Simple Ideas, Impactful Designs
This blog explores the basic ideas in architecture that drive lasting, powerful designs, breaking down complex structures into the straightforward concepts that make them work. Whether you’re curious about design principles, construction methods, or the stories behind iconic projects, this is the place to explore how big ideas often start with a small individual steps.
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Most homeowners don’t think about permits until they’re well into a renovation or worse, dealing with the aftermath of skipping one. Are permits just another way for cities to collect money, or do they actually protect homeowners? The answer isn’t black and white. “I Thought I Could Skip a Permit…
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Located in San Francisco, Building 12 is an iconic landmark that reflects the city’s industrial past while embracing a future shaped by climate resilience. Once a bustling shipyard, this 84-year old building played a crucial role in World War II, shaping San Francisco’s industrial identity. Today, it as been reimagined…
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Mass timber, an emerging technology in sustainable construction, is transforming climate-conscious design. It includes engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam. These are made by bonding smaller pieces of wood together resulting in high-strength, durable structural elements. Along with its exceptional performance, mass timber stands out for its…
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“The greenest building is the one that already exists”, Carl Elefante. Just like materials can be reused, so can buildings; why demolish when you can transform. Adaptive reuse of old buildings is not a new concept, but is trending now more than ever. More and more architects and planners are…
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This is a modern office space with two different design ideas. One side of the room is characterized by large windows that offer a view of a lush green garden and allowing abundant natural light inside the space, creating a serene and cozy feel. This side of the room features…
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“I’m in a festive mood today, I should go to that community center. I feel so excited when I’m there”, says one. Another says, “ I feel distressed; some peace and calm will be nice. I should go to that park”. Wouldn’t it be great to have places designed to…
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We all have that go-to place, which makes us feel good, and we like its vibe. But what is it that we want to describe about the place by words ‘feel good’ and ‘vibe’. Is it the perfect lighting, apt space organization, the right type of crowd, maybe all of…
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‘Form’ or ‘Function’ is a question often discussed in the field of Architecture. But what if the argument is based on the wrong premises. What if we’ve misunderstood what Sullivan meant with Form follows Function and have therefore drawn wrong conclusions. The question is then invalid! “Form ever follows function”…
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