10 Classic Misconceptions of Architects

While every profession contains certain stereotypes, architects tend to be right up there with engineers when it comes to misconstrued notions. 

When you think of an architect, what is the first thing that comes to mind? We bet it is one of these top ten classic misconceptions that we have compiled below. While every profession contains certain stereotypes (and some may be valid), architects tend to be right up there with engineers when it comes to misconstrued notions.
Look at our list of ten classic misconceptions of architects to see if any are ones you hold, and perhaps consider if these are truly valid ideas or are they are myths that need to be debunked?

Look at our list of ten classic misconceptions of architects. Consider if these are truly valid ideas or perhaps they are myths that need to be debunked? Image Source: Hammer and Hand

1) Architecture Is For Men

There are so many misconceptions of architects, but perhaps this is the first one that should be debunked. While it is true that architecture is a male-dominated field, it is not true that it is a career solely for men.
Great female architects are finally getting their due attention with female architects such as Teresa Borsuk receiving the 2015 Woman Architect of the Year award.  Women certainly have a place in this field of design.

While it is true that architecture is a male-dominated field, it is not true that it is a career solely for men. Image Source: Manson

 2) Architects Are Wealthy

Sadly, this is not true. Despite the years of hardwork in school, all of their studies do not pay off in the sense of the bank balance. Despite the mainstream thought, architects are not paid like doctors, they earn a good income, but not one that will make them wealthy.
The median annual wage in 2013 was $74, 110 USD, with the top 10% earning $119,370 USD annually, and the bottom 10% earning $44, 930 USD annually. As you can see, you will certainly not be poor, but you won’t be wealthy either.

Despite the mainstream thought, architects are not paid like doctors, they earn a good income, but not one that will make them wealthy. 

 3) Architects Are Builders

Architects use tools but not hammers. Architects design the buildings, they do not build them. Their designs and blueprints are passed off to the builders/developers who then bring the design to fruition.
Yes, this requires a close relationship between the architects and the builders, but the final structure is created by the developer/builder. Should we mention the salary of a developer? No, that might depress the architects reading this.

Architects use tools but not hammers. Architects design the buildings, they do not build them.

 4) Architects Are James Bond Cool

While many architects don’t want us to debunk this classic misconception—everyone wants to be sleek and cool like James Bond—but architects are not the eccentric, cool, cigar smoking characters that the general public has envisioned them to be.
Sorry, they are just average people like the rest of us, sitting at desks (perhaps in a cubicle), hunched over computers, and usually working on the minute details of a project.

Architects are not the eccentric, cool, cigar smoking characters that the general public has envisioned them to be.

 5) Architects Are Introverts

Wrong! Architects can’t afford to be introverts—their design ideas would never leap from blueprint to reality if they were quiet and shy.

In order to have their designs accepted and taken seriously, and to have the builders follow their designs—architects must be loud and proud.  A shy architect will struggle in this field since the job relies heavily on communication skills with clients, designers, builders, contractors, public etc…

In order to have their designs accepted and taken seriously, and to have the builders follow their designs—architects must be loud and proud. 

 6) It Is A Glamorous Job

Becoming the next Frank Lloyd Wright seems glamorous, right? Yes, it must have been glamorous to be a famous architect who created some of the most ingenious structures, but this is not the reality for the everyday architect.
Most architects are busy working out the details; meeting city officials; trying to leap through bureaucratic red tape; dealing with building codes; constrained by a client’s budget, or visiting contractor sites—nothing about these tasks is glamorous. While some architects do have the chance to travel, it is not as common as some may think.

While it may be glamorous to be a famous architect, this is not the reality for the everyday architect. Image Source: Markoff-Fullerton

 7) Architects Are Creative Artists

While many architects entering school think they need amazingly creative artistic skills—it is simply not a job requirement. Architects do need to be creative problem solvers, but they don’t need the skills of Picasso.
In fact, a lot of their work involves basic geometry skills which are by no means creative. And Computer Aided Design (CAD) has pretty much taken over the pencil and paper, so most times architects are hunched over computers rather than drawing their own design.

Architects do need to be creative problem solvers, but they don’t need the skills of Picasso. 

 8) Architects Work Alone

Like most projects—architecture is not the work of one sole person—it takes a team. There are usually dozens of people involved in the larger projects (interns, modelers, the CAD designers, people in the field etc)
While most design firms have a managing principle: a person who facilitates the design; they are not usually the actual designers. Rather it is the lower totem staff who create the design, but sometimes the managing principle becomes ‘The Architect” who designed said building.  We see how this could be frustrating for the rest of the team. Just know that when you read in a magazine about ‘so and so was the architect’ , there was probably a lot more people involved than that one person mentioned in the article.

Like most projects—architecture is not the work of one sole person—it takes a team.

 9) Architects Can Get You The Materials

Architects design, as we mentioned above, they are not the builders of their designs; therefore, they are not brokers for the materials used in a project.
They can only suggest which materials are best suited for the design, and perhaps mention a possible source of such material to the builders, but the builders probably already have their own  material sources, and perhaps their own ideas of what materials will work best.

Architects design, as we mentioned above, they are not the builders of their designs— they are not brokers for the materials used in a project.

 10) All Architects Are Equally Qualified

They all went to school to get the same degree, right? So they should all be equally qualified for the task at hand? Wrong. Yes, architecture is a science, but there are numerous ideologies that can change the way an individual firm approaches your job.
Look to their individual past experiences: What are they predominant in–Commercial or housing or green design etc? Ask how they approach a job, what is their workflow process, what do their past projects look like? No two architects or architectural firms are alike, so choose one that best suits your individual needs.

Architecture is a science, but there are numerous ideologies that can change the way an individual firm approaches your job. Image Source: DTC Portland

Wow! There are a lot of misconceptions about architects. Do any of these ring true for you?  We think that despite all the ups and downs of this field of study, architecture still remains an amazing job whereby you can become well-known for your unique and creative design abilities.
What do you think the most common misconception of architects is?

Read more: http://freshome.com/10-classic-misconceptions-of-architects/#ixzz3XDFvyxgp
 

For consultations: www.architectwhyte.com

Why Going Back In Time Will Make You A Better Architect

Image Source: Far Horizons 

We live in a world where it’s an understatement to say that things move fast. We desire and have even 

come to expect instant efficiency, if not constant entertainment. With the sheer amount of technology 

waiting at our fingertips at any given moment, it’s not hard to understand why when it comes to creativity, 

the age of having absolutely everything can make inspiration a bit muddled.

For those who love and aspire to contribute to the world of architecture, this is also a common theme. Between the pressure to create beyond anyone’s wildest imagination and still come up with something that’s functional in society, it’s hard to find a place to stand, let alone build.

When you come to the place where your passion for architecture starts fading in place of technology and the pressure of global competition— it becomes important to step back for a minute and look to the past. Yes, looking back in time can make you a better architect and can help you rediscover your passion for design. Reminding yourself of what has been gives you a foundation for the future. It’s a necessary pause for every architect to remind themselves of what inspiration in the field truly looks like.

This article will take you back in time, so to speak. So, take a break from all your designs for just a moment and reflect upon the real reason that you became an architect—your passion for great design.

Image Source: E-Architect

Looking to the Greats

The beauty of architecture, and those who create it, is that their work becomes an enduring part of the world everybody lives in. The essence of their creativity lives on in stone and design whether passerby’s realize it or not. It becomes a part of everybody’s scenery and looking back to the greats can be a vital step in remembering where genius really comes from and how it flourishes.

Antoni Gaudi is perhaps the best example of extended creativity. As an architect, he wasn’t afraid to mix style in an attempt to revere traditional values. A devout catholic whom one might assume would stick to rigid structure, he instead willingly delved into structures that captured the best of Spanish Late Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau to celebrate the faith he loved.

He also didn’t only design for the here and now. In fact, his cathedral titled Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is so complex, it’s not expected to be finished until approximately 2026.  Take a moment to look back to the great architects of the past for inspiration—there is a reason people travel the world to catch a glimpse of their historic work.

Works by Antoni Gaudi are truly forms of art. Image Source: Arch Daily

Architects with a Meaning and a Message

For some it may be enough to be a good architect, but those who have a true passion for this art will find themselves wondering what it takes to be phenomenal. Great architects leave a mark on the world through their design, and often those designs carry some sort of message.

It is possible to put meaning into design in a technology-driven world, it just takes a patience and perseverance that requires dedication. In the world of architecture, this means designing with a message in mind. Before you sit down and begin to draw it out, ask yourself what you want it to convey. When you look back at those great architects of yesterday, can you clearly identify their messages?

It may come down to actually writing out your message or design meaning before you even begin to measure lines. Having a concrete idea of what it is your are setting out to say will help your structure growing into a creation that speaks to those who lay eyes upon it. What is it that you are trying to tell the world through your designs?

What do you suppose is the message that Gaudi is trying to convey in this amazing architecture that he created? 

Image Source: Wikipedia

Designs with a Purpose

Architecture lends itself to aesthetic appeal. Half of the job is creating something beautiful enough to capture the attention of practically everyone. However, the fear and downfall in this is that while it’s possible to create something stunning, it can equally be created in a void of purpose. Is beauty the only purpose of your design, or is there a deeper message that you want top convey?
For this reason, it’s important that architects train themselves to be above all, superior communicators. If you cannot look at what you are designing and fluidly state what’s its purpose in the world is, than you cannot expect anyone else to either.
The ability to communicate purpose in architecture becomes more important as cities grow, competition in the field increases and pressure to design quickly and efficiently becomes the common demand. In moments where purpose is threatened, it’s imperative that an architect step back, examine what exactly he or she is doing, and be able to clearly articulate that purpose. Once this is established, something truly remarkable can be created.

The purpose of architecture is as important as its aesthetic appeal. Image Source: Global Site Plans

Are you Telling your Story?

If your heart is set on architecture, but you’re struggling to figure out your niche or creative path, never hesitate to ask yourself the important questions. Are you willing to tell your story to the world? Great architects are able to infuse their work with their own passion.

What they feel and what they want to say is visible in their design and the purpose is clear. Going into architecture is a test of artistic communication and a willingness to dedicate the time it takes to create something that will eventually be considered timeless.

Make sure you’ve asked yourself the right questions before you enter lightly into a world that can quickly decline into design chaos— one that is controlled by technology and instantaneous gratification.

The Montezuma Castle in Arizona certainly tells a story of ancient civilizations and how they lived. 

Image Source: Arizona Ruins

Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to look back to the greats who have come before, examined their messages and determined your own architectural purpose, you’ll be ready to set off on an adventure that could lead you around the globe.

Architecture is a unique and stunning field that can be full of inspiration, if only you know where to find it.
What is your inspiration for design? Who are the greats that you admire?

Source: http://freshome.com/2015/02/23/why-going-back-in-time-will-make-you-a-better-architect/#ixzz3Sgzz1ZTF

For local architectural services or help with your own landmark project please visit: www.architectwhyte.com

 

At your service: 10 tips for becoming a successful urban consultant

Once considered the world's "master builders", architects are gradually being edged out by an ever-expanding, nebulous body of advisors.

Faced with their waning position in the global economy, architects must find new and unconventional strategies to regain lost ground. The city as a recently discovered domain of knowledge provides the perfect opportunity.

From smart cities, to connected communities, mayoral insecurity and corporate social "responsibility", here's how to make a buck in the new urban economy, where everybody can be a consultant:

1. Frequently attend conferences. Don't mingle with members of your profession, but find the odd mayor looking for answers. Inevitably he or she will be disappointed. Make animated conversation, tell him or her you share their frustrations. Appear to be listening.

Emphasize the limited value of established professional approaches in today's world; dismiss them as crude generalizations not equipped to deal with contemporary issues.

Present your own approach, rooted in particular experiences – your experiences. Upon parting, hand over your business card and politely suggest the two of you join forces and find a reason to "collaborate".

Appear to be listening

 

2. Let no less than 10 and no more than 21 days pass before you, or rather your company, sends a letter, reminding the mayor of your meeting. Give him or her credit for the suggestion to "work together", thereby elevating your own suggestion to the status of an official invite.

You can then offer to visit the city in order to conduct an X-ray of its problems. Offer to pay for your own travel. (This will be the last non-reimbursable expense.)

3. When visiting the city, start by paying compliments. Of course, the essence of your presence is to be critical, but it may be wise to – at least for a while – prolong the suspense. Let people guess what it is exactly that you have to offer.

On your first visit as an advisor (don't ever admit that it is your first visit altogether), say you are "touched by the city's history, culture and spirit". In spite of "recent setbacks", the city's vitality seems irrepressible. (Make sure that most of your compliments pertain to the city's people and not to the city itself.) Don't go as far as to suggest that the city might not need your advice, but use your complimentary observations as the first subtle disclaimer of the validity of any eventual recommendations.

4. Then, casually observe the remarkable similarity between the place that you are visiting and other places. This is the first moment when you start becoming an authority. Find a good city to reference, preferably one far away and not particularly well known.

In picking a city, draw from personal experiences. Take a city you once worked in. Trumpet the unsung qualities of that city. The experience you "bring to the table" doesn't have to be strictly limited to work; a short period of residence or even a history of repeated visits will also do.

You become the source you quote.

 

Still, in terms of credible advice, there is nothing like using one's own home town as the ultimate reference. As soon as the subject at hand can be related to childhood memories, all professional advice turns personal.

You become the source you quote.

5. Your value as a consultant relies on the extent to which others credit you for being able to predict the future. Signal a shared transformation process between the city you have selected as a reference and the city you are serving. Claim that process has evolved slightly further in the city of reference.

The present condition of the city of reference then becomes a sneak preview of the future condition of the city you are serving. All that needs to be done is follow the course of a path already carved out.

6. In order to prevent having to reinvent the wheel for every new job, make sure the objectives and aspirations you advocate are universally applicable. Make sure nothing you cite as a potential result of your work can be measured or quantified.

In consultancy terms: the more the indices of success and failure are interchangeable, the better. Avoid talking about form; talk about principles. Avoid all references to the physical. Instead, talk about regeneration, vibrant communities, public realm, cooperative planning, neighborhoods, family life, health... All these phenomena will, in some form or fashion, already be in place. The good thing is that later you will be able to claim them as a result of your work.

 

The more the indices of success and failure are interchangeable, the better

7. Avoid writing. Insist on giving verbal advice. Present this approach as a means to limit the client's financial expenditure on you. When writing becomes an inescapable part of your deliverables, avoid a narrative, stick to bullet points (Microsoft PowerPoint offers a wide array of choices).

Make sure to insert "help to endeavour" in front of every verb. Unless you stumble across a major breakthrough which you want to claim as your own (the chances of which are slim), do not insist on taking credit for your work. In fact it is preferable to shield yourself by having your deliverables carry a brand other than your own. You don't want to limit business. Future clients may not necessarily share the same interests as the present one.

8. As a final disclaimer, insist that – your recommendations notwithstanding – each place is unique and should devise its own specific solutions to its own specific problems.

Again, pay extensive compliments to the city you are serving. Speak of its unlimited potential. Only this time widen the perspective: reference other cities in the country, not as models, but as a source of inspiration.

Don't hesitate to invoke national pride. It can be a rich source of future work.

9. Manage your itinerary. Plan appointments elsewhere by the time your recommendations could materialise. In case they do not materialise, also plan appointments elsewhere.

10. Invoice early and invoice often.

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Reinier de Graaf is a partner in the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) where he directs the work of AMO, the research and design studio established as a counterpart to OMA's architectural practice.

The Essentials: Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Home

Let's help you take the guesswork out of room planning and design. 

The kitchen. A well-designed kitchen makes meal preparation and dining more pleasurable. Randel offers measurements and advice for storage areas, prep and cleanup spots, and cooking and baking centers.

Tip: To get your kitchen cooking, store pots, pans and baking sheets around the burners and oven. You can put your toaster and coffeemaker here as well to keep prep areas free. Seasonings, breadboards and potholders should go in nearby drawers and cupboards. Allow 21 to 36 inches (53 to 92 centimeters) of counter space on either side of your cooktop, and locate a wall oven next to an open countertop so you have a place where you can set down hot food.

The bathroom. Whether you install a single, double, pedestal, floating or braced sink will depend as much on your available space as on your needs and desires. And that’s just one element of the bathroom. This story examines your options for sinks, toilets, tubs, showers and towel bars.

Tip: Want to extend your countertop over the toilet tank, as seen here? Counter heights vary from 32 to 36 inches (81 to 91 centimeters), so you’ll need to consider whether your toilet will fit comfortably underneath. You also must be able to lift the lid without obstruction.

The living room. Is your living room large enough for a sectional, or would you be better off with a smaller sofa or love seat and chairs? Randel provides measurements for these seating options, as well as for other furnishings and accessories, to help you decide.

Tip: Just as important as the furniture is a living room’s flow. Circulation paths that enable people to move to seating areas and exits need 30 to 36 inches (77 to 91 centimeters) of clear width. Coffee tables can be as close as 12 inches (30 centimeters) from the edge of the seating. Other furnishings might need at least 24 inches (61 centimeters) between pieces.

Front porch. Many people fantasize about having a front porch where they can linger and relax, visit with neighbors and greet guests. But it’s not just a home’s architectural style that sets the tone of the space. The dimensions of a porch — along with those of its columns, steps, doors, railings and more — play a key role in making it comfortable and inviting. This story gives all the details.

Tip: Though 6 feet (1.8 meters) is a desirable depth for porches, 8 feet (2.4 meters) is even better.

Bedroom. The design of a bedroom starts with the bed. Randel lists the standard sizes, along with the dimensions of benches, nightstands, dressers, chests, chairs and more.

Tip: If you want a sitting area in your bedroom, like the one seen here, you need space for tables, chairs and love seats, as well as the circulation area to make it work. Allow an area of at least 8 by 8 feet — 10 by 10 feet is better — in addition to room for the bed, dressers and chests.

Laundry room. This guide describes the space needed for cabinets, washers and dryers, drying racks and counters. It also touches on how to integrate gift wrapping and pet stations into the room.

Tip: A laundry room can also double as a mudroom with a bench, hooks and cubbies, as seen here. If you go this route, make the bench height about 14 inches (36 centimeters) above the floor. Set hooks 54 to 60 inches (137 to 152 centimeters) above the floor and allow enough room to hang coats.

Dining room. Traditional, contemporary, urban open plan, suburban open plan: Every style of dining room has different space requirements. This story looks at what’s needed for each of these styles, as well as the space needed for each dining table shape.

Tip: Round tables encourage lively conversation and family-style meals. A round formal dining table needs to be at least 60 inches (152 centimeters) in diameter and can easily be 72 inches (183 centimeters).

Powder room. These popular rooms pack a lot into a small space. Randel outlines typical dimensions for powder room doors, toilets, sinks, outlets, windows and accessories.

Tip: The wall behind the toilet, and sometimes the sink, needs to be thicker than a standard wall framed with 2-by-4s. A 2-by-6 construction allows for plumbing 3 inches (8 centimeters) in diameter to pass through the wall space, which is necessary for sewage.

Home office. Get your office layout right with this guide to the space needed for various desk setups, filing cabinets, seating and electronics equipment.

Tip: Though printers vary in size, plan on a footprint of at least 18 by 24 inches (46 by 61 centimeters). Be sure to allow room for opening printer doors to change ink cartridges and add paper.

Stairways. Careful attention to staircase design is what makes stairs easy to climb and descend. Building codes set standards; configurations also are guided by average human proportions. Read Randel’s guide on stairway measurements to learn the ideal dimensions for staircase width, risers, treads, head clearance, railings, landings, balustrades and more.

Tip: A rule of thumb for planning stairs is that two risers plus one tread should equal 25 inches. For example, you might have stairs with 7-inch risers and 11-inch treads (7 + 7 + 11 = 25).

Recreation room. Rooms with pool tables need a lot of elbow room — at least 5 feet — around the table. Table tennis also needs a roomy space. Foosball and game tables for cards and for chess will fit into a more compact space. Learn the typical game table sizes and read Randel’s advice on seating, clearance, lighting and table weight in this story.

Tip: A pedestal design is best for game tables for cards, as it offers plenty of knee space and room to move around.

Entrances. Entryways are high-traffic areas that help you transition into your private life, and they are the first and last room guests see. This guide looks at their size and scale and offers dimensions for common elements, such as doors, sidelights, transoms, archways, ceilings and walls.

Tip: The ideal foyer has a coat closet in it or nearby. The closet should be 24 inches (61 centimeters) deep and at least 36 inches (91 centimeters) wide.

Garages. Randel notes that garage dimensions have remained roughly the same since the time of the Ford Model T: about 9 to 10 feet wide and 18 to 20 feet long per car. The difference is, we store a lot more in our garages now. This story discusses the dimensions of various vehicle types, one- and two-car garages, garage doors, cabinets and heating systems.

Tip: Details around garage doors often stand out because of their scale. They should complement the architecture and be in line with other elements on the house.

- Anne Colby, Houzz editor and writer

Design Workshop: The Shed Roof

This popular — and versatile — form straddles the divide between contemporary and traditional styles.

There are few architectural elements in a home that suggest “traditional” or “contemporary” as strongly as roof shape. Ask a child to draw a house and you’re likely to get a box capped with the classic gabled roof. So too the flat roof and its association with contemporary architecture. The shed, or single-slope, roof lies between. Neither entirely contemporary nor completely traditional, it brings to mind images of the woodshed or toolshed — classically informed, but contemporary in its utility.

For an architect, the selection and design of a roof form has less to do with signifying modern or traditional and more to do with determining what that roof can do for the interior space, how it can actively respond to the local climate and site conditions, and the specific requirements of the homeowner. The shed roof happens to be a particularly adaptable solution — and here’s why.

Structural Simplicity

Shed roof forms are inherently simple from a structural standpoint. The roof loads are transferred to the exterior walls, which either act as load-bearing walls or, as in this example, are supported by simple beams and columns. Depending on the interior room shape desired, the shed roof can transfer these loads to the bearing points using trusses, a combination of beams and purlins, or simple roof rafters spanning from eave to eave.

Each variation offers more or less interior detail. A series of regularly spaced rafters (spaced roughly 24 inches apart on center) across the ceiling here displays the structural logic and lends a richly textured cap to the room. It’s also great for a room’s acoustics.

Here the architect has hidden the structural framing to create a clean, minimalistic aesthetic that helps to maximize the amount of reflected light.

Choosing whether to express the structure inside has an impact on the insulation too. In this example the depth of the framing members can be filled with insulation, and it’s concealed by the ceiling finish. Exposed framing requires the insulation to be placed above the plane of the interior ceiling, resulting in a thicker roof build-up.

Site Responsive

When architects talk about a building being site responsive, we mean that its shape and layout are informed by the particulars of a given place. Depending on the site, that can mean many different things. A sloping topography, distant views, a significant boulder or tree, the climate and solar exposure are all things to which we can respond, and the shed roof offers unique opportunities for each.

Topography. Mirroring the surrounding topography with the roof form, as this project does, reduces the scale and visual impact of a home on the site. It fits an overall idea about fitting a home to a place.

Using the roof form to oppose the slope distinguishes the building form and opens up different spatial opportunities. Here it’s used to insert two full floor levels on the downhill side.

Passive solar. The shed shape is an efficient means of addressing a given latitude’s solar concerns. In northern climates, positioning the low eave of the shed toward the north minimizes the building’s surface area and heat loss on a cold exposure. The tall wall — the shed’s peak — would face south to collect the sun and passively heat the space.

In hot climates the shed can be oriented to minimize heat gain from southern and western exposures while still permitting plenty of indirect daylight.

With large amounts of south-facing glass, special care must be taken to prevent overheating. This is true for all climates, as these windows can introduce great quantities of heat into a home year-round.

Adding louvered slats to the exterior, as in this project, can thoughtfully modulate the heat gain. The slats here are designed for a specific latitude to cut off the high angle of the summer sun and admit the low angle of the winter sun.

Using an interior light shelf with a shed roof is an excellent means of controlling both daylight and heat gain. The shelf helps to diminish the scale of the tall exterior wall and provides a comfortable frame of reference near eye level inside.

Overhangs are another passive design element that can help keep the heat from reaching the interior. They can be sized to shield direct heat gain during the hottest parts of the day while allowing light in and views out. This large overhang with expressed framing is a thoroughly modern, honest and functional aesthetic.

Daylighting (clerestories). With its raised peak, the clerestory window band is one of the most common types of glazing used with shed roofs. They make passive solar heating and daylighting strategies possible.

With floor-to-ceiling glass, the roof appears to hover and the entire room seems to be a part of the outdoors. The more daylight we can capture, the less we have to rely on artificial lighting sources.

Weather protection. While we can design any roof to adequately keep out the weather, the shed has a few benefits that other shapes don’t. The wedge shape has a clear front and back side that can be used to buffer prevailing wind patterns, and to direct water and snow away from walkways, entry points and gathering places. In this way the roof form delivers on its name, shedding the undesirable elements from the places we use most often.

The depth of the roof overhang affects just how much weather the nearby interior spaces are subject to as well. Deep overhangs can help mitigate the risk of water infiltration, especially at the more vulnerable large glazed areas we see in many of these examples.

Rainwater harvesting. While the roof protects, it can also provide. It can efficiently gather rainwater and direct it to a single point of collection to be used for irrigation, or can simply channel it away from the building’s foundation.

Directional (views). The form of the roof as viewed from inside naturally directs our eyes up and outward. Here the roof is used as a dynamic directional element, focusing us toward a spectacular view. Contrast this with gabled and flat roofs, which are inherently more static and inward looking.

This directional effect can be leveraged to refocus interior spaces away from less desirable views (or neighbors) and toward more optimal ones.

Roof Slope
The slope of the shed roof has important design impacts. For any given horizontal room dimension, there’s a delicate balance between the shorter structural members required for a lower slope and the longer structure required for a steeper slope. Longer spans require deeper framing members, heavier sections or both. When the roof plane becomes thick, it can feel too heavy and hat-like. This project maintains a lean section befitting the proportions of the thin architectural elements used elsewhere.

The roof slope affects the headroom at the high and low eaves inside, as well as how grand the space will feel.

It’s good practice to consider the slope alongside the building’s latitude to achieve the optimal solar exposure, as discussed earlier. Steeper pitches are better in higher latitudes; lower pitches in lower altitudes.

Steep sheds require careful planning inside to maintain headroom clearances at the eaves. In snow country very steep pitches will shed snow even if they’re shingled. Remember to take this into account and use the shape to do the shoveling for you.

With this shed, attic space has been traded for living space, opening up some opportunities, like the loft seen here.

Materials
The roof slope has a direct effect on the materials a shed roof can be covered with. Any slope less than 2 inches in 12 inches is considered flat and must be waterproofed as such. Slopes between 2:12 and 4:12 are generally considered low slope, while those between 4:12 and 12:12 are considered conventionally sloped. Each roof material has its own limitation with respect to roof slope, beyond which it’s either not advisable to use, or special procedures must be followed to install that material. Having said this, with the right budget, (almost) anything is possible.

Modern and Traditional

The formal ambiguity of the shed roof can be a real benefit to those who prefer the look of a more modern aesthetic but aren’t willing to fully embrace the idea of the flat roof. The shed form has both a traditional identity and a contemporary feel, which is why it’s such a widely embraced and versatile design element.

Eric Reinholdt

Houzz Contributor, Residential Architect, Founder 30X40 Design Workshop