An architect’s dream is to have his or her building stand out– in a good way. There are both good and bad ways to implement any kind of architectural design ideas. Of course, these ideas also need to be implemented in a legal, as well as aesthetically pleasing, way.
Revolving Doors
Revolving doors work best for large businesses, hotels, and large public venues (train stations, airports, etc.). However, they don’t work well for residential properties or small businesses. There are also both aesthetic “rules” and real codes that architects need to stick to when adding revolving doors in their designs. For aesthetic reasons, these doors work best when they are on a ground floor of a building, primarily in entranceways. According to codes, revolving doors cannot be within ten feet of a stairwell. Architects can see revolving door code compliance rules to check all other rules.
Elevators
In some instances, elevators are not only a stylistic design choice but a requirement. This is because people who have limited mobility may not be able to reach higher floors without the help of an elevator. Most new commercial buildings that are more than two stories high are required to have an elevator. Older buildings may have rules that have “grandfathered” in the building not needing an elevator. Still, it is usually beneficial for an older commercial building to eventually add in an elevator for ease of access to all people.
Columns
Columns can be used for decoration, support, or both. If an architect is using columns for support in his or her design, he or she will make sure the columns are up to code. Steel is usually used to reinforce columns to make them stronger and less likely to suffer structural failure. There are fewer rules and codes involved with decorative columns.
Decorative columns can be placed in both residential and commercial properties. They are usually placed outside, but can theoretically be placed almost anywhere within a building. Architects should also make sure the columns (decorative or supportive) do not restrict the view of any exits or other important building features.
Architectural design is both an art form and a structural matter. Both things need to be considered when designing a new building or making changes to an existing property. Architects need to double and triple check all building codes, even for some decorative features. This makes it easier for a building design to be completed in a timely manner.
