Question

What are some of the most complex building types to design?.

Answer 1

Strangely enough, the most complex building to design is the common house. I know, they’re like belly buttons, even if you don’t have one yourself, you know someone that has one, and you’ve certainly been in one.

A house has all the ingredients that you will find in far more complex buildings. On top of that, they are there in small quantities.

Nearly every house has a kitchen, bathroom, laundry and toilet. You will also find some of these in hospitals, hotels, parking stations, office blocks, sewerage works, defence facilities and so on.

The only difference is that in a house, there may only be one of these and it must be the right size, shape and position so that it is suitable for use. Even the doorways must be positioned correctly - to allow for ventilation, light, privacy , ease of access, safety and even feng-shui.

Each room must be the right size for its’ occupants and its’ usage. Bedrooms should have a window or some other method of providing natural light. Toilets and bathrooms should allow for privacy.

The materials that it is built of should be fit for purpose. The roof should provide shelter from the elements. The walls should be able to support the weight of the roof and provide shelter and security for the occupants. The floor should be stable and strong and able to support the activities that are carried out in the house.

On top of all that, it must look good - to somebody. It also must be comfortable to live in, otherwise the design is a fail. That doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be cheap to build. A good designer designs with one eye on the asthetics, the other eye on the usage and utility and his hand firmly closed around the cheque-book.