A Comprehensive Design guide of Architecture .

07 Sketches
4 hours ago
5 min read

Introduction

Architecture is about creating experiences, harmonizing form with function, and designing spaces that feel intuitive and human-centered. With countless design options available, it becomes essential to make thoughtful choices that balance aesthetics, utility, and context. I have created this guide with the goal of helping aspiring architects, students, and enthusiasts learn the fundamentals of good architectural design through clear examples and visual insights.

The Impact of Facade Composition - Do's and Don'ts

In this guide there is a side-by-side comparison of poor versus well-thought-out residential design.

❌ Poor Design – What Went Wrong?

In the upper example, the design feels visually chaotic due to several missteps:

Mismatched Color Use: The darker material used on the upper volume makes it feel overly heavy and disconnected from the base.
Unbalanced Massing: The upper portion juts out awkwardly without proper visual or structural integration, making it look unstable.
Excessive Design Elements: Too many styles and materials are combined, lacking unity. This clutter disrupts visual coherence.
Unwelcoming Entry: The entrance is recessed and hidden, giving a closed-off, uninviting impression.
Unconsidered Details: The façade looks inconsistent, almost like a series of design mistakes stitched together.

✅ Good Design – A Balanced and Inviting Composition

The lower example fixes these issues with thoughtful, minimal design moves:

Balanced Color Palette: Light material is used on the upper mass to reduce visual weight, while dark materials ground the base.
Simplified Form: The massing feels cohesive, with a sense of continuity and rhythm.
Defined Entry: An open, central staircase and entry pathway guide visitors clearly and warmly into the home.
Functional Additions: Casement windows, a steel railing for safety, and an above-ground pool add purpose without excess.
Overall Harmony: Every element feels intentional and aligned with the whole composition.

Types of Stairs

Staircases are more than just circulation elements in architecture; they can become central features of a space when well designed.

Stair A represents a switchback or dog-legged stair, consisting of two parallel flights connected by a landing. This is commonly used in residential and commercial buildings where vertical movement needs to be compact yet continuous.
Stair B is a spiral staircase. These are extremely space-efficient and visually dynamic. They are perfect for tight spaces or secondary access points but are less ideal for heavy traffic due to their compact and steep nature.
Stair C shows a quarter-turn stair that changes direction by 90 degrees. This is often used in corner zones or along walls and offers a balanced compromise between space-saving and ease of movement.
Stair D is the simplest of all , a straight-run stair. It requires more linear space but offers uninterrupted, clear movement. It’s ideal for public buildings, entry lobbies, and spaces with open circulation.
Stair E incorporates a landing midway and changes direction, often used in multistory apartments, schools, and commercial spaces. The landing provides a resting point and breaks the visual and physical monotony of a long staircase.
Stair F is a L-shaped stair with a 90-degree turn via an intermediate landing. This design is efficient in tight vertical shafts and is commonly used in residential blocks, duplex homes, and hotels.

Types of Entry Door Stairs

Entry stairs act as a transitional threshold between the outside world and a home’s interior.

Option A features a simple rectangular platform with steps on either side. This is a symmetrical and direct approach that works well when the entrance faces an open front yard or central pathway.
Option B adds a step directly in front of the door, creating a more linear approach. It subtly guides movement toward the main door and is suited for narrow frontages.
Option C stands out for its soft, inviting curve. The semi-circular design feels grand and welcoming and is often used in classical or luxurious residential designs. It naturally draws attention to the entrance and enhances curb appeal.
Option D has a side-step approach where the main platform is connected via a staircase from the right. This can be a great design strategy in tight plots or homes with boundary walls or fencing close to the entry.

Each stair layout not only influences movement but also the visual rhythm of the building’s facade. Choosing the right type depends on the site layout, user behavior, and design expression.

Door Placement

Door placement is one of the most overlooked aspects in architectural planning, yet it plays a crucial role in space functionality and user comfort. This image effectively highlights common door placement mistakes and offers correct alternatives, using clear visual comparisons.

Proper door placement may seem like a small detail, but it can significantly affect space usability and circulation.

In the first row, the incorrect placement allows the door to open beyond 90 degrees, which can damage walls and reduce safety. The corrected version stops the door at 90 degrees, maintaining a clean swing path.

In the second row, placing a door too close to a wall causes it to hit the adjacent surface, leading to wear and damage. Adding just an 8 cm buffer solves the issue.

In the third example, the door opens into a wall with a fixed element behind it, rendering it unusable. Shifting the door to open freely ensures functionality. These simple layout choices improve durability and create smoother circulation throughout the space.

Exterior Design

Facade design often determines the first impression of a building. In this visual comparison, the top image depicts an existing design overloaded with color and form. The use of dark and light colors feels random, and the overuse of elements like false balconies and excessive protrusions creates a chaotic and cluttered appearance. This version lacks cohesion and appears visually noisy.

On the other hand, the new design below demonstrates a refined approach. A simple, earthy color palette is used strategically to highlight the building’s structure. The addition of clean casement windows, a covered terrace, and defined elements like a parapet and compound wall enhances both aesthetic and functional value. This example reinforces the importance of restraint and consistency in exterior design, ensuring that buildings look timeless rather than trendy.

This comparison clearly teaches us that good design does not mean more elements; it means the right elements, placed meaningfully. Clarity, balance, and functional consistency should guide every exterior design decision.

Architecture is not only about how a building looks, but about how it works and feels for the people using it. As we explored in this blog, small design decisions like the way a door opens, the type of staircase used, or how a building’s front elevation is planned can have a big impact on the overall experience of a space.

We saw how simple changes in stair design can improve space efficiency and movement. We looked at how the entry door stairs can guide people naturally into a home. We also understood how placing a door correctly can avoid future problems and how a balanced exterior design can make a building look well-planned and professional.

Good design doesn’t always mean adding more. It means making smart, thoughtful choices that suit the space, the user, and the surroundings. When elements are placed with care and purpose, the result feels natural and complete.

As you grow as a designer or architect, keep in mind that attention to small details is what leads to great design. Every line you draw and every decision you make has the power to shape how people experience a space. Keep observing, keep learning, and most importantly design with clarity and care.

Thanks for reading!