted to local environment
• Joining, pegging, wedging/binding and mortising most significant in roof construction
• The superstructure mainly consists of prefabricated screens attached to structural components.
• Post/Columns are used as load bearing components.

• Wall - Not a priority instead screens are used. Non load bearing walls
• Wood - Hardwood (Teak, Cengal) is used. Bamboo is also used for temporary buildings
• Roofing - Palm leaf and grass thatching
• Foundation - Raised platform. Varies across region; Some are built directly on ground. Low pile foundations are used in west Java. Raised floor is effectively used in Thailand.

Components/Region; Example.

Region	Component	Description		Example
Toba Batak Village - Indonesia	Roof	Saddle backed roof	Extended ridge and sloping gable	Toba House
North Sumatra - Indonesia	Roof (Batak Architecture)	Saddle backed roof	Different variations	Karo batak North Sumatra

 

Tana Toraja South Sulawesi, Indonesia	Foundation	Stand on high piles	Traditional Torajan ancestral houses.	Tongkonan
	Roof	Layered split bamboo	Curved arc shape. Tongkonan means ‘to sit’.	Tongkonan Layuk, Tongkonan pekamberan.

Proprofs; Vernacular Architecture Quiz

ProProfs - Vernacular Terms » ProProfs

Proprofs; Vernacular Architecture Quiz

Lets try this quiz below

High Paying Ad Networks

Give below are the highest paid Ad Networks
1. Media Net

• Exclusive access to Yahoo
• Largest contextual Ad Networks
• Provides several Ad Styles
• Main Ad style is content Ad.
• Search Targeting
• Provides mobile ads
• Best when compared to Adsense.

2. Adsterra

• Fastest growing premium Ad Network
• For Web and Mobile
• Ads with standard banner, sliders and direct links
• Payments by weekly via major payment systems.

3. Chitika

• 3,50,000 publishers
• Partners include Yahoo, Supermedia etc
• Payments by PayPal with a minimum of $10.

How to convert your blog into an App?

Let me tell some of the ways in which you can convert your blog into an android application In anybrowser, open Appgazer which can be opened in a mobile phone. Create the app within the mobile web interface.

• You can also use this to convert videos into application
• Enter the website (URL) in the command box provided.
• Make sure that you enter the complete URL including whatever is present after .com
• Enter the blog name.
• Make sure that you use unique name. Choose the appropriate icon. Add description 
• Follow the procedures mentioned. It's easy. Download the apk file. 
• You can also preview the app within the webinterface.
• The conversion time is about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Install the app and open it in the mobile phone

Publish it in any platform. ENJOY!

You can also use websites like gonative.io aswell. Its better to adopt a material design as it is mainly adopted in most of the android apps. There are lot of customizable options in this website. Here a link will be sent to your mail from the website team once the app is created. This website allows you to make for both Android and Ios devices.  

Top 5 Mobile Ad Networks

These are some of the best Ad Networks based on expert reviews.

1. Appodeal
2. Moppub
3. Appnext
4. Chartboost
5. Admob
I hope it will give an idea about the best AdNetworks available.Factors that influence the selection include, RPM, CTR, Fillrate, Revenue, Payout, etc. Some of the other notable Ad networks are InMobi, AppFlood, Airpush and Flurry. Please tell us your opinion and your recommendations.

Building Materials

Let's talk about RUBBLE MASONRY

Rubble masonry is adopted when the soil is poor and soft.
Procedure,
1. First, a wide trench is made and the bottom is concreted.
2. In random rubble masonry, uneven and undressed stones of varying sizes are generally preferred for better stability . Rubble masonry is mainly used for the shallow foundation. It can also be extended to a wall. In some cases, it can also be a retaining wall.

The depth of the foundation generally depends on the load-bearing capacity of the soil. Depending upon the nature of soil various other techniques that can improve foundation stability are implemented along with the same. The size commonly taken is  45 cm of width and 100 to 120cm depth with ratio of 1:10 cement mortar or mud mortar
The voids/gaps should be filled with smaller stones for proper bonding and for better stability
The cornerstones must be aligned and packed properly. We need skilled masons in making a good rubble masonry. Unclean rubble masonry is easily identifiable by an expert which can greatly affect the stability of the superstructure. In some places where quarry stones are not easily available then laterite stone can be a substitute. The rubble masonry can also be made with mud mortar


See similar image at Eyeem

Archirectural Design - Centre for Paraplegic Rehabilitation - Walkthrough

Centre for Paraplegic Rehabilitation - A Dream for differently Abled

#DesignForAll
#UniversalDesign

We know that there are lot of people living with a wide array of disabilities and chronic health conditions than ever before. This project is to promote the need for universal design which will design products, environments and communication that can be usable by all people.

Illustration for Peace and Universal Design (Central Iconic Structure)
Our thought was to make the central iconic structure to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. It is considered as a the heart of the site connecting all other zones.

We tried to make the shape  resemble the concept of 'unity in diversity' improvised with the tricolor lighting inspired from the national flag showing the integrity of our nation in promoting peace.

The Centre is a dream for the differently-abled persons with the introduction of virtual reality which will create an interface to  interact with anyone in this world.
..
..

#UnitedforPeace
#Sustainability
#InclusiveDesign

An academic research initiative in association with  #IDS Architects #SPArchs.

Credits
Music: Otis McDonald
Maps: Google Earth

Presentation on Sustainable Practices at COSTFORD

Today I'm sharing about what I've learned from COSTFORD as an Architect Intern. 

CDS - Sketch -  Trivandrum - Sketch drawn by my co-trainee (mubu)

Photo captured from CDS - One of the project done by COSTFORD

Image collages showing various projects done at COSTFORD

Sustainable Design Practices at Costford

1.COSTFORD’s role in promoting sustainability

2.Architect Laurie Backer’s approach

3.COSTFORD’s architectural approach

4.Different construction techniques adopted

a)Rubble Masonry

b)Brick Wall

a)What is a brick?

b)Brick Bonds- Flemish Bond, Rat trap bond

c)Brick Jalli

d)Bottle lighting

e)Filler Slab

f)Mud Building

a)Adobe Walls

b)COB Walls

c)Mud Plaster

g)Bamboo beam & bamboo slab

h)Roofing: Casuarina roofing

i)Flooring

5.Hands on - Site Visits

6.On Site Sketches

Centre of Science and Technology For Rural Development- COSTFORD founded in 1985 by architect Laurie Baker, Achuth Menon, former chief minister of kerala, economist Dr. K.N. Raj and social activist R Chandradutt provides technological assistance and social development support for rural and urban development. The firm shows interest in alternative building technologies encouraged by Mr. Laurie Baker.

Costford was registered as non profit voluntary organisation in 1985 and started its construction activities in 1986. Its head office is located in Thrissur and has several offices in kerala, in which Trivandrum office is dedicated to architectural services. 

• Residences for EWS
• Housing colonies
• Social housing
• Small to medium sized buildings
• Institutional buildings
• Small scale infrastructure projects

Costford designs in accordance with user needs with major consideration will be on resource conservation. A set of standards are pragmatically developed at costford for choosing the right design which can cater the user needs. Some of design techniques adopted are exclusive to costford developed by architect Laurie Baker.

COMPONENTS

•FOUNDATION

+ RUBBLE MASONRY

• WALL

+ BRICK

+ ADOBE

+ COB

•OPENINGS

+ JALLIS

+ BOTTLE LIGHTING

•SLAB/BEAM

+ BAMBOO SLAB

+ BAMBOO BEAM

•ROOFING

+ CASURINA

+ FILLER SLAB

•FLOORING

+ RED OXIDE

+ BAMBOO FLOORING

+ VITRIFIED TILES

+ GRANITE

+ TERRACOTTA

Here is a  video presentation on the sustainable practices at COSTFORD. You will get to know an overview of how the designs are being carried out.

Brick Bond

Sustainable Practices at Costford

Transfer files from FB to OneDrive - for a particular region - South India

How to transfer files from FB public post  to OneDrive without downloading.
If a new photo from FB is posted from South India Region (area), then add file from URL to OneDrive

Illustrations and analogies for #peace

Helical Structure -  An illustration for peace

Here are some  research findings and analogies inspired from nature. The idea is to promote peace which should be represented in an architectural form at the same time we want it to be multifunctional. We want the design to reflect purpose and add character at the same time this particular zone will act a social gathering space.

At evening in harmony with the tri-colour representation

At night with artificial lighting

form + unity + flag 

#Unitedforpeace

Centre for Paraplegic Rehabilitation

Design evolution

The central iconic structure  is considered as the spirit connecting to all other zones. The below picture shows the tri-colour patterns adopted which is inspired from the national flag showing the integrity of our nation in promoting peace.

Plan showing central iconic structure

We tried to make it a multinational space that will stand out from the other contextual forms without compromising on function and aesthetics. The form must convey a message promoting peace and unity. Here is the result.

Conceptual Sketches

#peace

#UniversalDesign

#UnitedforPeace

#Sustainability

Follow Design Studio #!ncept !ds's board form #rūp on Pinterest.

Design Studio !DS

IDS is formed by a group of young design enthusiasts to research on multidisciplinary subjects linked with architecture. We have been conducting symposiums on universal design, indigenous knowledge and sustainability since its inception.

Our first Design Research Initiative  was on centre for paraplegic rehabilitation (CPR). CPR is a dream for the differently abled to showcase their hidden potential and to help them recover from illness.

This project is an academic research initiative in association with  #IDS Architects #SPArchs. Our thought was to make the central iconic structure to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. It is considered as the heart of the site connecting all other zones.

We tried to make the shape  resemble the concept of 'unity in diversity' improvised with the tricolor lighting inspired from the national flag showing the integrity of our nation in promoting peace.

Please share ur ideas 

#UniversalDesign
#UnitedforPeace
#Sustainability



Credits
Music: Otis McDonald

Follow DesignStudio!ds's board place #deś on Pinterest.