Architectural Design
Design starts with a land survey and goes through concept, schematic, and construction drawings. El-Eman Office provides surveying for design and contracting for execution.
The project brief and how it becomes spaces
A successful architectural design begins with understanding the users' needs before the first line is drawn: the number of family members and their habits, the privacy required, the possibility of future expansion and budget priorities. The brief is then translated into relationships between spaces, so the kitchen sits near the dining room, quiet zones are separated from reception areas, and bathrooms are placed to serve use without wasting floor area.
Environmental factors, orientation and ventilation
The orientation of a building affects daylight and heat. In Egypt's climate, the direction of the sun and the prevailing winds are considered when arranging openings, sun breakers and projections are used to shade exposed facades, and cross ventilation is sought where possible. Light wells and internal courtyards help bring in light and improve air if they are designed with sufficient dimensions. A common mistake is using large areas of glass on sunny facades without treatment, which raises the air-conditioning load.
Coordinating disciplines and avoiding clashes
The architectural plan is not separate from the rest. It must be consistent with:
- The structure: the positions of columns and beams and the span dimensions.
- Plumbing: the locations of vertical pipe shafts and ease of maintenance.
- Electrical work: the positions of panels and wiring routes.
- Air conditioning and ventilation: duct routes and unit locations.
- Fire requirements, exits and stairs.
Early coordination prevents costly changes during construction, such as a column cutting through a room or a beam lowering the ceiling height in a corridor. Using 3D models to review the design before construction is helpful.
Reviewing the design before approval
Before moving on to the construction drawings, the owner should review the design with a list of practical questions. Does the circulation inside the building have clear routes? Are the room dimensions suitable for the furniture and use? Is there enough storage? Do the main rooms have daylight and ventilation? Is privacy preserved between zones and neighbours? The design should also be checked against the expected cost, since a change on paper is cheap compared with a change after building. 3D models and virtual walkthroughs help in visualising the spaces.
It is important that design changes are made before the structural drawings are approved, because any later change to walls or openings may require recalculation and coordination between disciplines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between preliminary and construction drawings?
Preliminary drawings show the idea and general layout, while construction drawings contain the precise dimensions, materials and structural details the contractor relies on.
Can the design be modified during construction?
It can, but at greater cost and time the later the change is made, and it may affect the permit and the structure, so decisions are best settled before starting.
How do I make the design expandable?
Study expansion from the start in the foundations, plan and setbacks, and leave provisions for the future as far as the code and the permit allow.
