Preliminary Interior Design Drawing Activities
If you missed any of the classes where we reviewed this work, take this opportunity to complete the drawings below! This will strengthen your ability to plan, sketch, and draw with confidence—essential skills for this assignment. Every step you take builds your artistic and design foundation skills, so embrace the challenge and enjoy the process!
If you missed any of the classes where we reviewed this work, take this opportunity to complete the drawings below! This will strengthen your ability to plan, sketch, and draw with confidence—essential skills for this assignment. Every step you take builds your artistic and design foundation skills, so embrace the challenge and enjoy the process!
Container Homes: I came across some incredible examples online, and I’m excited to share them with you below!
Unit 03: Architecture
Three Story Container Home
Your challenge is to create a space that balances functionality with creativity while respecting these constraints. How will you bring your vision to life?
Your task is to design a three-story container home, a personal space where you can live, dream, read, paint, eat, and more. This structure must meet the following technical requirements:
Some of you may take an outside-in approach, prioritizing Form first, while others may opt for an inside-out method, focusing on Function first. Additionally, some may find value in integrating both aspects from the early stages of design.
Whether you lean toward Form Follows Function or Function Follows Form, the key is to embrace your creative process and push the boundaries of your imagination. This project challenges you to balance function and form, explore creative spatial solutions, and push the boundaries of container-based architecture.
Note: As mentioned in class your research will require you to have analysis of exterior forms, such as buildings and volumetric shapes as well as interior spaces and floor plans that best connect in some fashion or form to your interests.
Your challenge is to create a space that balances functionality with creativity while respecting these constraints. How will you bring your vision to life?
Your task is to design a three-story container home, a personal space where you can live, dream, read, paint, eat, and more. This structure must meet the following technical requirements:
- Each floor must not exceed 200 square feet in area.
- The height of each floor cannot surpass 10 feet.
- The floors cannot be stacked directly on top of one another.
- No floor may contain more than one container.
Some of you may take an outside-in approach, prioritizing Form first, while others may opt for an inside-out method, focusing on Function first. Additionally, some may find value in integrating both aspects from the early stages of design.
Whether you lean toward Form Follows Function or Function Follows Form, the key is to embrace your creative process and push the boundaries of your imagination. This project challenges you to balance function and form, explore creative spatial solutions, and push the boundaries of container-based architecture.
Note: As mentioned in class your research will require you to have analysis of exterior forms, such as buildings and volumetric shapes as well as interior spaces and floor plans that best connect in some fashion or form to your interests.
Stage 01: Research
Begin by exploring architectural concepts that inspire innovative small-space living. Focus on:
Begin by exploring architectural concepts that inspire innovative small-space living. Focus on:
- Tiny homes & compact living solutions—how do people maximize limited space?
- Shipping containers repurposed into homes—what design strategies make them livable?
- Modular and prefabricated structures—how can modular thinking improve efficiency?
- Sci-fi influences & futuristic structures—are there imaginative solutions from films or games that could inform your approach?
Stage 02: Analysis
Once you have gathered research materials and images, take time to critically analyze them. Reflect on:
Once you have gathered research materials and images, take time to critically analyze them. Reflect on:
- Why did you select these references?
- What aspects of the designs resonate with you?
- How do they address spatial constraints creatively?
Please Start With The Lessons Below: Exploring Volumetric Forms, Making Connections to our Research
|
|
|
Stage 03: Ideation & Concept Exploration
Now, begin shaping your ideas by exploring form and spatial organization through two key exercises:
3.1. 3D Blocking Studies
Now, begin shaping your ideas by exploring form and spatial organization through two key exercises:
3.1. 3D Blocking Studies
- Use simple volumetric models (physical or digital) to experiment with container placement.
- Test various arrangements, such as staggered, cantilevered, or clustered designs.
- Consider how each floor connects—through stairs, ladders, or external circulation.
- Sketch rough floor layouts that distribute essential functions (sleeping, living, cooking).
- Experiment with multi-use spaces to maximize functionality within the limited area.
- Ensure logical circulation paths—how does movement flow between floors?
Research & Analyses, Kitchen & Bathrooms
|
|
|
Stage 04: Concept Refinement & Development
Once you have a strong conceptual framework, begin refining your design:
Once you have a strong conceptual framework, begin refining your design:
- Detail your floor plans with clearer spatial divisions and functional zoning.
- Fine-tune 3D massing studies to achieve a cohesive architectural composition.
- Investigate material choices—how might metal, wood, or glass enhance usability and aesthetics?
- Consider light and ventilation—where can windows and openings be placed effectively?
Stage 05: Concept Communication & Presentation
Prepare to effectively present your final container home concept. Your documentation should include:
Prepare to effectively present your final container home concept. Your documentation should include:
- Finalized floor plans outlining spatial organization.
- 3D representations (digital models or physical prototypes) showcasing form.
- Annotated diagrams highlighting key design features.
- A concept statement explaining your creative and functional decisions.
Interior Furniture & Layout Design
|
|
|
Final Thoughts
This project is a conceptual exercise designed to challenge your understanding of small-space living and architectural problem-solving. Approach it with enthusiasm and an open mind, knowing that every step brings you closer to an inventive and meaningful design. Enjoy the creative journey, and don’t be afraid to push beyond your comfort zone—bold ideas often lead to the most exciting breakthroughs! Let your imagination flourish, shaping a unique, personalized space that reflects your vision and aspirations. Design is a process of discovery—embrace it with confidence, curiosity, and optimism. The possibilities are endless!
This project is a conceptual exercise designed to challenge your understanding of small-space living and architectural problem-solving. Approach it with enthusiasm and an open mind, knowing that every step brings you closer to an inventive and meaningful design. Enjoy the creative journey, and don’t be afraid to push beyond your comfort zone—bold ideas often lead to the most exciting breakthroughs! Let your imagination flourish, shaping a unique, personalized space that reflects your vision and aspirations. Design is a process of discovery—embrace it with confidence, curiosity, and optimism. The possibilities are endless!
Notes, Research, Review and Feedback of student Work-In-Progress...
Autodesk Revit Lessons
|
|
|
|
3D Modelling Lessons , tools incorporated are Blender and Twinmotion
Using Twinmotion for the First Time and Creating a Window and a Frame in Blender
|
|
|
|
Sidebar
Please review my lessons regarding research and analyses of interior spaces, the subject matter will be incorporated in this unit of study.
Primary Bedroom Design Part 01 to Part 03
Primary Bedroom Design Part 01 to Part 03
|
|
|
|
Advanced Design Exercises
In Class Activities: Generating Abstract Forms from our Research
(Note: This is for Students who are thinking of pursuing to continue their Education at a post-secondary Architecture University)
(Note: This is for Students who are thinking of pursuing to continue their Education at a post-secondary Architecture University)
|
|
|
|
