Common Design Mistakes You need to Avoid in your next project.

07 Sketches
May 27
5 min read

The entrance plays a big role in safety, comfort, and protection from weather. Many buildings make common mistakes at the entryway that can lead to water damage or even accidents like slipping and falling.

I'll show you how you can improve the functionality with simple design changes.

By paying attention to small details like overhangs, landings, and railings, we can create safer and more user-friendly entrances for everyone.

On the left side of the image, you can see a bad example. There's no overhang above the door, so when it rains, water directly hits the door and can leak inside. That's a big problem! Also, the stairs go straight to the door without any landing area or railings, which can be very dangerous. People can easily slip and fall, especially in bad weather.

Now look at the right side, which shows the correct design. Here, there's an overhang that's at least 12 inches (305 mm) long. This helps protect the door from rain. There’s also a landing space of 36 inches (914 mm) before the door, giving people room to safely stand. Plus, it includes railings with a minimum height of 34 inches (864 mm), which help prevent falls.

Passive cooling design Mistake:

In hot and dry climates, keeping our homes cool can be a real challenge. Many people rely heavily on air conditioning, which increases electricity bills and harms the environment. But there’s a smarter and more natural way to keep buildings cool. This means designing homes in a way that keeps the inside temperature comfortable without using machines.

Let’s look at a common mistake and how it can be improved using simple passive cooling techniques.

The first diagram shows no water body of vegetation around the building .There are no features to help cool the house naturally, so the sun’s heat directly enters the building, causing thermal discomfort. The walls and roof absorb heat, making the inside very hot. As a result, people rely heavily on fans or ACs, which leads to increased cooling costs.

The bottom part shows a much better design using passive cooling techniques:

The house has operable windows, which allow cross-ventilation and help hot air escape while letting cool air in . There’s a water pond with fish in front of the house. This creates a cool microclimate as the water evaporates and cools the surrounding air. The result is cool, fresh air and much better comfort indoors without needing to use extra energy.

This kind of thoughtful, natural design not only saves money but also makes homes more comfortable and eco-friendly.

Cross ventilation Do's and Don'ts:

Landscape Design Do's and Don'ts :

When designing outdoor spaces like gardens, parks, or pathways, it’s important to make them not only look good but also feel welcoming and accessible to everyone. One of the most overlooked parts of landscape design is how we handle changes in height, like steps and ramps. If not planned well, these areas can become boring or even difficult to use for people with different needs. In the given image I have shown how a thoughtful approach can make a big difference.

In the image, the right side shows a poor example of landscape design. There are only stairs going up, which makes the upper level inaccessible for people using wheelchairs, strollers, or even those who struggle with stairs. The design looks dull and monotonous, and it doesn’t invite everyone in.

On the left side, we see a much better and more thoughtful design. There’s a combination of steps and a ramp, which makes the space inclusive and accessible for everyone—whether they are walking, using a wheelchair, or walking a dog. The retaining wall and natural surroundings also add interest and variety to the landscape, making it feel more inviting and lively.

Crosswalks/Pedestrian Design:

Crosswalks are meant to protect pedestrians, their layout can sometimes do the opposite.

This image I have highlighted how a small design change can significantly reduce the chances of accidents and improve overall visibility.

On the top half, it is shown a straight crosswalk where pedestrians cross directly from one side to the other. While this may seem convenient, it poses a high risk of accidents. Drivers may not easily see people stepping out, and pedestrians might not look towards oncoming traffic. This poor viewing angle can lead to dangerous collisions.

In the bottom half, the angled crosswalk is shown as a better solution. It subtly redirects pedestrians to face oncoming traffic as they cross, making them more aware of vehicles approaching. This small shift in direction provides a better viewing angle and makes the crossing safer and more intuitive. Even people in wheelchairs or those walking together can comfortably and safely navigate this setup.

Chimney Placement in the house :

Imagine you're sitting by a cozy fireplace on a chilly winter evening, but somehow the rest of the room still feels cold. You might not realize it, but the placement of the chimney could be the reason. As an architect, I often emphasize how small decisions in design can significantly affect the comfort of a space and chimney placement is one such detail that's often overlooked.

Take a look at this illustration. It compares two different approaches to chimney placement and their direct impact on thermal comfort.

In the first scenario, the chimney is placed along the exterior wall of the house. While it might seem practical or even aesthetically pleasing, this setup leads to thermal discomfort. Much of the heat produced escapes through the outer wall, warming only a limited area nearby. The rest of the interior remains cold and underheated, defeating the purpose of the fireplace in the first place.

Now, contrast that with the second scenario , where the chimney is positioned centrally within the home. This configuration makes a significant difference. Heat from the fireplace radiates more evenly throughout the surrounding space. Additionally, the thermal mass of the centrally located chimney helps store and slowly release heat, maintaining a more stable and comfortable indoor temperature providing thermal comfort in different rooms.

Transition ramp Design :

When designing vehicular ramps, especially in commercial or high-traffic buildings like malls or parking garages, safety and functionality should always take priority. A good design is about smooth, practical, and safe movement, especially when it comes to vehicular access. That is why special design approach for a transition ramps really matters a lot .

In the first example , a non-transitional ramp is shown. This design lacks any intermediate slope adjustment between the flat ground and the ramp incline. As a result, the car bottoms out at the junctions due to the abrupt angle change. This not only damages the vehicle but also compromises user safety and accessibility. It’s a common mistake seen in poorly designed parking structures.

The second example demonstrates a transitional ramp, which includes a gentle slope change between the flat surface and the main ramp. The design criteria here include:

2.4 m minimum transition zones (1/2 of the ramp slope) at both ends of the ramp.

A maximum slope of 15% for the main ramp. These transitions help distribute the change in gradient smoothly, preventing cars from scraping the underbody and ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

A good architectural design isn't just about aesthetics it's also about practical, everyday functionality. Vehicular ramps are an essential part of most building designs, especially in basements, podiums, and multilevel car parks. Paying attention to slope percentages and transitional zones can greatly enhance user experience and reduce maintenance costs.

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