Writing Concept Statements ID 240 Interior Design II

What is a concept statement a written statement used to convey character (image) concepts. The point of a design concept is to tell the audience, as efficiently as possible, about the designer's approach to solve the design problem. It should address what you will do to solve the design problem

Concepts are determined on a case-by-case basis when the particulars of a project are known. Concepts can be driven by function, desired image or brand characteristics. Ask yourself, what is the driving factor ? The main concepts for highly creative environments may be driven by style, image or theme. Other concepts may be more pragmatic and address relationships, circulation, workflow etc.

Four Common problems Statements that regurgitate the project goals from the program. Statements that state the obvious. Statements that use many adjectives without really saying much. Statements that are lengthly descriptions of every single feature of the project.

What makes a good concept statement? They should speak more about the design solution than the design problem. They should be selective They are economical

Speak about the design solution Ask this question: Does this statement tell me anything about the approach to the design solution? It should not define the problem but should rather state the solution. Concept statements should talk about the designers response to a problem with ideas about how to achieve these. Answer the question "how".

Selective Don't try to address every single issue. Assess the design problem and select the driving forces. You may find only 1-2 driving forces

Economical Pack in a lot of information into a brief statement Slim down your concept through editing A few sentences