Dividing a facade is a design method for organising its surfaces, openings and material zones. It is different from listing facade styles. This article in the Farid + Arjmand architecture blog focuses on making an elevation legible and buildable. Start from the building’s real geometry Structural axes, floor heights, windows, doors, balconies and service outlets…

International architecture competitions can develop design thinking and provide experience of working to a defined brief. They also require time, coordination and sometimes fees. This guide from Farid + Arjmand focuses on choosing and completing a competition responsibly. Understand the type of opportunity Student, professional, ideas and project competitions have different eligibility and outcomes. An…

Kitchen cabinets influence both daily function and the appearance of the home. In an open-plan kitchen, visible cabinetry also relates to the living area. Begin with storage needs, room dimensions and appliance positions rather than colour alone. Separate style, core and finish Modern, classical and neoclassical describe appearance. MDF, solid timber and other boards describe…

Travertine is a carbonate sedimentary stone valued for its texture and colour variation. The existing travertine reference illustrates product variety. Choosing it for a facade requires more than selecting an attractive small sample. Understand the actual stone Porosity, bedding, filled cavities and cutting direction influence appearance and performance. Density and water absorption vary between products;…

Interior partitions divide activities without necessarily changing the building’s main structure. Offices, homes and clinical spaces use different systems. Begin by defining the desired separation: visual privacy, sound reduction, a full room or a decorative threshold. Partitions in offices Open office shells may be subdivided to suit team size and work patterns. MDF panels offer…

A building permit authorises specified work through the responsible local authority. It differs from a business licence. This overview by Farid + Arjmand describes general steps rather than rules that apply identically in every city or country. When might a permit be required? New construction, extensions, structural alterations and changes of use commonly require approval….

This second study of remarkable buildings by Farid + Arjmand looks beyond unusual appearance. The Dancing House, Machu Picchu and Centre Pompidou offer contrasting lessons about urban context, terrain and the expression of technical systems. Dancing House: movement within the city Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić designed the Dancing House in Prague. Its contrasting volumes…

Hospital design starts with a clinical programme, service model and capacity. Architecture, clinical practice, infection control and engineering must work together. This is an introduction to planning principles, not a universal schedule of mandatory room sizes or technical settings. Analyse the site and functional programme Assess access, utilities, climate and the relationship to the community….

Gym design begins with the sports offered and the number of simultaneous users. A neighbourhood fitness club, a specialist training centre and a studio for classes have different requirements. An attractive interior works only when movement and facilities support the actual programme. Define capacity and circulation Prepare a schedule of training zones, reception, changing rooms,…

Landscape design shapes the spaces around buildings, from a small courtyard to a larger garden. landscape design brings planting, paths, materials and places to sit into a single spatial organisation. It is not simply the final addition of greenery to a finished architectural project. Begin with the site Study sun, wind, levels, soil, water availability…