office building case study architecture

Corporate Office Design Case Studies - Steelcase

La-z-boy reflects culture in new office.

When you’re almost a hundred years old, being a little dated is to be expected. The 1920’s vintage headquarters of La-Z-Boy, however, didn’t just look out of date, it was holding the company back.

Steelcase Teams with Microsoft to Optimize Surface Hub 2

Relationship brings people, place + technology together to enable workers to collaborate in new ways.

Reinventing La-Z-Boy in New Headquarters

Leadership credits the new work environment with driving important changes at La-Z-Boy: greater employee enthusiasm, more communication and more frequent collaboration.

For many years, architectural firm HDR told clients the workplace of the future should support a mobile workforce. Yet their own office was hardly a model of that vision. Learn how that all changed.

BASF: Redesign For a New Way of Working

BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, recently unveiled a redesigned office for its regional headquarters in Hong Kong, that not

Quarles & Brady: New Innovative Office

A key design feature of this approximately 20,000-square-foot new workplace: It provides for flexibility in a way that also sends a clear message about the Quarles & Brady culture.

Integreon Redesign Drives Innovation

When Integreon planned a new building for Fargo, one that would bring both Fargo offices together under one roof, the initial workplace layout offered rows of workstations in a very traditional approach, hardly what a global, interconnected business needed.

TAQA Redesign: Collaboration meets Privacy

If one word can sum up the strategic intent behind the creation of flagship headquarters for TAQA, the global energy company, it is Majlis—which in Arabic signifies a place where people gather and are welcomed by their hosts.

Creating an Engaging Workplace at Groove

Because most of Groove’s work is collaborative in nature, the majority of the new space is designed for co-creation and brainstorming. Nicknamed “the pit,” this main area is open and collaborative, uniting the team.

Enhancing Company Culture at Orbea

Culture, the reigning champ of hip offices everywhere, promises to fuel employee positivity, productivity and loyalty in small businesses—but do we have proof it actually delivers results? We do now.

Driving Culture Change at Steelcase’s HQ

The company’s leadership decided on a bold plan: reinvent their global headquarters campus in Grand Rapids, MI, leverage the workplace to drive a more mobile, agile and innovative company culture, and use this transformation as a platform for testing new ways of leveraging space to add value to an organization.

Kennedy Space Center Upgrades Seating

NASA tried out the different chairs for a week and, not surprisingly, selected a chair that reflects both ergonomic and design innovation: Siento.

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Understanding Architecture Case Studies

• Updated: February 12, 2024

History teaches us many things, and it can carry valuable lessons on how to move forward in life. In architecture , when we are faced with a project, one of the first places we can look is the past – to see what worked, what didn’t, and what we can improve for our own projects.

This process comes in the form of architecture case studies, and every project can benefit from this research.

Here we take you through the purpose, process, and pointers for conducting effective case studies in architecture.

What is an architecture case study

A case study (also known as a precedent study ) is a means of finding relevant information about a project by examining another project with similar attributes. Case studies use real-world context to analyze, form, support, and convey different ideas and approaches in design.

Simply put, architectural case studies are when you use existing buildings as references for new ones.

Architects can conduct case studies at nearly every stage of a project, adapting and relating applicable details to refine and communicate their own projects. Students can use case studies to strengthen their research and make a more compelling case for their concepts .

Regardless of the size or scale of a project, case studies can positively impact a design in a multitude of ways.

How do you select a case study?

There are more than a hundred million buildings in the world, and your project could have similarities with thousands of other projects. On the other hand, you could also have a hard time finding buildings that match your specific project requirements.

Focusing your search parameters can help you find helpful references quickly and accurately.

The architectural program includes the spatial organization , user activity, and general functions of a building. Case studies with comparable programs can give you an idea of the spaces and circulation required for a similar project. From this, you can form a design brief catering to the unique requirements of the client or study.

Scale can be a strong common denominator among projects as it can be used to compare buildings of the same size, with a similar number of occupants or volume of visitors. Scale also ensures that the study project has an equivalent impact on the city or its surroundings.

Spaces and designs vary greatly between standalone structures and large-scale complexes, so finding case studies that emulate your project’s scale can give you more relevant and applicable information.

Project type is crucial for comparing spaces one to one. Common types include residential, commercial, office, educational, institutional, or industrial buildings. Each type can also have sub-categories such as single-family homes, mass housing, or urban condominiums.

Case studies with the same project type can help you compare occupant behavior, building management, and specific facilities that relate to your design.

Some case studies can lead you to specific architects with specialty portfolios in certain sectors such as museums, theaters, airports, or hospitals. Their expertise results in a body of work ideal for research and comparison, especially with complex public or transportation buildings.

You may also look into a specific architect if their projects embody the style and design sensibilities that you wish to explore. Many renowned architecture firms have set themselves apart with unique design philosophies and new approaches to planning.

Finding core theories to build on can help steer your project in the right direction.

Project Location

If possible, you’ll want to find case studies in the same region or setting as your project. Geographically, buildings can have significantly different approaches to planning and design based on the environment, demographic, and local culture of the area. There are also many building codes and regulations that may vary across cities and states.

Even when case studies are not from the same locality, it’s important to still have a relevant site context for your project. A tropical beach resort, for example, can take inspiration from tropical beaches across the world.

Likewise, a ski lodge project would require a look into different snowy mountains from different countries.

How are they used?

Whether it’s for academic, professional, or even personal use, case studies can offer plenty of insight for your projects and a look into different approaches and methods you may not have otherwise considered. Here are some of the most common uses for architectural case studies.

Case studies are most commonly used for research, to analyze the past, present, and future of the project typology. Through case studies you can see the evolution of a building type, the different ways problems were solved, and the considerations factored into each design.

In practice, this could be as simple as saying, “Let’s see how they did it.” It’s about learning as much as we can from completed projects and the world around us.

Inspiration

When designing from scratch, it’s common to have a few blank moments here and there. Maybe you’re struggling to develop a unified design , or are simply unsure of how to proceed with a project. Senior architects or academic instructors will often suggest seeking inspiration from existing buildings – those that we can explore and experience.

Throughout history , architecture is shown to have evolved over centuries of development, each era taking inspiration from the last while integrating forms and technologies unique to the time. Case studies are very much a part of this process, giving us a glimpse into different styles, building systems, and forms .

A study project could serve as your entire design peg, or it could add ideas far beyond the facade. The important thing about using a case study for inspiration is beginning with a basis, instead of venturing off into the great unknown. After that, it’s all up to the designers to integrate what they see fit.

As Bruce Lee once said, “absorb what is useful, discard what is not, and add what is uniquely your own.”

Design justification

Case studies help architects make well-informed decisions about planning and design, from the simplest to the most complex ideas. A single finished project is often enough to show proof of concept , and showing completed examples can go a long way in getting stakeholders on board with an idea.

When clients or jurors show skepticism or confusion about an idea, case studies can help you navigate through the hesitation to win approval for your project. Similarly, as a student, case studies can bolster your presentation to help defend your design decisions.

Communication

Unless your clients are architecture enthusiasts themselves, you’re likely going to know a lot more about buildings than them. Because of this, certain ideas aren’t going to resonate with the audience immediately, and you may need additional examples or references to make a convincing presentation.

Case studies help to make connections to existing projects. Beyond the typical sales talk and flowery words, case studies represent actual projects with quantifiable results.

With a study project, for example, you can say “this retail design strategy has been shown to increase rentable space by 15% in these two projects”, or “this facade system used in X project has reduced the need for artificial cooling by 40%, and we think it would be a great fit for what we’re trying to achieve here”.

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What to look for during your research.

Each case study should have a specific purpose for your project, be it a useful comparison or a key contribution to your ideas. Sometimes a case study could look drastically different from your project, but it can be used to communicate a wide variety of features and facets that aren’t immediately visible to the eye.

Here are a few things to look out for when doing your research.

If you’re looking to build a museum, the first kinds of buildings to look out for are other museums from around the world. A building with the same typology as yours is almost guaranteed to have similar aspects and approaches. You’ll also be able to see how the building works with its surroundings.

In the case of a museum, you’ll see if the study projects stand out monumentally, or blend in seamlessly, and from there you can decide which is more applicable for your design.

Function is another important aspect that will inform your research.

If for example, you’re comparing two museums, but one is a museum of modern art and the other is a museum of military equipment, they’re going to have vastly different spaces and functions. Similarly, schools can take inspiration from thousands of other schools, but an elementary school’s functions are going to vary greatly from a college campus.

Finding case projects that function more or less the same way as yours will give you more relevant information about the design.

There are also study projects that work well together despite having slightly different functions, such as theaters and concert halls, or bus stations and train stations. These projects, though not exactly the same, still share plenty of similarities in spatial and traffic requirements to be used as effective case studies.

If you’re exploring a certain style, you can find projects with a design close to what you’re trying to achieve.

However the forms don’t necessarily need to look the same.

For example, if you’re planning a museum with a continuous experience from one exhibit to another, you might use the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York as a case study – being one of the earliest and best examples of such style with its round, gently ramped design. But your design doesn’t need to resemble the Frank Lloyd Wright landmark.

The main purpose for finding similar styles is to see how it’s been executed with comparable planning considerations, and to see the effect the style has on a particular project type.

Whether your project is relatively small or large, it’s good to consider how projects of the same scale fare when built. Even if a building has nearly identical features and functions as your project, if it operates on a completely different scale the same principles may be far less effective on your site.

Site conditions can hugely influence the architectural design of a project, especially when working with extreme slopes or remote locations. You’ll often want to study projects that are in a similar part of the world geographically, with comparable site conditions and nearly identical settings.

Check if your site is in a rural or urban area , if it has generally flat or rolling terrain, and if the lot is a particular shape or length.

Environment

Similar to the site itself, environmental considerations will have a large impact on the way case study buildings are designed.

It’s important to know the climate, weather, and scenery of study projects to fully understand the challenges and opportunities that their designers worked with. Buildings in tropical, humid environments use very different materials and elements than those in arid or icy environments.

Circulation

Circulation is a crucial aspect of projects as it directly affects how a building is experienced.

With case studies you’ll need to look out for the flow of people, the ingress and egress areas, and how people and vehicles pass through and around the building. Circulation will determine how the design interacts with the users and the general public.

Accessibility

Though often overlooked, accessibility is becoming increasingly more important, especially for large-scale projects in dense cities. This involves how people move from the rest of the city to the site. It includes traffic management, road networks, public transportation, and universal design for the disabled.

If the target users can’t get to your building, the project can’t be used as intended. When doing case studies, it’s important to consider what measures were taken to ensure the sites were made open and accessible.

Landscape architecture encompasses far more than vegetation and trees. Each project has a unique way of approaching its landscape to address specific goals and tendencies on site.

How does the building integrate itself with the site and surroundings? How are softscapes and hardscapes introduced to create a desirable atmosphere, direct movement, facilitate activity, and promote social interaction?

Government buildings, for example, are often accompanied by wide lawns and open fields. This conveys a sense of openness, transparency, and public presence. It also frames the buildings as significant, monumental structures standing strong in an open area. These are the subtle aspects that can shape your building’s overall perception.

Construction

Construction methods and structural systems are vital for making our buildings stand safe and sound. Some systems are more applicable in tall buildings, while others are more suited for low-rise structures, but it can be interesting to see the different techniques used throughout your case studies.

You can explore systems like cantilevered beams, diagrid steel, thin shell construction, or perhaps something new entirely.

Materiality

If you’re thinking of using certain materials like stone or wood, and you’re curious to see how it was executed elsewhere, case studies can offer some great examples of materiality and the different ways a single material can be used.

The Innovation Center of UC by Alejandro Aravena is a good illustration of how a particular finish – in this case raw concrete – can be used in an unusual way to the benefit of the overall design.

Building services

Building services are one of the many aspects that make architecture a science. Understanding how a building handles things like energy, ventilation, vertical transportation, and water distribution can help you see beneath the surface to get a better idea of how the building works.

Although there are common practices, buildings can deal with services and utilities very differently. A prime example of this is the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which famously turned the building inside out to expose its services on the facade while opening up the interior space for uninterrupted volumes of light and movement.

This style became known as bowellism , and it was largely popularized by the late Richard Rogers .

Some building types are much more demanding when it comes to building services. Airports, for example, have to deal with the flow of luggage, heightened security, and all the boarding and maintenance requirements of the airplanes themselves.

The final thing to analyze while doing your case studies is the building program. This is how the composition of spaces works in relation to the building requirements. It’s helpful to see what makes the building look good, feel good, and function well.

If your study project is accompanied by a program diagram , it can be an excellent way to see how the architects were thinking.

For instance, OMA’s big and bold diagrams show how their designs are organized in a simple and logical manner. It’s become a signature and memorable part of their work, and it communicates the program in a way that everyone can understand.

A building’s arrangement of spaces can often make or break a design. It can be simple and easy to navigate, or complex and intriguing to explore. It can also be confusing or at times, troublesome to get around. Spaces can feel spacious, cozy, or cramped, and each space can evoke a different emotion whether deliberate or unintentional.

The building program is a fundamental aspect that must be considered when conducting case studies.

How do you write and present an architectural case study?

Select the most applicable projects.

There are often hundreds of potential case studies out there, and you can certainly learn from as many projects as you want, but sticking with the most relevant projects can keep your study clear and concise. Depending on the focus of your research, limit your case studies to those most suitable for communicating your ideas.

Stay on topic

It can be tempting to write entire reports about certain buildings – especially if you find them particularly interesting, but it’s important to remember you’re only mentioning these projects to help develop yours. Keep your case study on topic and in a consistent direction to keep the audience engaged.

Use graphics to illustrate key concepts throughout your projects . Even before preparing refined, colorful graphics, you can sketch visual representations as an alternative to notes for your own personal reference.

In addition to making diagrams, you can present multiple examples of similar or dissimilar concepts to compare and contrast the core ideas of different designs. Offering more than one example helps people grasp the ideas that make a building unique.

Strategic Visuals

If the visual speaks for itself, your verbal explanation will only need to describe the essence of it all. When presenting, your speaking time is valuable and it’s best to prepare your slides for maximum engagement so that you don’t lose your audience along the way.

If you carefully select and prepare your visuals, you can optimize your presentation for attention, emotion, and specific responses from the target audience.

Create a narrative

Creating a narrative is a way of tying the whole study together . By using a sequence of visuals and verbal cues, you can take the audience through a journey of the story that you’re trying to tell. Instead of showing each case study differently and independently, you can uniformly relate each project back to the common themes, or back to your project’s design.

This helps to make the relevance of each project crystal clear.

What if your project is unique?

If you’re struggling to find relevant case studies for your project, it could be a good sign that you’ve created a typology that hasn’t been done before – a first of its kind. New building types are important for shaping society and expanding the boundaries of architecture.

Innovative buildings can make people’s lives better.

As far as case studies go, you’ll likely need to gather a handful of reference projects that collectively represent the idea for your project. You can also present a progression, explaining how current and past typologies have evolved into your proposed building type. New-era architecture requires creativity, not only in the ideas but also in the research.

Case studies show us – and our clients – the many great success stories and mistakes of the past, to learn from and improve on as we move into the future. They serve an essential role in guiding our decisions as we design the buildings of tomorrow.

From school , to practice , and everything in between, case studies can be made as the foundation on which we build upon.

For a deeper dive into how case and precedent studies can build upon and influence your conceptual design approaches, we cover this and other key determining factors in our resource The Concept Kit below:

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FAQ’s about architecture case studies

Where can i find architecture case studies.

There are many resources where you can find architectural case studies. Here are some examples:

• ArchDaily : This is one of the largest online architecture publications worldwide. It provides a vast selection of architectural case studies from around the globe.
• Architectural Review : An international architecture magazine that covers case studies in detail.
• Dezeen : Another online architecture and design magazine where you can find case studies of innovative projects.
• Detail Online : This is a great resource for case studies with an emphasis on construction details.
• Divisare : It offers a comprehensive collection of buildings from across the world and often includes detailed photographs, plans, and explanatory texts.
• The Building Centre : An online platform with case studies on a variety of topics including sustainable design, technology in architecture, and more.
• Harvard Graduate School of Design : Their website provides access to various case studies, including those from students and researchers.
• El Croquis : This is a high-profile architecture and design magazine that offers in-depth case studies of significant projects.
• Casestudy.co.in : It is an Indian platform where you can find some unique case studies of architecture in India.
• Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) : They have an extensive database of case studies on tall buildings worldwide.

In addition to these, architecture books, peer-reviewed journals, and university theses are excellent sources for case studies. If you’re a student, your school library may have resources or databases you can use. Remember to make sure the sources you use are reputable and the information is accurate.

What is the difference between case study and literature study in architecture?

A case study and a literature study in architecture serve different purposes and utilize different methods of inquiry.

• Case Study : A case study in architecture is an in-depth examination of a particular project or building. The goal is to understand its context, concept, design approach, construction techniques, materials used, the functionality of spaces, environmental performance, and other relevant aspects. Architects often use case studies to learn from the successes and failures of other projects. A case study may involve site visits, interviews with the architects or users, analysis of plans and sections, and other hands-on research methods.
• Literature Study : A literature study, also known as a literature review, involves a comprehensive survey and interpretation of existing literature on a specific topic. This could include books, articles, essays , and other published works. The goal is to understand the current state of knowledge and theories about the topic, identify gaps or controversies, and situate one’s own work within the larger discourse. In architecture, a literature study might focus on a particular style, period, architect, theoretical approach, or design issue. It’s more about collating and synthesizing what has already been written or published, rather than conducting new empirical research.

In short, a case study provides an in-depth understanding of a specific instance or example, while a literature study provides a broad understanding of a specific subject as it has been discussed in various texts. Both methods are useful in their own ways, and they often complement each other in architectural research.

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Research Projects main page

Case Study Research of Mixed-Mode Office Buildings

Studying the effectiveness of strategies which combine natural ventilation with conventional HVAC.

Status: Completed

Project Objective

Develop a web-based library of mixed-mode building case studies, covering a range of climates, design approaches, and control strategies.

Significance to Industry

Designing effective mixed-mode buildings presents a host of opportunities and challenges for architects and mechanical engineers. Real and perceived barriers to mixed-mode buildings include general unfamiliarity with mixed-mode strategies, increased complexity in building operations and controls, fire and life-safety issues, energy codes, and humidity concerns associated with air-conditioned spaces that are not sealed. By researching and sharing case studies, we make mixed-mode strategies more familiar and less opaque.

Research Approach

The first phase of this project focused on investigating occupant satisfaction and control in four mixed-mode office buildings in Northern California. Each of these sites included air-conditioned office space where occupants have access to operable windows. Surveys were administered at each site to evaluate occupant satisfaction, operable window use, and occupant use of HVAC controls such as thermostats and adjustable air diffusers. Following the surveys, building operators and the building designers were interviewed to determine whether occupant response to the building met the operational and design intent.

The analysis compared findings from the 4 sites, determining which design aspects of the building envelope and HVAC system were most successful in terms of occupant satisfaction and control. We found that windows need to be easily accessible. Although they are sometimes used for temperature control, more frequently cited reasons for opening and closing windows include air movement control, access to fresh air, and avoidance of noise, dust, and dirt.

In a subsequent phase of this research, we developed a web-based library of mixed-mode buildings, including a database of approximately 150 buildings and eight case studies. We also developed 8 more detailed case studies using existing information from publications, drawings and documents gathered from design firms, and from personal interviews. Every case study includes a consistent set of basic information about the building and HVAC design, operation and control characteristics.

Publications and Reports

Brager, G. 2006. Mixed Mode Cooling . ASHRAE Journal, 48, pp. 30-37.

Weeks, K., D. Lehrer and J. Bean, 2007.  A Model Success: The Carnegie Institute for Global Ecology . Center for the Built Environment, University of California, Berkeley, May.

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DAYLIGHT DRIVEN OFFICE BUILDING DESIGN AT HIGH LATITUDES Case study in St. Petersburg

Category Daylight in buildings - Region 1: Western Europe.

Students Evgenii Varlygin

School Technical University of Munich

Country Germany

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Through the master thesis, it was proven that daylighting is an integral part of a whole visual comfort topic and mid-rise office building design at high latitudes needs a unique approach to incorporate optimal daylighting. This design is different from the strategies applied for climate responsive building designs in other latitudes. Thus, five visual comfort driven design principles were found from research and simulations specifically for the urban context of high latitudes. These principles were applied to the case study office building project in St. Petersburg. Their functional advantages in comparison to a fully glazed base case were demonstrated in urban, building, detail, and layout scales. The holistic architectural approach took into account aesthetic as well as regulatory and social aspects.

Glare issues are considered as one of the most important factors while designing an office building at high latitudes due to the low sun angles. The final simulations results show the decrease of views with disturbing glare by 61,3% thank to contextual fenestration and seasonal exterior shading. The exterior shading devices, which are usually not in use in this climate showed themselves if they are used in a seasonal way, as a very powerful tool for glare reduction. The further improvements in desks layouts helped to even more reduce the DGP at critical places and periods while also enriching the indoor environment through diversifying the floor plans. The blind states simulations show the increase in the time when they are open by 12,8%, which means that the potential time throughout the year with closed blinds is only 8,1%. The reason is the reduction of direct sunlight, which also allows more natural light to penetrate the spaces.

Daylighting

With the help of Low sky angle and Pitched roof principles, the daylight availability is ensured for the neighbouring office buildings. At high latitudes, obstructions are especially tangible, that is why in selecting daylighting strategies it is important to take into account Sky angles and volumetry of the future development. The designer must consider the degree whereby the proposed construction would block existing buildings, thus reducing their access to daylight.

Despite the challenging natural lighting provision at high latitudes is thought of as the main argument for the fully glazed buildings, it is not completely true. The case study project reaches just slightly lower sDA results. The use of contextual fenestration, careful placement of roof windows, the implication of details such as splayed reveals, and slopping ceiling keep the daylight levels at very high results, that fulfil the LEED requirements. In cold high latitudinal climates, windows can be allies and foes at the same time: too many of them will cause glare and lose heat, too little and space will not have enough daylight and outdoor views. Sufficiently daylit space does not demand a 50-90 percent glazed facade. Careful consideration of the glazing positioning will provide plenty of daylight while decreasing the required amount of glazing. The professor of Center for Energy and the Design of Environments David Coley emphasized: “Cutting back on glass would be an easy win. Windows need to be sized, not glorified, and sized for a purpose. … We need to build buildings with windows, rather than buildings that are one big window.”

The view availability to the outdoors and scenery plays a big role in the design and commercial decisions. It is also one of the main aspects for the occupants and hence it cannot be ignored in fenestration design. Views are often significant arguments for designing tall panoramic windows. However, thoughtful design regarding the occupant’s points of view and perspectives to the scenery, like greenery or city skyline, created a visually interesting user-oriented working environment. The results of horizontal view analysis, which is accredited by LEED, show the decrease in results just by 1,6% compared to a fully glazed base case. Furthermore, as all visual comfort aspects are interconnected, the significant decrease of disturbing glare provides more time with open blinds, hence the access to the views.

Relevance and significance of the study

The most research for the topic of daylight and visual comfort is done for middle latitudes, so designers of high latitudes currently try to apply inappropriate for their climate strategies. The case study in St. Petersburg set the stage for the integration of visual comfort design principles in mid-rise office buildings for other high latitudinal cities.

In order to achieve sustainable goals, it is imperative that architects maximize daylight in the projects. Entering visual comfort driven principles at an early stage of the design process will help to use more consciously daylighting, as well as create a comfortable and pleasurable working environment, keeping the occupants healthy, happy and productive.

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Terrapin Report

Biophilic design case studies.

Explore the case studies to learn about the practice of biophilic design across building typologies and scales. Click here to read more about  our biophilic design services  or contact the Terrapin team to learn more by emailing us at [email protected] .

Description

Implementing biophilic design into our workplaces, healthcare facilities, schools, and neighborhoods has profound health and economic benefits. Building managers can retain higher rents; companies are more likely to see improved productivity of employee salaries and benefits; healthcare providers and patients can see financial benefits from faster recovery rates; and schools can experience gains in student performance and reduced absenteeism.

Based on the 14 patterns of biophilic design, Terrapin has compiled a series of case studies that best demonstrate successful biophilic design. These case studies encompass a wide variety of building types, locations, scales, and uses, including urban parks, office buildings, campuses, health care facilities, and residential buildings. Each case study analyzes the patterns present, how they were implemented successfully by the designers, and the health outcomes they each support. These case studies are meant to help designers, building owners, and corporations better understand how biophilic design can be successfully implemented to maximize its health and economic benefits.

Case Studies

Each case study features….

• Project summary
• Detailed descriptions of patterns present
• Concluding critical analysis
• Supporting images and diagrams

Click the links below to view and download each case study:

• Greenacre Park, Hideo Sasaki, New York, NY – PDF (5 MB)
• Glumac – Shanghai Office, Gensler, Shanghai, China – PDF (2 MB)
• Coeur d’Alene Resort/Casino, Mithun, Worley, ID – PDF (1.9 MB)
• Kickstarter Commercial Headquarters, Ole Sondresen Architect, Brooklyn, NY – PDF (3 MB)
• Paley Park, Zion Breen Richardson Associates, New York, NY  – PDF (3.6 MB)
• 641 Avenue of the Americas, COOKFOX Architects, New York, NY  – PDF (1 MB)
• Windhover Contemplative Center, Aidlin Darling Design, Stanford University, CA  – PDF (3.7 MB)
• Seeking Parks, Plazas, and Spaces: The Allure of Biophilia in Cities – PDF (2 MB)
• Östra Hospital, White Architects, Göteborg, Sweden  – PDF (2 MB)
• Parkroyal on Pickering, WOHA Architects, Singapore – PDF (4 MB)  

Copyright & Commercial Use

This article is available to the general public without fee or other access control. Anyone may read this article or use it for their own personal or academic purposes. No commercial use of any kind is permitted unless specific permission is granted in writing in advance. The copyright of this article is by Terrapin Bright Green, LLC. The copyright of images is by cited photographers.

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How to Present Architectural Case Studies like a Pro

Design is arbitrary. Design is subjective , and there is just no way of getting around the fact, and architecture in many ways is the art of convincing people that one’s design was the right move and one of the ways you can convince people is through case studies. There is no way to avoid that reality, and case studies are one of the methods to persuade others that your design choices are sound. In many respects, architecture is the art of persuasion. Architectural case studies act as a shield that, when properly presented, can be a very effective way for one to defend your design viewpoints , especially if anyone chooses a project that has already been successful and was completed by a well-known architect. This can help one establish a strong foundation for design strategies because it can be much more difficult to critique something that has already been shown to be effective.

Architectural case studies should be presented in an educational, interesting way, and can build a strong case for your project. While performing a case study, one could learn many different things. Still, when giving a presentation, one must highlight the elements one will use in their design, diagram the visuals, and remember that visual continuity is important.

“Every great design begins with an even better story.”

Which case study to choose?

The first step is to determine the type of structure to be developed. Consider whether your project is within the categories of a residential project , a public building, a private mixed-use project, etc. By doing so, you may focus your search and locate projects with similar outlines. This does not imply that a structure that is unconnected at all will not be useful. A building’s components may be more significant than its function.

For instance, Correa stayed away from high-rise housing options, emphasizing low-rise ones that, when combined with amenities and common areas, highlighted the human scale and fostered a feeling of community. This is how case studies help us to view the projects with a certain inspiration to be used in our projects.

The next important point is to confirm that the case study and your project have parallel elements. This may be the atmosphere or climate , anything analogous that you can connect to. You can always decide to include some in your project if there aren’t any. Remember that they are there to help you and frequently have more expertise about various structures. Better still, if your brief mentions any interesting buildings, you may always start there.

What points are to be kept in mind?

• Attractive elements-

One feature of the building may appeal more than any other aspect. To make a building into something much more fascinating , for instance, the usage of a specific sort of beam or steel structure, or even the materials that were utilized for the design, might be crucial. Focus on the space’s fantastic structural features if their intended use is irrelevant, and you can still make use of them.

• Balancing form and function-

Extreme aesthetic aspects in some structures may be more challenging to plan and implement. Utilizing your own smaller test models, ascertain how these shapes were developed and then apply them to your system. The purpose of a architectural case studies is to improve any project. Without using the research , it is pointless to do it.

• Area requirements-

Study the building’s utilization in further detail, including how each room is used. Depending on a project or brief and what precisely one wants to learn from the case study, it can be as detailed as one likes. Try making a physical visit if it’s feasible, and write as many notes as possible on the experience. Consider the interior areas and their functions thoroughly.

• Technicalities-

Concentrate on the case study’s technical components if necessary. The HVAC or other concealed systems may be of interest if the concerned project is geared toward domestic areas.

Last but not least, be sure to provide several important case study photographs . Instead of choosing basic front elevations, examine closer and pay attention to details.

What are the best ways to present?

After conducting a tonne of research and compiling this information, one must figure out how to incorporate it into a portfolio.

• Site analysis-

The most effective way to communicate your results is via a site analysis . This type of page might be a straightforward construction diagram with comments outlining the noteworthy elements you discovered and why they are significant.

• Images and graphics –

No matter how big your page size is, don’t overstuff it. Choose four to five main photos that may be expanded on later. When printing them, make sure the quality is good. It should be required to use text.

Always look for quality over quantity.

• Models and Iterations-

Put these in if you decide to conduct any experiments using physical or digital models . It demonstrates engagement with the undertaking and effort in making decisions on any building. These might be of great use when creating subsequent sketches.

•       SWOT Analysis-

Analyzing the strength, weaknesses, and opportunities, threats of the concerned project can be of great help. An opportunities and limitations diagram can be created for architectural case studies and site analyses. Although it’s not necessary, one may undoubtedly construct one if it’s essential.

• Crisp and clear data –

The best way is to use pictures or diagrams to accompany all the data you have acquired, including any historical details. Try to limit the amount of text on the page to what is necessary to convey the main ideas.

In addition to this, bear in mind that using the right color schemes, grids, tags, and human figures, as well as their surroundings, adds valuable information and serves as the cherry on top.

References-

• https://toscaleblog.co.uk/analysing-architecture-case-studies-for-beginners/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0c_BzpLUYM&t=19s&ab_channel=ArchiHacks

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Thursday, January 22, 2015

An inside look: the magnificent moscow metro.

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Architect’s Office / Spaces Architects@ka

• Curated by ArchDaily
• Architects: Spaces Architects@ka
• Area Area of this architecture project Area:  150 m²
• Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2013
• Photographs Photographs: Bharat Aggarwal

Text description provided by the architects. An Architect’s office of 1500 sqft. (150 SQM.)in basement has been conceptualized as an open office, the office space on two levels, the lower to be used as workstation. The office design was conceptualized to be place which being leisure is also conductive for people to work in a creative environment, a workplace to enjoy.  The zoning of spaces is justified keeping the main cabin with attached conference at the rear to maintain privacy as well as visually connecting it to front office. As the front office space is narrow with regards to rear part, the front space is used as a gallery with walls in cement finish highlighting the project display.

One moves down from front entrance highlighted by fixing glass roof penetrating ample light into the interior space. A raised platform has an informal conference designed by fixing multiple dia. steel pipes with an abstract panel ceiling.

The flooring and walls at the front office is kept as cement finish to give emphasis on display panels. An abstract partition acts as waiting, continues on the ceiling extending into multiple abstract boxes displaying different firm’s design ideology.

The lower part has open workstations connected by cantilevered wooden steps, the opening from front office looking towards the lower floor frames it. The lower part in contrast to the upper being designed in white tone. The reception table has an interesting form with backlit glass panel. A bookshelf displaying firm’s project is placed opposite to it.

A green space with grass flooring and elliptical seating space is used as breakout space in the interior and used for reading books. Two workstations for senior architects are designed behind the seating.

The most interesting part is an experiment with designing of the main cabin outer partition in a fluid form with veneer cladding continuing to the conference room ceiling. The partition is inclined at both the planes and takes an interesting form. The conference and cabin has a glass sliding folding partition which when pulled acts as individual space.

The ceiling plays an important role in the studio creating a visual transition. As the ceiling near the reception made of multiple box panels continued to the ceiling in abstract form displays a journey of different projects and ideology of the firm. Similarly, elliptical ceiling over the reception has a hanging model inspired by Architect’s Thesis Project being a focus in space. The circular seating in green area is reflected on the ceiling in an abstract pattern continuing in the rear space.

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Address: new delhi, delhi, india.

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Centers of gravity, not black holes:experts discuss new moscow metro stations, united kingdom architecture news - jan 22, 2015 - 10:42   4561 views.

In 2015 Moscow will see a wide range of new capital transportation facilities, and their design is just as important. We asked four jury members of the recent design competition for metro stations Solntsevo and Novoperedelkino to tell us more about this aspect.

Erken Kagarov, Vice President of The Academy of the Graphic Design, art director of “Art. Lebedev Studio”:

“Being a designer, first of all I did my best to evaluate the visual aspect of the offered solutions. Besides that it was important for me to see something new and original. Otherwise, why bother organizing a competition?

As for the results of the contest, I am under the impression that we tried to get everything at once, and that was a mistake. The winning projects are quite expressive and not too expensive. Unfortunately, they are not at all ground-breaking. If we take a look at the history of Moscow metro and the work of one of its best creators, Alexey Dushkin, we’ll see that he was constantly inventing and reinventing certain techniques and materials: he was the first one to use stainless steel to decorate Mayakovskaya, he came up with the idea of columns lit from below for Kropotkinskaya, he put up stained-glass panels underground, where the sun doesn’t ever shine, on Novokuznetskaya...... Continue Reading

> via  archsovet.msk.ru

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• Moscow State University: The tallest of Moscow's Seven Sisters, it's been housing the State University since 1953, being the tallest educational building in the world with its 240m of height.
• Zuev Workers' Club: Projected by Ilya Golossov to be a recreational center for factory workers, its construction was finished in 1929 and it's still a reference in Constructivist architecture.
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• Mercury City Tower: The 5th tallest builing in Russia and Europe overall, this 338m tall skyscaper in the International Business Center stands out for its copper glass façade and spiky shape.
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