ABSTRACT
During the process of designing a building, the designer, usually an architect, takes into account a set of parameters and lays down certain criteria and priorities that have a decisive influence on the ‘idea’ of the building. Thus, starting with the legal framework (laws and regulations), the building programme, the particular requirements of the client, the available land and the size of the building, the designer moves on to consider the characteristics of the microenvironment (built environment, morphology of the ground, view), the financial factors, etc. In gathering all this information, the designer develops the ‘main idea’ of the building, putting his/her first thoughts down on paper. Through this process the building gradually begins to take shape, assuming a three-dimensional form (plans, elevations, cross-sections) and becoming integrated into its surroundings.
