My Strategy for Developing Architectural Concepts

An architectural concept is a design tool for:
1. The millions of decisions you have to make on any single project.
2. Communicating your design decisions to your clients / consultants.
3. Providing an objective reference point, in a subjective field such as design.

In this video, I'll show you the process for developing the concept for a project we're currently working on.

0:00 Intro
3:20 Project Description
4:29 Analysis
9:44 Strategy - Original Source
10:15 Idea 1
10:53 Idea 2
11:35 Idea 3
12:00 Idea 4
16:36 Conclusion

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WHO AM I:
I'm Dami, a licensed Architect living in Vancouver, BC. I make videos about architecture, career, and creativity.

GET IN TOUCH:

[mohammedmarwanmohammed]

Concept development is one of the most important aspects of architecture; one where most struggle to come up with. You made a fantastic point when you clearly stated that good ideas are different iterations of an existing item. This is one opinion about great architecture I've been looking for for a long time, and I'm happy to have finally found it on this channel. You're a wonderful teacher, Dami, and I can't wait to see the final drawings of the library. Wishing you all the best.

[MatthewEncina]

Constraints lead to more creative solutions 👌🏽

[katiepetkova]

I’ve asked myself this so many times - was genuinely great to see it all vocalized and explained so coherently!

[kinzasyed]

you are literally the best teacher. just pulled an all-nighter and I was about to go sleep but couldn't miss watching you. I was so low because of work stress but you filled me with so much positive energy. I am so glad your channel has been with me in these difficult thesis times. THANK YOU. ps. I have my jury in a week or two.

[yesenia]

I just ran into this video and I appreciate it so much. Im currently in my third year of undergrad and my semester project is a library proposal. I interviewed my local librarian and she was so helpful. She gave me many resources, helpful ideas and even some case studies. I've been stuck on the design aspect of my concept but this has given me many ideas

[andrewadams]

Just had this recommended to me by the YouTube algorithm and I'm pleased to say it was a huge success! This has helped me to understand conceptualisation far more deeply as a layman and I can't wait for more videos (I have definitely subscribed)!

[nnadnodnadd]

Omg the cheesecake analogy lol. Loved it. I actually worked in healthcare for 4.5 years before deciding on getting my M.Arch and specifically in cosmetic contact lens optometry(and even cosmetically with glasses), it’s A LOOTT about helping the patient understand what they want and balancing that with what they need with their prescription 😊 it’s weird how interpersonal communication is truly present in every field. I’m excited to see how it translates for me once I work in the architecture field! Great video 💛

[WimsicleStranger]

Found this video from a YouTube list promoting featured creators on the rise on the front page, and I've gotta say I wish I found your content sooner! It is well produced and the information is delivered concisely. You can tell someone is knowledgeable in their area when they don't need to fall back on 'filler words'.

[josephborr]

I had a small library in my thesis last year. After watching your video, I feel so much regret not focusing on that area more. I love how you described the library as one of the most interesting typologies, showcasing how society relates to information. My thesis was a Center for Indigenous Archaeology. For indigenous peoples, passing on their knowledge to future generations is crucial to their culture's survival, and I regret taking the library aspect of it for granted. Thank you for this! <3

[nickvsarch]

Can't wait to see the photos of the library!!

[toyboatt]

Great video. In the past 5-10 years I've come to appreciate the many parallels that occur in design cycles in different field. I've heard stories similar to yours from software engineers and high school shop and art teachers. It's super interesting how you apply client focus and accountability to your decisions. Thanks for sharing!

[siddhantrao]

This is by far the best video I have seen on concept developments. Can’t wait for the next video!

[pizzaman]

I think the way you explain things is great, very clear and so encouraging for us, the junior architects, keep doing this kind of videos ❤️

[AbhishekKumar-bkue]

It was amazing to relate some of the concepts mentioned by you which I have used in my personal project "unknowingly". Hope to get more of these and really excited for your upcoming video on this library project completion.

[moicag]

Hey Dami! I’m an Apprentice Architect based here in the Philippines and I’ve been watching your videos which really helped me in my Diversified Training especially the portfolio video and this one. Thank you for these kind of videos and I’m looking forward to more content Kudos to you Architect!

[Dea_Decay]

As a musician I've seen many argue that constraints make a person more creative as they have to come up with solutions, and there are those who of course argue against it, that without constraints you can be more free and encourage experimentation and for inspiration to happen by going down new paths. Music, and art, can certainly benefit from those freedoms, if your willing to take a riskier path that doesn't guarantee a financial reward (and if that is a priority). Certain restraints might help you make a song with more mass appeal, it can also speed up decision making, like in your example where you can ask yourself, or your band members (or clients if your doing a commissioned song). It seems even more practical in architecture to have those constraints given the cost in time and money for the firm. That said with both music, and at my day job, I like allotting time for creative challenges, be it a challenge that involves working around artificial constraints, or one of completely free form creative expression, with an unlimited budget and time. If done right they should be voluntary and fun, help build a sense of team, or shared experience for those who do it that builds some kind of bond, while also allowing for the potential for growth in unexpected ways, or stumbling into something that could actually be helpful on a future real world project. It might not be applicable to every work environment, but those shared experiences can become sort of shorthand of something that either worked that might be usable in a different project, or failed and can serve as a warning when a realwork project is heading down a path that has already been shown not to work in previous exercises.

[manoellawoellner]

Excellent video! I am an Architect and I appreciate watching videos like that, seeing how other Architects work

[demoscratos]

Most beautiful architect I have ever seen. Great content too!! Great break down of design process.

[darkryst]

This channel is fantastic. very glad i've ended up here.

[OverZel]

I'm an illustrator, but I took an architecture class in high school and feel in love with it. I wonder how things would be if I continued in it. This channel is sparking that love again.