Case Study

Case Study in Architectural Design

Introduction :

A case study is a powerful learning tool that offers a comprehensive overview of how previous designers have handled similar design problems. If undertaken thoroughly, a case study will reveal the strengths that can be taken forward and the pitfalls that we should avoid in future projects.

Why to do a case study?

Before doing any design it’s imperative to first learn from the past design projects. It helps the designer in getting an overview of how the respective designer has thought and handled the said design problem. If undertaken thoroughly, the study will reveal the positives that can be carried forward and the drawbacks that could be avoided.

When to do the case study?

The study ideally, has to be done after collecting the data required from - the client, DCR norms & regulations and Design standards. The data thus collected will help in the analysis of the case study. But this has to be completed before the concept stage of the design problem.

How to choose a case study?

It is ideal to study a minimum of two different case studies- One, from the Books, Journals and publications, websites etc. Second, one of the real-time projects that is executed and functioning as on date. The former study can be completely novel in ideology and design philosophy. While considering the global arena, these projects are sure to reveal a varied thought process and design approach. The latter study can be on an indigenous level. This will guide the designer on - how the local users respond to the design, the behaviour of the building to the inherent climate, traffic inflow and outflow etc. Before delving into the projects in detail, it is best suggested to study different projects as an overview. Based on data availability and likeliness of the proposed project, one can finalize on the project to be studied in detail.

What do study in a case study?

The first step is always to collect as much data as possible. On completion of data collection, the said data has to be analysed by comparing the Design standards and regulation with the actual project data. If there is a variation, try to analyse if it’s acceptable or not. A detailed checklist is given below for a general guidance. But do not limit it to the list.

Mandatory check list while conducting a case study.

To help us prepare a checklist, we shall consider a commercial building such as a shopping mall

While studying any space, always look at its dimensions, ease of accessibility, climatic effect, user friendliness etc. Make bubble diagrams for every floor. Click as may pictures as possible. Make sketches of specific details (sketching masks the unwanted portions which a photograph cannot) Most importantly, talk to every one related to design project-client, designer, users, customers and technicians. Observe every corner of the design and try to make as much notes as possible to record the collected data. If possible try to meet the designer and get to know his ideas and concepts. Fetch the floor plans to understand the flow of spaces, methods of representations and the structural design employed. This will be the base for further data analysis. At the end of the study, the young designer should be able to come up with conclusions and inferences. This will primarily act as design cursors for the start of a new design proposal. Therefore, the case study is a very crucial stage of the study process and should never be taken lightly or neglected.

In conclusion A well-conducted case study can equip a designer with a profound understanding of past design successes and mistakes. Therefore, it's an invaluable tool for any designer aiming for excellence. After all, learning from the past is a sure stepping stone towards a successful future.