This document summarizes a lecture on design methods given by Dr. Yasser Mahgoub. The lecture defines design as both a process and product, aiming to produce a plan of action to achieve desired goals. It discusses how design works on many levels simultaneously using information and ideas. The lecture also outlines different approaches to the design process, including systematic linear methods involving problem understanding, research, analysis, synthesis and presentation; and non-linear argumentative models involving repeated cycles of positions, arguments and decisions. Building design is highlighted as requiring skills, attention to broader concerns, and significant effort.

1. ASU – Ain Shams University
Faculty of Engineering
Department of Architectural Engineering
ARC 122: History & Theory of Architecture
Fall 2017
Instructor: Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Lecture 2 - Design Methods

2. Design Methods
By: Dr. Yasser Mahgoub

3. 3Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Building design is the
keystone of architecture
practice.
It requires great skills as well
as attention to broader
concerns.
THE NATURE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

4. 4Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
But most of all it requires hours, months, and
years of hard work.
THE NATURE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

5. 5Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Translating :
needs and aspirations,
theories and technologies, and
schedules and budgets
Into 
appropriate and exciting places and buildings
THE NATURE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

6. 6
Aims and Objectives
The aim of this lecture is:
 To explore the domain of
Design Methodology
 To understand the nature of
architectural design methods

8. What is METHODOLOGY?
 The Greek origin of the
term METHOD is "way
through".
 Methodology is the
science of method.
 The aim is to select the
appropriate way
through a difficulty.

9. DESIGN
 DESIGN is an activity, not a product.
 It is the process of designing that we
call DESIGN, not the product that is
designed.

10. 10
DESIGN
DESIGN is an activity aiming
at:
 The production of a plan of
action which if executed is
expected to lead to a
situation with certain
desired characteristics and
without unforeseen and
undesired side and after
effects.

11. 11Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
• Requirements:
describe the desired
properties of the design
• Context: describe the
environment of the
design
• Solution: describe the
design
Requirements
Context Solution
THE NATURE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

12. 12
DESIGN
 DESIGN is purposeful,
goal-seeking activity,
and the purpose is a plan
of action.
 DESIGN goals change
during the process of
designing and learning
more about the nature of
the problem.

13. What is Design?
 DESIGN is a both a verb (to
design) and noun (a design).
 DESIGN a process and a
product; the process of
designing and product that is
designed.
 DESIGN is an activity aiming
at the production of a plan of
action which if executed is
expected to lead to a situation
with certain desired
characteristics and without
unforeseen and undesired side
and after effects.

14. Impact of Design on Cost Implications

15. How
not
What !
DESIGN Method

16. 16
Step one:
Understand the Problem
Step two:
Gather Information
Step three:
Analyze Information
Step four:
Synthesize a Solution
Step five:
Present/Evaluate solution
Design Steps

17. Design Process
The design process works with information and
ideas simultaneously on many levels.
Designing is a reciprocal action and reflection.
Design
Concept - -
Design - -
Details - -

18. Design Vision
Vision (s)
Value (s)
Concept(s)
Idea(s)
Solution(s)
Problem(s) Identification

19. 19Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Design works with
information and
ideas simultaneously
on many levels.
Z
Y
X
Interior
Materials - Colors
Structure – Systems
Function – Circulation -
Access
Form – Shapes - Style
Site – Climate – Context -
Surroundings
THE NATURE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

20. Linear Quality
Analysis  Synthesis  Evaluation
Design Process
Non-linear Qualities
Flashes of insight … Creative leaps

21. 21Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
• Non-linear Qualities
Flashes of insight … Creative leaps
THE NATURE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

22. DESCRIPTIVE REPRESENTATION OF A DESIGN PROCESS

23. Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Design Process

24. Design Process

25. Design Cycle
 Context: describe the
environment of the design
 Requirements: describe the
desired properties of the design
 Solution: describe the design

26. Design Cycle
Context
RequirementsSolution

27. THE FIRST GENERATION:
THE SYSTEMATIC METHODS
 Step one: Understand the Problem
 Step two: Gather Information
 Step three: Analyze Information
 Step four: Synthesize a Solution
 Step five: Present/Evaluate solution

28. Analysis
SynthesisEvaluation
THE FIRST GENERATION:
THE SYSTEMATIC METHODS

29.  The argumentative model is
based on doubt, and is carried
out step by step, a cycle of
positions, argumentation,
decision, repeated over and
over.
THE SECOND GENERATION:
THE ARGUMENTATIVE MODEL

30. Position
ArgumentDecision
THE SECOND GENERATION:
THE ARGUMENTATIVE MODEL

31. Thank you.
Dr. Yasser Mahgoub