The Concept and the Parti

Every project begins with a central concept which will inform and influence every aspect of the design. The concept does not need to be complicated or profound - it can be as simple as setting up two intersecting axes of circulation in plan. It is often the case that the most impactful and well-thought-out architecture is driven by a simple concept; if it is too complicated or intricate, it can be difficult to implement meaningfully and efficiently.

A good concept will be strong enough to explain the core principles of the building via a simple sketch. These are called parti diagrams. These sketches – or sometimes models – should be simple enough to be understood by anyone, not just architects and builders. They are just one of the tools we use to effectively communicate with our clients and contractors. A good parti diagram can be the difference between confusion and clarity for clients, and they are a vital part of our architectural toolbox.

The concept and parti can each take many forms. They may be a simple massing of blocks in plan to organise living spaces, or an idea for the treatment of light and shadow in section. You may think the concept will be diminished by site constraints such as gradient, exposure, neighbouring buildings, or factors such as Special Areas of Conservation – however, these factors should be seen as opportunities, not restraints. A good concept will play some or all of these factors to their strengths, rather than be limited by them. Great architecture is created by paying attention to these factors, and by responding to them through a thoughtful and considered concept. The parti does not need to solve every problem in one elegant gift-wrapped parcel – but it should clearly set out the architectural intent and provide the basis on which to develop and work with any constraints which may be present.

It is also worth noting that the first concept developed will not be the only one, and is rarely the best one. The design process will take you through a number of good concepts and partis. Part of the skill of architecture is being able to extrapolate these individual thoughts and form a cohesive, coherent concept through the design process. We won’t always use every single parti we develop. In the early design stages, the job of the parti isn’t to solve every issue through sketch, but to come up with a clear intention and strong architectural language. The drawings may initially only be legible to the architect, and sometimes they may not form any legible idea at all. This is fine, if anything it is desired – a strong concept will be informed by many factors including gut feelings and curiosities. Keep in mind that the architectural concept and parti are only two of many design tools used in the design process – while they should inform the direction of the project, they should not dictate every single decision.