What Is Conceptual Design in Engineering? | Steps in Conceptual Design Architecture
What Is Conceptual Design in Engineering? | Steps in Conceptual Design Architecture
What Is Conceptual Design in Engineering?
A concept design is the act of generating ideas for designing or solving a particular problem. Concept design is not limited to engineering but it is one of the most popular forms of design.
Conceptual design is design that is preliminary and conceptual. This preliminary design is usually on paper and articulates the ideas of the engineering problem.
Concept design can be simply a series of sketches, ideas and explorations, or it can go into considerable depth, including design illustrations, indicative plans, sections and elevations and 3D models of a development approach.
Concept design can also be an iterative process where, through a series of design meetings, the architect modifies the concept, adjusting and narrowing down a broad-brush approach towards a more precise, well-illustrated concept, capable of being meaningfully discussed, not only with the client, but also with external partners, planners, engineers and other interested parties.
For example, the conceptual engineering design of your first company would be to write down on paper how you would run the company, who you would employ, the things that the company will produce, and so on
Once you have written down what you would like to do, you would need to develop some financial projections for the company before you could implement it.
Conceptual engineering design can also include designing of an engineering product or service or the design of engineering tools.
Conceptual Design Architecture
Conceptual design is an architectural design that is conceptual in nature, and is often the first and most important step in the architectural design process. This process is often referred to as “gathering ideas.”
Architecture design is the process of developing a plan for the construction of a building.
The design process is always inclusive of other built environment professionals, architects can create concepts of buildings, and what they should look like, and include the idea of space and size.
The goal will be to create a comfortable and enjoyable space. Maintaining a good design and architecture with the surroundings is the goal.
From this concept design, there is sufficient information, either described or implicit, to prepare a generic cost overview based on floor areas, use types, likely forms of construction, facade treatments, parking, access, building performance criteria and technical systems. Concepts for external site treatments and landscape may also be included.
Concept design can be undertaken on a time-charge basis, as a fixed fee or as part of a full architectural services contract
Architectural Concept Design Process
The process of architectural conceptual design is one of the first processes undertaken in the architectural design process.
This stage involves the brainstorming, discussions, workshops, and other forms of input to develop ideas about an approach or aspect that can form a basis for designing solutions.
Architectural conceptual design is frequently derived from ideas provided by the client, which are then developed into proposals.
Ideas can also be derived from ideas generated by other individuals or groups.
The five stages of the conceptual design process
Conceptual designs are generated by the creative process consisting of multiple phases; however, they involve a series of five discrete stages.
The five different stages for conceptual designs and how they change and develop into the final design:
- Problem definition: Problem definition is that stage which describes what is to be solved and identifies some constraints on the solution. This stage usually involves a brainstorming session which develops ideas about how individuals feel it should be solved. There is usually a problem statement which is written during this phase of the conceptual design process.
- Concepts: Concepts are the preliminary solutions of the solution and ideas about what it should be like or what type of solution it should be. These concepts are usually made in a drawing or in a mock up in order to gain an understanding about what the solution will look like.
- Refinement: Refinement is the stage in the conceptual design process which determines what will be in the final solution or design. These refinements are made to ensure that they will best fit with what is needed for the solution
- Solution Development: Solution Development is the stage where there are different alternative solutions which can be selected from that will solve or resolve the problem. It involves more of an analysis of what has been decided upon at this point of the conceptual design process
- Final Design: Final design is the final stage of conceptual design process. This phase involves the creation of the final solution or design that is chosen
Construction Project Process/ Conceptual Engineering Design
The construction project process consists of the following stages:
- Client interviews – during this stage the client is interviewed in order to determine their ideas and feelings about the building.
- Feasibility studies – in this stage the client’s basic aims are identified, comments are gathered on possible architectural styles, and any constraints or limitations are identified.
- Conceptual sketches and designs – in this stage the architect and/or other professionals create a series of sketches and possible solutions to the problem.
- Information gathering – in this stage the architect and/or other professional gather information about alternative styles, buildings, planning, workspaces, materials, etc. which can then be incorporated into developing a design for the building which best matches the client’s wishes.
- Conceptual designs – In this stage, the final concepts for the building are drawn up and presented to the client.
- Plans – In this stage the final concepts for the building are drawn up. The plans include a series of drawings which detail each aspect of design of a building, from the internal layout of rooms and areas to external views.
- Construction – In this stage a detailed plan is drawn up by an architect or structural engineer for each aspect of construction needed for the project, from foundations to roofing materials.
Conceptual Design in Engineering FAQs
What is conceptual design in engineering
Conceptual design is the development of the general idea of a product or process, before it has been specified into a final design.
What does conceptual design mean?
Conceptual designs are scalable drawings that define the project’s core features and characteristics. They are generally devoid of detail, measurements, and technical annotations, allowing you to easily examine and alter the design.
These designs are still in the early phases of development. They are meant to be exploratory in nature.
What is the purpose of conceptual design?
A conceptual design is used to present the project to stakeholders, convey the idea of the system, and allow the team to explore different design solutions before they are turned into an actual design.
What is conceptual design in engineering?
The conceptual design process is similar to that for any other engineering project. It involves developing a working understanding of the problem before designing an appropriate solution.
The engineer must research various technologies and methods available for solving specific problems.
What is conceptual design architecture?
Conceptual design architecture is an approach to architectural design that focuses on planning, control, and production of engineered systems.
During this process, the designer develops a general description of the system’s capabilities, limitations, and output.
The final product is not necessarily physically implemented; rather, the design document becomes the design reference for manufacturing.
Conceptual Design Architecture (CDA) helps engineers to produce self-contained systems. It is useful in developing prototypes that can be easily transported to different environments for testing or traveling to other labs for prototyping.
