Architectural photography connects an understanding of buildings with the craft of making images. Its purpose extends beyond producing an attractive view: a useful photograph explains form, materials, context and the way a place is experienced. The photographer needs to understand the architect’s intentions as well as exposure and composition. Agree on the purpose before a…

Practical facade design connects an architectural idea to a building that can be constructed and maintained. A three-dimensional image communicates appearance, but it does not define every junction, fixing or coordination requirement. The design needs drawings and details that explain how the proposed surfaces meet the building behind them. Begin with the building and its…

Arches and curves can shape structure, movement and the character of a space. Their role ranges from carrying loads to framing an opening or softening a junction. Understanding what a curved element actually does is more useful than assuming that every arch is structural or every curve improves a room. Structure and architectural expression A…

A new year offers a useful moment to review how we observe, analyse and design. Originally written for the beginning of the Persian year 1401 in 2022, this article considers habits that can continue beyond that occasion. Architectural thinking grows through sustained attention, not a sudden change of tools or a collection of fashionable images….

Colour contributes to the identity of a facade, but its effect cannot be separated from material, light and the surrounding buildings. A colour that appears balanced in a render may look stronger, flatter or darker on the finished surface. Choosing it well requires more than a small screen sample. Read colour together with the material…

Sustainable architecture aims to reduce a building’s environmental impact throughout its life while supporting health, comfort, economic viability and social responsibility. Plants or a particular facade appearance are not proof of sustainability. The approach requires coordinated decisions and measurable outcomes from design through occupation and renewal. Sustainability and green architecture Sustainability overlaps with green architecture…

A modern villa may offer clear massing, connections to a garden and flexibility in parts of the layout. These are potential benefits achieved through a suitable design, rather than automatic results of choosing a style name or large areas of glass. Fit the style to the site and residents Start with users, climate, privacy and…

Villa design moves from the site and the residents’ needs to coordinated drawings, construction review and handover. Choosing a facade image is not the starting point for the whole project. Decisions about land, budget, circulation and daylight influence every later stage. Understand the land and the brief In villa design, review boundaries, levels, access, orientation,…

Form in architecture is the three-dimensional organisation of masses, voids and the relationships between them. It is inseparable from use, construction and human experience. A simple mass can contain rich spaces; a complicated shape may still perform poorly if circulation, light and function are overlooked. Form, concept and facade An architectural concept explains the direction…

Facade design details connect an architectural idea to the way it is built and used. A convincing elevation still depends on material junctions, water management, window installation and coordination with building services. These decisions belong to the design process rather than being small corrections left for the contractor. Details and local requirements In facade design,…