IB
From Architecture to User Experience Design
Not So Digital UX
From Architecture to User Experience Design
With over a decade in architecture, I've honed design skills that seamlessly transition into the realm of UX. While architecture culminates in crafting functional and aesthetic physical spaces, UX design focuses on optimizing digital interactions for its users. Yet, the methodologies behind both share striking similarities.
Both architecture and UX design prioritize user-centered experiences, balancing aesthetics with functionality. They utilize planning tools like blueprints and wireframes, respectively, and undergo iterative processes based on feedback. These disciplines emphasize accessibility for all users and often navigate design challenges within specific constraints. Collaboration with other experts is essential in both fields, and there's a shared emphasis on holistic design thinking, storytelling, and continuous learning. Fundamentally, both architects and UX designers craft environments—be they physical or digital—that facilitate efficient, enjoyable, and intuitive interactions for their users.
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The following project shows how relatable the architectural process is to the UX design process.
Austin Pea Family Center
The Military Family Resource Center for Austin Peay State University has an unutilized lot adjacent to their office building. The building was acquired by Austin Peay from a local car dealership. The building and lot were used to sell cars and sits over a garage, accessible from the rear of the site, where the dealership would repair cars. The Resource Center wanted to repurpose the lot into something the students and military families can benefit from while visiting the center.
Team Project
Project Type
Site Plan
Rendered Images
Duration
AutoCAD
Sketchup
Photoshop
Illustrator
Tools
Deliverables
Oct ‘21-May ‘22
Empathize and Define
Architectural Process: Pre-Design
We gathered Preliminary information about the site from interviews with the client, walking the site and documenting via photos and taking notes, and a land survey.
Looking at the site to get a feel for size. the exterior was recently renovated and its color scheme and column placements help with breaking up the site.
The site has exterior elements that can be incorporated into the proposed design such as these planters.
Since there is an existing garage underneath the site taking notes of drainage and ground cracks can tell us if there's any work that needs to be considered regarding the structure.
Existing Site and Building Plan
After gathering all of the information from the site and the client establishing objectives and goals we can define the scope of project.
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This scope of this project is the immediate lot next to the building. We are responsible for incorporating a space for students and military families to gather and lounge around, as well as a space for small events to be held like weekend bbqs or ceremonies as a secondary use. Providing storage will also be needed.
Ideate
Architectural Process: Schematic Design
During schematic design ideas are usually thrown out and organized differently to create different schemes that a client may like. During this project we've presented the following to the client. This was the first pass at designing a solution for the site and afterward we presented what we designed.
Inital Design
Client Goals
Design Solution
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1. Outdoor lounge area
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2. Space to host small events
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3. Possible bbq or gathering including food
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4. Storage for site related items
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5. Wayfinding to entry of building more defined
1. Built-in seating
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2. The grass area in the center provides space for people to sit and have their attention towards the same direction
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3. Creating a lifted area in the back of the site gives way for a stage as well as a covered pavilion area they can pull a bbq pit out of the storage located near by
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4. Small garage that keeps the same material language is close to the back of the site to store chairs, machines, and the such.
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5. Keeping the front of the building clear of obstructions as well as creating a break in the built-in benches creates a pathway to both doors of the building.
The client appreciated what we had presented but had some concerns. the comments we received were, more seating, less open area as to the events will be so far and few between it may not be feasible to design the space that way, accessibility to all of the site, permanent outdoor grill helps with security to deter theft.
Redesign
Client Goals
Design Solution
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1. More seating
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2. Less green/open space
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3. Simpler and more accessibility
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4. Permanent bbq grill
1. More built-in seating was added, as well as space for tables to be placed in front of the benches
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2. The grass area in the center was taken out and pavers were added.
3. The pavers will help with accessibility because it's a hard surface people can walk across and a ramp connecting the front of the site and the raised platform in the back help insures everyone has access to all of the site and not partially.
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4. Built in bbq grill and countertop will be a deterrent for theft.
The client was much happier with this iteration of design as to it covered alot more of the needs and felt as if it were a practical addition to the site and campus.
Prototype
Architectural Process: Design Development
After getting the green light we were able to move forward with the design of the site. In design development we iron out details of how the project may be constructed, what materials will be used, and how much the scope of work could cost.
For some projects renderings help bring all of the materials together for clients. Seeing a realistic mockup of how the final design will look instills confidence in clients.
In the redesign we decided to go with all pavers for the ground material. since the site is located over a garage, we have to ensure drainage is adequate water can exit the site efficiently.
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At the bottom of the site we narrowed the opening to keep some privacy and to help with noise from the busy adjacent street. The planters serve as a noise barrier and adds some softness to the site against the pavers.
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The materials we chose for the stage is a type of plastic like material called epai wood. A nearby site uses the same for their pavilion and it would be a nice material to tie into the greater downtown and university area.
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Treated wood is used for benches and will hold up well for seating.
Red Granite
Raised Paver Pedestal System
"Roof Top" Trees
Epai Wood Deck
Retractable Awning
Testing
Architectural Process: Construction Documents
Once Client approves design of the project as well as the materials, we switch from providing a service into providing a product. That product is called Construction Documents. We usually put together a set of drawings of how to construct the design there are loads of coordination with other disciplines such as civil, structural, mechanical, pluming, fire, electrical, etc. This project has not entered the construction documentation phase because of funding for the project.
Implementation
Architectural Process: Bidding
and Construction Administration
The last phases of architecture are bidding and then construction administration. We bid the project out to contractors and once a contractor is selected, building the project begins. Our job is to oversee the construction process and have the client and contractor in constant communication. Once this project is developed further, I am excited to see the final product. It will hold a bold presence alongside hardscapes of the street and adjacent parking lot. It will serve as a connector to the main campus across the street and will foster a community for its users.
