The Fundamentals of Great Design: Context

A projects context can be viewed in a Macro and Micro Sense. If you can celebrate the buildings existing characters, the project will be more successful than if you ignore it.

Macro - Existing Environment

Buildings sit in an existing context or environment, which brings its own character and design cues to the project. If we are sensitive to the context the building will sit more comfortably in its environment. For example, in an urban context you might take cues from surrounding building materials, heights or scales. In a woodland environment you might try to anchor the building in its surroundings by working with the local topography and nature.

Micro - Existing Fabric

In a renovation project the existing fabric of the house or building will bring its own opportunities and challenges. As architects we like to find a design solution that works with the existing character of the house. For example, a protected structure brings challenges, but it also brings a history and character.