Think Like an Architect

Course Outline – Think Like an Architect

1. Introduction to Architectural Thinking
   What it means to think like an architect and how design thinking differs from drawing or software skills.

2. Understanding the Problem
   Reading the brief, identifying constraints, and defining the real design challenge.

3. Site & Context Analysis
   How to analyze site conditions, surroundings, climate, culture, and regulations to inform design decisions.

4. User Needs & Functionality
   Understanding users, activities, circulation, and how spaces should work.

5. Concept Development
   Turning ideas, references, and narratives into strong architectural concepts.

6. Form, Space & Massing
   How architects shape buildings using proportions, scale, solids, and voids.

7. Logic vs Creativity
   Balancing creative ideas with practicality, structure, and feasibility.

8. Design Decision Making
   How architects justify choices related to layout, form, materials, and orientation.

9. Iteration & Design Development
   Testing ideas, refining concepts, and improving designs through feedback.

10. Presenting Architectural Ideas
    How to communicate ideas clearly through diagrams, sketches, and storytelling.