How to Draw Architectural Housing (Apartment, Villa) Projects? Architectural Planning Process

Architectural housing projects involve a series of processes and stages used in designing structures such as an apartment or villa. Here is a general architectural planning process:

1. Determining Customer Needs: The goals of the housing project and the customer’s expectations must be determined through interviews and surveys with the customer. To create a design that meets customer needs, a detailed brief (description of the design) must be determined.
2. Research and Concept Development: At the beginning of the design process, research is conducted on the area where the housing project is located. Design concepts are developed by taking into account factors such as local architectural style, climatic conditions and settlement layout. Different design options can be offered and discussed with the customer.
3. Draft Design: After selecting the concept, the draft design phase begins. At this stage, details such as the sections that make up the building, the layout of the rooms, the materials to be used, the general plan layout and the exterior design are determined. Generally, the basic lines of the design are determined using 2D or 3D drawings and shared with the customer.
4. Design Development: Based on the customer’s feedback, the draft design is developed and detailed. More detailed drawings such as floor plans, sections, elevations and detail drawings are created. At the same time, technical details such as structural systems, mechanics, electricity and plumbing are also discussed.
5. License Process: Compliance with local regulations and notes required for housing projects must be ensured. Projects must be submitted together with the necessary documents and drawings for the building permit obtained from the local municipality. As a result of the review process carried out by the municipality, the project is expected to be approved.
6. Implementation Phase: After the project is approved, the implementation phase begins. During the implementation phase, architectural drawings and project documentation must be made available to the construction company, engineers and other contractors.
7. Construction Process: After the implementation phase is completed, the construction process begins. The construction of the project is carried out in accordance with architectural drawings and documents. Throughout the construction process, the architect, engineers and other project team members supervise the progress of the project and check for compliance. It also maintains regular communication with the project owner, addressing issues such as changes or additional requests.
8. Completion and Delivery: When the construction process is completed, the housing project is completed. The house, built in accordance with the architectural drawings and project documents, is delivered to the project owner. The customer examines the house, confirms that the design has been completed in accordance with expectations, and makes final acceptances with the project team.

At each stage we mentioned above, the project team must be in close communication with the customer, take into account technical details and legal requirements and supervise the project process.

Architectural housing projects are generally a process carried out jointly by many disciplines. It is a complex process that takes into account architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and other engineering disciplines, interior and exterior design, material selection, budget management and other factors. At every stage, the project team must ensure the correct progress and completion of the project by being in constant communication with the customer.

By Which Methods Are Architectural Housing Projects Drawn?

Architectural housing projects can be drawn using different methods and tools. Here are some commonly used methods:

1. Hand Drawing: One of the traditional methods, hand drawing can include many different techniques used by architects. These may include sketches, sections, surface plans, detail drawings, and perspectives. Hand drawing is a method used to express architects’ creative expression and design vision.
2. Computer Aided Design (CAD): Computer aided design (CAD) is a method that allows architects to create their designs digitally. CAD software offers architects the opportunity to create 2D and 3D drawings, determine project details, model and prepare presentations. Popular CAD software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3Ds Max, Revit are frequently used by architects.
3. BIM (Building Information Modeling): BIM is a digital modeling approach that combines and integrates all structural and architectural design data. BIM enables more effective collaboration between all project stakeholders and is used as a database to manage different aspects, aspects and details of the project. BIM software includes commonly used ones such as Revit and ArchiCAD.
4. 3D Modeling and Visualization: 3D modeling software offers architects the opportunity to create realistic visual models. These models allow the project to be viewed from different angles and perspectives and provide a better understanding of the project. Software such as SketchUp, 3ds Max and Blender are popular visual modeling tools used by architects.
5. 3D Printers: 3D printers allow architects to create physical prototypes and mock-ups. 3D printers help architects create physical models of projects by turning their designs into tangible objects. 3D printing technologies are developing rapidly and can create realistic prototypes and models using different materials.

These methods are common methods that architects frequently use when drawing housing projects. Each method can be used depending on the requirements of the project, the phase of the project, and the architect’s preference. While hand drawing is preferred for creative expression and quick sketches, CAD and BIM software can be used to create detailed and precise drawings of more complex projects. While visual modeling provides a better understanding of the project, 3D printers can be used to create physical prototypes.

Additionally, some architects may use a combination of different methods and tools. For example, while hand drawing is used at certain stages of the design, detailed drawings can be created with CAD or BIM software at later stages. Visual modeling and 3D printers can also be used to create visual representations and prototypes of the project.

What Should Be Considered When Drawing Architectural Housing Projects?

When drawing architectural housing projects, the following important points should be taken into consideration:

Functionality: The main purpose of the housing project is to meet the needs of the users and provide a comfortable living space. Therefore, care should be taken to ensure that the project is functional. It is important that the house is designed to suit the needs and lifestyle of the users.

Aesthetics: Aesthetic values ​​are also important in architectural projects. The housing project should appeal to the taste of the users and have an aesthetic appearance. The exterior of the building, interior arrangements, colors, materials and details should be carefully considered in terms of aesthetics.

Technical Details: Technical details are important in architectural housing projects. Technical details such as building carrier system, building materials, fire safety, thermal insulation, electricity, water and ventilation systems must be drawn accurately and reliably.

Compliance with Legal Norms: Housing projects must be drawn in accordance with local and national legal norms. Legal requirements such as local zoning regulations, building norms, fire safety rules, disability standards should be taken into account.

Appropriate Scale and Proportions: It is important to draw projects in appropriate scale and proportions. Plans, sections, elevations and other drawings must be of correct scale and proportions. This makes the project more accurate and understandable.

Usability and Accessibility: Usability and accessibility factors should be taken into consideration in housing projects. Attention should be paid to issues such as users’ easy access to the house, provision of usable spaces indoors, and arrangements for the disabled.

Cost and Construction Labor: Architectural housing projects should also be evaluated in terms of cost and construction labor. It is important that the projects fit the budget and the construction processes are easily applicable.

Environmental Factors: Environmental factors should also be taken into consideration in architectural projects. Factors such as the environmental impacts of the house, benefiting from sunlight, natural ventilation and energy efficiency should be taken into consideration. Environmental sustainability and green architecture principles should be evaluated in the design of the project.

Communication and Collaboration: Architectural housing projects are complex processes where many different stakeholders (customer, engineer, contractor, supplier, etc.) work together. Communication and collaboration are critical to the successful completion of the project. A continuous communication network should be established among all stakeholders, and cooperation and coordination should be ensured.

Audit and Control: Audit and control processes should be applied throughout the drawing process of the project. Drawings should be carefully inspected to detect errors and omissions and corrected as necessary.

In conclusion;

Correct evaluation of all these elements ensures the successful completion of the project and the emergence of a safe and sustainable housing that meets the needs of the users. In addition, completing the project on time and on budget is an important factor affecting the success of the project. Getting support from a professional architect or architectural firm can ensure that the project is drawn correctly and the requirements are met.