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Understanding Architecture Case Studies

• Updated: February 12, 2024

History teaches us many things, and it can carry valuable lessons on how to move forward in life. In architecture , when we are faced with a project, one of the first places we can look is the past – to see what worked, what didn’t, and what we can improve for our own projects.

This process comes in the form of architecture case studies, and every project can benefit from this research.

Here we take you through the purpose, process, and pointers for conducting effective case studies in architecture.

What is an architecture case study

A case study (also known as a precedent study ) is a means of finding relevant information about a project by examining another project with similar attributes. Case studies use real-world context to analyze, form, support, and convey different ideas and approaches in design.

Simply put, architectural case studies are when you use existing buildings as references for new ones.

Architects can conduct case studies at nearly every stage of a project, adapting and relating applicable details to refine and communicate their own projects. Students can use case studies to strengthen their research and make a more compelling case for their concepts .

Regardless of the size or scale of a project, case studies can positively impact a design in a multitude of ways.

How do you select a case study?

There are more than a hundred million buildings in the world, and your project could have similarities with thousands of other projects. On the other hand, you could also have a hard time finding buildings that match your specific project requirements.

Focusing your search parameters can help you find helpful references quickly and accurately.

The architectural program includes the spatial organization , user activity, and general functions of a building. Case studies with comparable programs can give you an idea of the spaces and circulation required for a similar project. From this, you can form a design brief catering to the unique requirements of the client or study.

Scale can be a strong common denominator among projects as it can be used to compare buildings of the same size, with a similar number of occupants or volume of visitors. Scale also ensures that the study project has an equivalent impact on the city or its surroundings.

Spaces and designs vary greatly between standalone structures and large-scale complexes, so finding case studies that emulate your project’s scale can give you more relevant and applicable information.

Project type is crucial for comparing spaces one to one. Common types include residential, commercial, office, educational, institutional, or industrial buildings. Each type can also have sub-categories such as single-family homes, mass housing, or urban condominiums.

Case studies with the same project type can help you compare occupant behavior, building management, and specific facilities that relate to your design.

Some case studies can lead you to specific architects with specialty portfolios in certain sectors such as museums, theaters, airports, or hospitals. Their expertise results in a body of work ideal for research and comparison, especially with complex public or transportation buildings.

You may also look into a specific architect if their projects embody the style and design sensibilities that you wish to explore. Many renowned architecture firms have set themselves apart with unique design philosophies and new approaches to planning.

Finding core theories to build on can help steer your project in the right direction.

Project Location

If possible, you’ll want to find case studies in the same region or setting as your project. Geographically, buildings can have significantly different approaches to planning and design based on the environment, demographic, and local culture of the area. There are also many building codes and regulations that may vary across cities and states.

Even when case studies are not from the same locality, it’s important to still have a relevant site context for your project. A tropical beach resort, for example, can take inspiration from tropical beaches across the world.

Likewise, a ski lodge project would require a look into different snowy mountains from different countries.

How are they used?

Whether it’s for academic, professional, or even personal use, case studies can offer plenty of insight for your projects and a look into different approaches and methods you may not have otherwise considered. Here are some of the most common uses for architectural case studies.

Case studies are most commonly used for research, to analyze the past, present, and future of the project typology. Through case studies you can see the evolution of a building type, the different ways problems were solved, and the considerations factored into each design.

In practice, this could be as simple as saying, “Let’s see how they did it.” It’s about learning as much as we can from completed projects and the world around us.

Inspiration

When designing from scratch, it’s common to have a few blank moments here and there. Maybe you’re struggling to develop a unified design , or are simply unsure of how to proceed with a project. Senior architects or academic instructors will often suggest seeking inspiration from existing buildings – those that we can explore and experience.

Throughout history , architecture is shown to have evolved over centuries of development, each era taking inspiration from the last while integrating forms and technologies unique to the time. Case studies are very much a part of this process, giving us a glimpse into different styles, building systems, and forms .

A study project could serve as your entire design peg, or it could add ideas far beyond the facade. The important thing about using a case study for inspiration is beginning with a basis, instead of venturing off into the great unknown. After that, it’s all up to the designers to integrate what they see fit.

As Bruce Lee once said, “absorb what is useful, discard what is not, and add what is uniquely your own.”

Design justification

Case studies help architects make well-informed decisions about planning and design, from the simplest to the most complex ideas. A single finished project is often enough to show proof of concept , and showing completed examples can go a long way in getting stakeholders on board with an idea.

When clients or jurors show skepticism or confusion about an idea, case studies can help you navigate through the hesitation to win approval for your project. Similarly, as a student, case studies can bolster your presentation to help defend your design decisions.

Communication

Unless your clients are architecture enthusiasts themselves, you’re likely going to know a lot more about buildings than them. Because of this, certain ideas aren’t going to resonate with the audience immediately, and you may need additional examples or references to make a convincing presentation.

Case studies help to make connections to existing projects. Beyond the typical sales talk and flowery words, case studies represent actual projects with quantifiable results.

With a study project, for example, you can say “this retail design strategy has been shown to increase rentable space by 15% in these two projects”, or “this facade system used in X project has reduced the need for artificial cooling by 40%, and we think it would be a great fit for what we’re trying to achieve here”.

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What to look for during your research.

Each case study should have a specific purpose for your project, be it a useful comparison or a key contribution to your ideas. Sometimes a case study could look drastically different from your project, but it can be used to communicate a wide variety of features and facets that aren’t immediately visible to the eye.

Here are a few things to look out for when doing your research.

If you’re looking to build a museum, the first kinds of buildings to look out for are other museums from around the world. A building with the same typology as yours is almost guaranteed to have similar aspects and approaches. You’ll also be able to see how the building works with its surroundings.

In the case of a museum, you’ll see if the study projects stand out monumentally, or blend in seamlessly, and from there you can decide which is more applicable for your design.

Function is another important aspect that will inform your research.

If for example, you’re comparing two museums, but one is a museum of modern art and the other is a museum of military equipment, they’re going to have vastly different spaces and functions. Similarly, schools can take inspiration from thousands of other schools, but an elementary school’s functions are going to vary greatly from a college campus.

Finding case projects that function more or less the same way as yours will give you more relevant information about the design.

There are also study projects that work well together despite having slightly different functions, such as theaters and concert halls, or bus stations and train stations. These projects, though not exactly the same, still share plenty of similarities in spatial and traffic requirements to be used as effective case studies.

If you’re exploring a certain style, you can find projects with a design close to what you’re trying to achieve.

However the forms don’t necessarily need to look the same.

For example, if you’re planning a museum with a continuous experience from one exhibit to another, you might use the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York as a case study – being one of the earliest and best examples of such style with its round, gently ramped design. But your design doesn’t need to resemble the Frank Lloyd Wright landmark.

The main purpose for finding similar styles is to see how it’s been executed with comparable planning considerations, and to see the effect the style has on a particular project type.

Whether your project is relatively small or large, it’s good to consider how projects of the same scale fare when built. Even if a building has nearly identical features and functions as your project, if it operates on a completely different scale the same principles may be far less effective on your site.

Site conditions can hugely influence the architectural design of a project, especially when working with extreme slopes or remote locations. You’ll often want to study projects that are in a similar part of the world geographically, with comparable site conditions and nearly identical settings.

Check if your site is in a rural or urban area , if it has generally flat or rolling terrain, and if the lot is a particular shape or length.

Environment

Similar to the site itself, environmental considerations will have a large impact on the way case study buildings are designed.

It’s important to know the climate, weather, and scenery of study projects to fully understand the challenges and opportunities that their designers worked with. Buildings in tropical, humid environments use very different materials and elements than those in arid or icy environments.

Circulation

Circulation is a crucial aspect of projects as it directly affects how a building is experienced.

With case studies you’ll need to look out for the flow of people, the ingress and egress areas, and how people and vehicles pass through and around the building. Circulation will determine how the design interacts with the users and the general public.

Accessibility

Though often overlooked, accessibility is becoming increasingly more important, especially for large-scale projects in dense cities. This involves how people move from the rest of the city to the site. It includes traffic management, road networks, public transportation, and universal design for the disabled.

If the target users can’t get to your building, the project can’t be used as intended. When doing case studies, it’s important to consider what measures were taken to ensure the sites were made open and accessible.

Landscape architecture encompasses far more than vegetation and trees. Each project has a unique way of approaching its landscape to address specific goals and tendencies on site.

How does the building integrate itself with the site and surroundings? How are softscapes and hardscapes introduced to create a desirable atmosphere, direct movement, facilitate activity, and promote social interaction?

Government buildings, for example, are often accompanied by wide lawns and open fields. This conveys a sense of openness, transparency, and public presence. It also frames the buildings as significant, monumental structures standing strong in an open area. These are the subtle aspects that can shape your building’s overall perception.

Construction

Construction methods and structural systems are vital for making our buildings stand safe and sound. Some systems are more applicable in tall buildings, while others are more suited for low-rise structures, but it can be interesting to see the different techniques used throughout your case studies.

You can explore systems like cantilevered beams, diagrid steel, thin shell construction, or perhaps something new entirely.

Materiality

If you’re thinking of using certain materials like stone or wood, and you’re curious to see how it was executed elsewhere, case studies can offer some great examples of materiality and the different ways a single material can be used.

The Innovation Center of UC by Alejandro Aravena is a good illustration of how a particular finish – in this case raw concrete – can be used in an unusual way to the benefit of the overall design.

Building services

Building services are one of the many aspects that make architecture a science. Understanding how a building handles things like energy, ventilation, vertical transportation, and water distribution can help you see beneath the surface to get a better idea of how the building works.

Although there are common practices, buildings can deal with services and utilities very differently. A prime example of this is the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which famously turned the building inside out to expose its services on the facade while opening up the interior space for uninterrupted volumes of light and movement.

This style became known as bowellism , and it was largely popularized by the late Richard Rogers .

Some building types are much more demanding when it comes to building services. Airports, for example, have to deal with the flow of luggage, heightened security, and all the boarding and maintenance requirements of the airplanes themselves.

The final thing to analyze while doing your case studies is the building program. This is how the composition of spaces works in relation to the building requirements. It’s helpful to see what makes the building look good, feel good, and function well.

If your study project is accompanied by a program diagram , it can be an excellent way to see how the architects were thinking.

For instance, OMA’s big and bold diagrams show how their designs are organized in a simple and logical manner. It’s become a signature and memorable part of their work, and it communicates the program in a way that everyone can understand.

A building’s arrangement of spaces can often make or break a design. It can be simple and easy to navigate, or complex and intriguing to explore. It can also be confusing or at times, troublesome to get around. Spaces can feel spacious, cozy, or cramped, and each space can evoke a different emotion whether deliberate or unintentional.

The building program is a fundamental aspect that must be considered when conducting case studies.

How do you write and present an architectural case study?

Select the most applicable projects.

There are often hundreds of potential case studies out there, and you can certainly learn from as many projects as you want, but sticking with the most relevant projects can keep your study clear and concise. Depending on the focus of your research, limit your case studies to those most suitable for communicating your ideas.

Stay on topic

It can be tempting to write entire reports about certain buildings – especially if you find them particularly interesting, but it’s important to remember you’re only mentioning these projects to help develop yours. Keep your case study on topic and in a consistent direction to keep the audience engaged.

Use graphics to illustrate key concepts throughout your projects . Even before preparing refined, colorful graphics, you can sketch visual representations as an alternative to notes for your own personal reference.

In addition to making diagrams, you can present multiple examples of similar or dissimilar concepts to compare and contrast the core ideas of different designs. Offering more than one example helps people grasp the ideas that make a building unique.

Strategic Visuals

If the visual speaks for itself, your verbal explanation will only need to describe the essence of it all. When presenting, your speaking time is valuable and it’s best to prepare your slides for maximum engagement so that you don’t lose your audience along the way.

If you carefully select and prepare your visuals, you can optimize your presentation for attention, emotion, and specific responses from the target audience.

Create a narrative

Creating a narrative is a way of tying the whole study together . By using a sequence of visuals and verbal cues, you can take the audience through a journey of the story that you’re trying to tell. Instead of showing each case study differently and independently, you can uniformly relate each project back to the common themes, or back to your project’s design.

This helps to make the relevance of each project crystal clear.

What if your project is unique?

If you’re struggling to find relevant case studies for your project, it could be a good sign that you’ve created a typology that hasn’t been done before – a first of its kind. New building types are important for shaping society and expanding the boundaries of architecture.

Innovative buildings can make people’s lives better.

As far as case studies go, you’ll likely need to gather a handful of reference projects that collectively represent the idea for your project. You can also present a progression, explaining how current and past typologies have evolved into your proposed building type. New-era architecture requires creativity, not only in the ideas but also in the research.

Case studies show us – and our clients – the many great success stories and mistakes of the past, to learn from and improve on as we move into the future. They serve an essential role in guiding our decisions as we design the buildings of tomorrow.

From school , to practice , and everything in between, case studies can be made as the foundation on which we build upon.

For a deeper dive into how case and precedent studies can build upon and influence your conceptual design approaches, we cover this and other key determining factors in our resource The Concept Kit below:

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FAQ’s about architecture case studies

Where can i find architecture case studies.

There are many resources where you can find architectural case studies. Here are some examples:

• ArchDaily : This is one of the largest online architecture publications worldwide. It provides a vast selection of architectural case studies from around the globe.
• Architectural Review : An international architecture magazine that covers case studies in detail.
• Dezeen : Another online architecture and design magazine where you can find case studies of innovative projects.
• Detail Online : This is a great resource for case studies with an emphasis on construction details.
• Divisare : It offers a comprehensive collection of buildings from across the world and often includes detailed photographs, plans, and explanatory texts.
• The Building Centre : An online platform with case studies on a variety of topics including sustainable design, technology in architecture, and more.
• Harvard Graduate School of Design : Their website provides access to various case studies, including those from students and researchers.
• El Croquis : This is a high-profile architecture and design magazine that offers in-depth case studies of significant projects.
• Casestudy.co.in : It is an Indian platform where you can find some unique case studies of architecture in India.
• Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) : They have an extensive database of case studies on tall buildings worldwide.

In addition to these, architecture books, peer-reviewed journals, and university theses are excellent sources for case studies. If you’re a student, your school library may have resources or databases you can use. Remember to make sure the sources you use are reputable and the information is accurate.

What is the difference between case study and literature study in architecture?

A case study and a literature study in architecture serve different purposes and utilize different methods of inquiry.

• Case Study : A case study in architecture is an in-depth examination of a particular project or building. The goal is to understand its context, concept, design approach, construction techniques, materials used, the functionality of spaces, environmental performance, and other relevant aspects. Architects often use case studies to learn from the successes and failures of other projects. A case study may involve site visits, interviews with the architects or users, analysis of plans and sections, and other hands-on research methods.
• Literature Study : A literature study, also known as a literature review, involves a comprehensive survey and interpretation of existing literature on a specific topic. This could include books, articles, essays , and other published works. The goal is to understand the current state of knowledge and theories about the topic, identify gaps or controversies, and situate one’s own work within the larger discourse. In architecture, a literature study might focus on a particular style, period, architect, theoretical approach, or design issue. It’s more about collating and synthesizing what has already been written or published, rather than conducting new empirical research.

In short, a case study provides an in-depth understanding of a specific instance or example, while a literature study provides a broad understanding of a specific subject as it has been discussed in various texts. Both methods are useful in their own ways, and they often complement each other in architectural research.

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How to Present Architectural Case Studies like a Pro

Design is arbitrary. Design is subjective , and there is just no way of getting around the fact, and architecture in many ways is the art of convincing people that one’s design was the right move and one of the ways you can convince people is through case studies. There is no way to avoid that reality, and case studies are one of the methods to persuade others that your design choices are sound. In many respects, architecture is the art of persuasion. Architectural case studies act as a shield that, when properly presented, can be a very effective way for one to defend your design viewpoints , especially if anyone chooses a project that has already been successful and was completed by a well-known architect. This can help one establish a strong foundation for design strategies because it can be much more difficult to critique something that has already been shown to be effective.

Architectural case studies should be presented in an educational, interesting way, and can build a strong case for your project. While performing a case study, one could learn many different things. Still, when giving a presentation, one must highlight the elements one will use in their design, diagram the visuals, and remember that visual continuity is important.

“Every great design begins with an even better story.”

Which case study to choose?

The first step is to determine the type of structure to be developed. Consider whether your project is within the categories of a residential project , a public building, a private mixed-use project, etc. By doing so, you may focus your search and locate projects with similar outlines. This does not imply that a structure that is unconnected at all will not be useful. A building’s components may be more significant than its function.

For instance, Correa stayed away from high-rise housing options, emphasizing low-rise ones that, when combined with amenities and common areas, highlighted the human scale and fostered a feeling of community. This is how case studies help us to view the projects with a certain inspiration to be used in our projects.

The next important point is to confirm that the case study and your project have parallel elements. This may be the atmosphere or climate , anything analogous that you can connect to. You can always decide to include some in your project if there aren’t any. Remember that they are there to help you and frequently have more expertise about various structures. Better still, if your brief mentions any interesting buildings, you may always start there.

What points are to be kept in mind?

• Attractive elements-

One feature of the building may appeal more than any other aspect. To make a building into something much more fascinating , for instance, the usage of a specific sort of beam or steel structure, or even the materials that were utilized for the design, might be crucial. Focus on the space’s fantastic structural features if their intended use is irrelevant, and you can still make use of them.

• Balancing form and function-

Extreme aesthetic aspects in some structures may be more challenging to plan and implement. Utilizing your own smaller test models, ascertain how these shapes were developed and then apply them to your system. The purpose of a architectural case studies is to improve any project. Without using the research , it is pointless to do it.

• Area requirements-

Study the building’s utilization in further detail, including how each room is used. Depending on a project or brief and what precisely one wants to learn from the case study, it can be as detailed as one likes. Try making a physical visit if it’s feasible, and write as many notes as possible on the experience. Consider the interior areas and their functions thoroughly.

• Technicalities-

Concentrate on the case study’s technical components if necessary. The HVAC or other concealed systems may be of interest if the concerned project is geared toward domestic areas.

Last but not least, be sure to provide several important case study photographs . Instead of choosing basic front elevations, examine closer and pay attention to details.

What are the best ways to present?

After conducting a tonne of research and compiling this information, one must figure out how to incorporate it into a portfolio.

• Site analysis-

The most effective way to communicate your results is via a site analysis . This type of page might be a straightforward construction diagram with comments outlining the noteworthy elements you discovered and why they are significant.

• Images and graphics –

No matter how big your page size is, don’t overstuff it. Choose four to five main photos that may be expanded on later. When printing them, make sure the quality is good. It should be required to use text.

Always look for quality over quantity.

• Models and Iterations-

Put these in if you decide to conduct any experiments using physical or digital models . It demonstrates engagement with the undertaking and effort in making decisions on any building. These might be of great use when creating subsequent sketches.

•       SWOT Analysis-

Analyzing the strength, weaknesses, and opportunities, threats of the concerned project can be of great help. An opportunities and limitations diagram can be created for architectural case studies and site analyses. Although it’s not necessary, one may undoubtedly construct one if it’s essential.

• Crisp and clear data –

The best way is to use pictures or diagrams to accompany all the data you have acquired, including any historical details. Try to limit the amount of text on the page to what is necessary to convey the main ideas.

In addition to this, bear in mind that using the right color schemes, grids, tags, and human figures, as well as their surroundings, adds valuable information and serves as the cherry on top.

References-

• https://toscaleblog.co.uk/analysing-architecture-case-studies-for-beginners/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0c_BzpLUYM&t=19s&ab_channel=ArchiHacks

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Architecture

What is a case study in architecture?

A case study in architecture is an in-depth analysis of a particular architectural design or project. It can be used to examine the success or failure of a project, and to learn lessons for future projects. Case studies can be written by architects, scholars, or students of architecture.

A case study in architecture is a research project that investigates a particular architectural design or phenomenon. It often involves an in-depth analysis of a single building or site, but can also encompass a whole city or region. Case studies can take many different forms, but all share a common goal of providing insights that can be used to improve future design.

What defines a case study?

A case study can be defined as an intensive study about a person, a group of people or a unit, which is aimed to generalize over several units’1 A case study has also been described as an intensive, systematic investigation of a single individual, group, community or some other unit in which the researcher examines in detail the characteristics of that unit.2

A case study research design usually involves an in-depth, longitudinal investigation of a single instance or event:3

-A case study might focus on an individual, a group, a community or an organization. -The case might be a real-world instance or a fictionalized account of events. -The case study might examine the past, present or future.

Case studies are often used in social and life sciences research, but they can be employed in any field of inquiry.4 When choosing a case study design, researchers must first decide which type of case study is most appropriate for their research question(s).

Types of case studies

There are several different types of case studies, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

-Exploratory case studies are conducted in order to gain insights into and an understanding of a phenomenon.5 -Desc

A case study is a detailed report of an individual’s condition, usually over a period of time. Case studies are widely used in psychology to provide insight into unusual conditions. Some famous examples of case studies are John Martin Marlow’s case study on Phineas Gage (the man who had a railway spike through his head) and Sigmund Freud’s case studies, Little Hans and The Rat Man.

How do you analyze an architectural case study

There are various measures that can be taken to enhance a particular space, and it is important to analyze the reason behind the form of the building and how it merges with the surrounding environment. Form and function go hand in hand, and the form of the building should be able to convey the function of the building.

Archdaily is a great source for news, articles, case studies, interviews, and research about architecture. It is one of the most visited websites by architecture students and professors, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field.

What is the main purpose of a case study?

A case study is an in-depth study of a particular situation or event. It is often used to generate an understanding of a complex issue in its real-life context. Case studies are an established research design that is used extensively in a wide variety of disciplines, particularly in the social sciences.

A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject. It allows you to explore the key characteristics, meanings, and implications of the case. Case studies are often a good choice in a thesis or dissertation.

What are the 4 most important parts of case study?

A case study is an effective way to show how your product or service has helped a real customer. But, to be truly effective, it should go beyond the basics. Here are four key elements to make your case study more useful and persuasive:

1. Ditch the Norm: You’ve seen that tired, old case study template a million times. Break out of the mold and use a more creative and interesting format.

2. Show the Cost of Inertia: A more useful approach is to spell out how much not solving their problem could eventually cost. This will make your case study more persuasive.

3. Prove Your Value: Create a more effective format that really demonstrates how your product or service has helped a customer.

4. Make It Interesting: Use stories, humor, and other elements to make your case study more enjoyable to read.

The typical structure of a business case study includes a before and after snapshot of the customer’s business, complete with quotes, statistics, and images. These case studies are often created by the marketing team and given to the sales team in order to help them close more business deals.

What should a case study include

A case study is a detailed description of an individual, organisation or event. In this report, you will be required to select a topic area and write a case study on it. The purpose of the case study is to provide a detailed account of the key issue(s) and finding(s) in the chosen topic area. When writing up your case study, it is important to introduce the topic area and briefly outline the purpose of the case study. The key issue(s) and finding(s) should be summarised without providing too much detail. The theory used in the case study should also be identified. Finally, recommendations should be made based on the findings of the case study.

A case study is a great way to show off your product or service in action. But, to really make it effective, there are a few key steps you need to follow.

1. Introduce the customer.

Set the stage for your case study by introducing the customer. Who are they? What problem were they facing that led them to you?

2. State the problem.

Every product or service is a solution to a problem. So, before you can show off how your product solved the problem, you need to make sure you adequately state the problem itself.

3. Introduce your product.

This is where you begin solving the problem. How did your product or service come into the picture?

4. Show results.

The big reveal. This is where you get to show off how your product or service made a difference. What were the results of using your product or service?

5. Prove it.

What are the four C’s of architectural analysis?

The goal of Enterprise Architecture is to create one unified IT Environment across the firm or all business units. The 4 Cs of Enterprise Architecture are Connection, Collaboration, Communication, and Customers. Simply put, the goal of Enterprise Architecture is to create an integrated IT framework that can be used by all business units within the company. This will allow for better communication and collaboration among employees, as well as improve customer service.

When embarking on a new design project, it is always beneficial to first conduct a case study and literature review of similar projects. This will help to understand what has been done before and what is currently being done in the field. It will also help to identify any gaps in the current knowledge base, which can then be addressed in the new project.

What are the four types of case studies

There are different types of case studies, which can be classified according to their purpose.

Descriptive case studies are meant to describe a phenomenon, typically using rich and detailed data. Explanatory case studies seek to explain why something happened, often using causal analysis. Exploratory case reports are used to explore a new issue or phenomenon, and are often preliminary to more extensive research. Intrinsic case studies focus on a particular case in order to understand its unique aspects. Instrumental case studies are conducted in order to help solve a practical problem. Collective case reports are used to study a group of cases in order to identify common patterns or trends.

There are many famous case studies in psychology that have helped to shape our understanding of the human mind and behavior. One of the most famous is the case of Phineas Gage, a man who survived an accident in which a metal rod was driven through his brain. This case provided insight into the relationship between the brain and behavior. Another famous case is that of Anna O., a patient of Freud’s who was one of the first to be diagnosed with hysteria. Her case helped to establish the link between psychological and physical symptoms. Other famous case studies include those of Cleckley’s psychopaths, Genie (the feral child), and the John/Joan case. These cases have all helped to shed light on different aspects of human psychology and have provided valuable insight into the human condition.

Which study is best for architecture?

There are a few really good architecture courses available for Indian students after 12th. I would suggest checking out the BA in Architecture (Hons) or the BSc in Architectural Design Technology (Hons) at a minimum. Both of these programs will give you a great foundation in all things related to architecture and design. If you’re looking for something a little more specialized, you could also consider the Bachelor of Architectural Studies or the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture programs. Both of these programs are highly respected and will give you a great education in their respective fields.

An intrinsic case study is conducted to learn about a unique phenomenon. The researcher must define the uniqueness of the phenomenon, which distinguishes it from all others.

An instrumental case study is undertaken to understand how a phenomenon works, in order to be able to manipulate or improve it.

A collective case study is conducted when the phenomenon under study is too large or too complex to be studied in detail. The researcher must identify the relevant elements of the phenomenon and focus on these.

What are 3 advantages of case studies

A case study is a research methodology that allows for an in-depth, detailed examination of a single unit, such as an individual, a group, or an organization. Case studies are advantageous because they allow researchers to see the relationships between phenomena, context, and people. Additionally, case studies are flexible, allowing for data to be collected through various means, such as interviews, observations, and documents. This flexibility also allows case studies to be used at various points in a research project, including pilot research.

Meredith’s (1998) discussion of the advantages of case studies is very clear and helpful. The three main advantages she highlights are relevance, understanding, and exploratory depth. These are all important qualities for a good case study.

Final Words

A case study in architecture is a detailed investigation of a specific project or architectural design, with the goal of understanding how the design was developed and how it works.

A case study in architecture is a in-depth analysis of a specific project or architectural design. It usually looks at the reasons behind the design, the challenges faced during its construction, and the overall impact it had on the community. A well-done case study can provide valuable insight for future architects and designers.

Jeffery Parker

Jeffery Parker is passionate about architecture and construction. He is a dedicated professional who believes that good design should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. He has worked on a variety of projects, from residential homes to large commercial buildings. Jeffery has a deep understanding of the building process and the importance of using quality materials.

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These timber case studies demonstrate how the material can be used for inside and out

• Mass Timber
• Trading Notes
• Outdoor Spaces
• Reuse + Renewal
• Architecture
• Development
• Preservation
• Sustainability
• Transportation
• International

Tenacious Timber

The latest timber products demonstrate how advanced applications of this age-old material have become in recent years. Reengineered and reimagined, sustainably sourced wood can be harnessed in everything from interior finishes to skyscraper structures. The following selection of durable flooring, sophisticated cladding, and sturdy framing solutions highlights the dynamism of North America’s expanding timber industry. Innovative fasteners and cutting-edge software specifically for timber construction help the AEC design community find new uses for this material. The following timber case studies show how these materials and tools can be masterfully implemented.

Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center

Architect: Centerbrook Architects Location: Durham, North Carolina

Landscape architect: Stephen Stimson Associates Landscape Architects Structural engineer: LHC Structural Engineers MEP/FP engineer: Dewberry Civil engineer: HDR Contractor: LeChase Construction Services Lighting design: Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design

The Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center welcomes people to the Duke University campus with a series of warmly lit courts and pavilions that combine new construction techniques with historical motifs. The 48,000-square-foot complex includes various social spaces that comfortably host both large and small groups, including a two-story alumni association office, a meeting pavilion, and the newly renovated Forlines House, originally designed by Horace Trumbauer, the architect of much of Duke’s campus.

Adjacent to the neo-Gothic West Campus, the visitors center reflects Duke’s identity as a “university in the forest.” Exposed wood elements featured across the buildings and a main courtyard complement the locally quarried Duke stone and bird-friendly glass paneling that make up the central pavilion. – Keren Dillard

EF Education First

Designer: Gensler Location: Denver

Acoustical consultant: K2 Audio Client and collaborator: EF Architecture & Design Studio General contractor: Rand Construction MEP engineer: Salas O’Brien Structural engineer: KL&A CLT/Timber supplier: Nordic Structures

EF Education First, an international school that specializes in experiential learning, looked to Gensler to create a sustainable office in Denver that would embody the company’s ethos and the spirit of Colorado. The resulting CLT structure echoes the look and feel of the neighboring Rocky Mountains, connecting visitors to the great outdoors through natural colors, textures, and materials.

High ceilings, natural light, and exposed timber beams create airy interiors. The biophilic color palette of the spaces—including soft tones and warm woods—mimics the surrounding landscape. A minimal reception desk, molded out of rammed earth from local soil, nods to Colorado’s red rock canyons, and a stairway with rows of floor-to-ceiling pine boards conjures the feeling of hiking through a forest. Adjacent lounges and workspaces are flanked by movable timber walls that allow team members to alter spaces depending on their needs. – Ali Oriaku

Hotel Magdalena

Architect: Lake | Flato Architects Location: Austin, Texas

Client and interior designer: Bunkhouse Group, Tenaya Hills Timber superstructure structural engineer: StructureCraft Base building steel and concrete structural engineer: Architectural Engineers Collaborative MEP engineer: Integral Group Landscape architect: Ten Eyck Landscape Architects General contractor: MYCON General Contractors Dowel-laminated timber panels: StructureCraft Windows and doors: Sierra Pacific Aluminum Clad Wood Windows/Doors, La Cantina Aluminum Doors, EFCO 5600 Slimline Aluminum Storefront

Hotel Magdalena is the first mass timber boutique hotel in North America. This 100,000-square-foot oasis honors the former site of the Austin Terrace Motel in Austin, Texas. Hotel Magdalena welcomes its visitors with a two-way gridded porte-cochère and hosts a series of vibrant common exterior spaces, outdoor walkways, shaded porches, and lushly planted terraces that recall lake houses and natural artesian springs found in the Texas Hill Country. The exposed wood in every space provides a warm and textured ambiance that ensures the timber structural components are an integral part of the hotel experience. This is also meant to spur daily conversations about sustainable construction and building practices. – Keren Dillard

NW 28th Brewery and Office Space

Firm: ZGF Location: Portland, Oregon

Developer: OSB2LAN MGM Fire protection engineer: Wyatt Fire Protection General contractor: Centrex Construction Structural engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers Timber installer: Carpentry Plus Timber suppliers: DR Johnson Lumber, Nakamoto Forestry

A former warehouse in Northwest Portland, Oregon, has been transformed into the home of Great Notion Brewing, whose state-of-the-art taproom, coffee shop, and office space enliven the industrial neighborhood. Designed by ZGF, the building uses modern timber technology and locally harvested materials to showcase the region’s manufacturing roots.

The repurposed taproom, constructed of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and clad in naturally weathering Cor-ten steel panels, is connected to a spacious lobby made of yakisugi Japanese burnt timber. The raw CLT panels contrast with the black charred wood entry to create a bright, warm, and inviting space where patrons can drink Great Notion’s beers and marvel at the massive metal fermentation tanks that sit behind a nearby glass wall. – Ali Oriaku

Architect: Perkins&Will Location: Soo Valley, British Columbia

Client: Delta Land Development Electrical engineer: Rainbow Electric Energy consultants: Gencell, VREC Fire protection engineer: Viking Fire Protection General contractor: Durfeld Builders Glazing: Blackcomb Glass HVAC: Custom Air Structural engineer: StructureCraft Timber supplier: Structurelam Welder: OpenWide Welding Windows: Optiwin

Overlooking the Soo Valley in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, SoLo, designed by Perkins&Will, is a Passive House–certified home made almost entirely of Douglas fir. Perkins&Will transformed the remote site into a luxury off-grid retreat that produces more energy than it consumes, with combustion and fossil fuels removed from its daily operations.

The project’s strategically limited material palette reduces the home’s embodied carbon footprint. The modular, prefabricated timber panels were trucked to the site and lifted into place by crane, reducing waste and construction time. Because of the valley’s harsh climate, the enclosure is composed of two layers of timber, with a heavy outer frame serving as a weather shield, and an insulated inner layer designed to contain heat. A glass curtain wall found at the rear of the home lets guests take in a view of the valley. – Ali Oriaku

Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design

Design architect: The Miller Hull Partnership Collaborating architect and prime architect: Lord Aeck Sargent Location: Atlanta

Timber installer/framer: Universal Timber Structures Timber supplier: Unadilla Laminated Products Salvaged lumber finishes supplier: Raydeo Enterprises General contractor: Skanska Landscape architect: Andropogon Design engineer: PAE Electrical engineer: Newcomb & Boyd Civil engineer: Long Engineering Structural engineer: Uzun + Case Graywater systems water consultant: Biohabitats

The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design is the first mass timber building on the Georgia Institute of Technology’s campus, and its 46,848 square feet of programmed space makes it the largest higher education building to achieve Living Building certification. It uses FSC-certified, responsibly harvested timber for its decking, benches, tables, and counters. According to the architects, that has saved 33 percent more carbon from being released than if the wood had come from a non–sustainably sourced supplier. The architects also said that the wood in the project has sequestered more than 100,00 kilograms of carbon dioxide. The Kendeda Building embodies a bold, values-driven vision that promotes sustainable construction and design methods. – Keren Dillard

In Massachusetts, HGA is transforming a former gravel quarry into a biotech campus

GROUPWORK restores 8 Bleeding Heart Yard crafting a facade of misremembered details

Pittsburgh’s historic Carnegie Music Hall reopens following accessibility upgrades and restorations to decorative elements

Architecture Student Chronicles

How to conduct a Case Study?

When students begin studying  Architecture at a University, the first thing that they are supposed to become excellent at, is doing a documentation or a case study . It could be a case study of a small village, town, a villa, a bus-stop, or a high-rise commercial or residential building. A case study is an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, incident, or community. Other ways include experiments, surveys , or analysis of archival information

What is the purpose of conducting a Case Study?

As the term Case Study suggests, it is the study of a particular case that is similar to your topic of design project. Doing a case study will help you understand the various aspects that you have to consider while designing.

Literature Case study

Before you start with your live case studies, first of all do a complete literature case study. Literature case study consists of reading everything you can find on the subject. You can refer books in a library, use Google to look up research papers, check out Standard Code books and statutory laws or from technical journals.

A literature case study would give you a vague idea about your topic. There will be various questions arising in your mind after you are done with your literature case study. To find the answers to those questions, you will have to go for minimum two live case studies….

Always possibly go for more than two different case studies, because a comparative case study of two or more different cases is very important and helpful.

• While you are doing your first case study, say a Villa, go for a smaller Villa first so that you can figure out the basic minimum requirements.
• In your second case study, go for an extremely lavish Villa so that you are aware of the maximum requirements you could give.

(Being able to provide maximum or minimum requirements in your design is very important)

If there are some requirements that you haven’t come across while doing your case studies but you went through it while you were doing a literature case study, then try implementing those requirements  in your design.

Eleven most important things to analyze in any Case Study

• Environment and micro-climate Analyzing the surrounding environment and the micro-climate of that place will help understand the reason of the orientation of the structure, the kind of roof chosen and the materials used in its construction.
• User behavior and requirements Studying the functioning of a particular place, say a Hospital, is very important; without which you will not be able to figure out the requirements and the area that should be allotted for each of the requirements.Talking to people working at that place (Hospital), will help you figure out if the requirements that are provided are adequate and he area that is allotted is sufficient for its efficient working.
• Utility and space enhancement Study of Utilitarian facilities of a particular case is also important. Various measures taken to enhance a particular space should be analyzed.
• Form and Function Analyzing the reason behind the form of that particular building…and how it merges with the surrounding environment. Form and Function go hand in hand. The form of the building should be able to convey the function of the building. A lot of Architects say “Form follows Function”.As an example, an institutional building should not end up looking like a museum or a disco.Some other Architects might disagree with that philosophy. They’d say that the function of a structure keeps changing but changing the form of the building everytime its function changes is not possible. They say, Adopt a “Universal Design Scheme”.
• Horizontal and vertical circulation Horizontal circulation consists of elements such as the corridors and lobbies. Vertical circulation includes elevators, staircases, ramps etc. The efficiency of the placement of these services should be analyzed.
• Site Planning and Landscape detailing Refer to the Article on the blog “ A Guide to Site Planning “, which deals with different aspects considered in site planning in greater detail.
• Structural details such as Column and Beam Design, Steel  and Composite structures Understanding and analyzing the structural details is also important. For example, large span structures such as Auditoriums use trusses or heavy I-section steel beams and sometimes shell-roofing that involve construction of Ring beams whereas in small span structures, RCC construction is used.
• Building Services such as Fire Alarm system, HVAC, Water supply systems The working of Fire Alarm system, HVAC and Water supply systems should be examined and their space requirements are to be analyzed.
• Design detailing considering the Barrier-free environment Implementation of the Barrier-free architecture for comfortable access to disabled people. Most public buildings have mandatory accessibility systems for the disabled. Check out Guidelines to the Disability Standards for Access to Premises 200X. (Australian law)
• Socio-economic profile of user group It might also be important to find out the socio-economic profile of the people using the services so as to determine their requirements and available resources.
• Parking details and standards Measure the allotted parking area on site, say for ten cars, then calculate the average area for each car and compare it with the areas specified in TSS (Time Savers Standards).

Conducting a case study is hard work. Sometimes, it is so small, it could be done in days, but on other occasions, it takes weeks to document and compile all the data. It involves going on-site, meeting and taking to people, lots of traveling, plenty of photography, and some fun. It is the most important of assignments you might get as an architectural students.

This is where you learn from reality, actual stuff, as opposed to only theoretical knowledge. When I was learning law I took every chance I could get to learn from people actually doing the work I was aiming for, yes I did “donate” many hours to Winters & Yonker, P.A. , but in the end is was worth every minute. Looking at places first hand  and documenting information would give you many insights and ideas and let you peek into the minds of professional architects and designers who have used years of experience and improvisation to design and create incredible structures.

Case studies of some of the famous Structures mentioned below:

 SPA – Delhi

VNIT – Nagpur

Thiagaraj Convention Center

TKM College of Engineering (Chennai)

42 thoughts on “How to conduct a Case Study?”

We want to design an oldage home how u can help

You live in Delhi and I am in Hyderabad, so I might not be of much help, unless you want my father (Architect Javed – http://www.architectjaved.com/ ) to design it for you.

If you want more info on Old age homes, see http://www.architecture-student.com/design-guide/guide-to-designing-old-age-homes/

The hardest part is looking for related literature especially when your research topic is new. It may be that difficult but it is surely unique when done and published.

I’m an attorney and when studying law we spent the bulk of the time reading what is called caselaw which is existing decisions that forms our law. We are to find cases that support our clients’ fact scenario so that the decision is our clients’ favour.

The parallel with architecture is uncanny as architects use existing structures and environments to form the basis for a new project. As the saying goes, “no need to reinvent the wheel” but it’s good to evolve from existing structures. Likewise, the law evolves.

Case Study is itself a very necessary work to be done before appearing to anything to be done. It’s just a sample report before appearing for any cases to get it solved properly.

A good blog to read on and to be shared amongst all…..

For me, Case Study is really important on anything you are planning in order to have a well planned and a successful outcome. Doing a Case Study on anything gives you an idea for the pro’s and con’s of that. I’m glad there’s such an article like this!

Case studies are a great way to plan lots of things, not just architectural projects. It’s almost like doing the work without actually doing the work, so you can identify sticking points, potential problems and lots more.

thank you that really helped….!! im a first year b.arch student….

Hello Nanda, We are glad our site has been of help to you. Do keep visiting. We wish you all the best for your future!

will do 🙂 thanku 🙂

it’s really helpful!! thx a lot!

i am beginning my thesis in B. arch. n so m requiring a hypothetical site of about 3 acres here in india with the climate warm and humid. topic is performing arts centre in kerala. how do i find and fix a hypothetical site?

Hello Resbi, The best way to find an appropriate site for your project could be done by using Google Earth.

i would like to know the steps and what case studies to do about for a multispeciality hospital

As im in 2nd year of b.arch

I have not much studed about much detailed

Like casestudy,site analysis’

It will help me

Thanks u again

U can see our 1st year architecture 1st month exibition video on youtube

hi !!!I’m a 1st year b.arch and v hav 2 do a case study on an architect’s firm . cud u tell me wat all i shud include in my case study???v hav to do a case study on a bungalow also…

Hello Joan,

The following links will be of help to you.

Guide for conducting a casestudy for a villa

Also check out: Cafeteria Design

i am a first year b.arch student..i have got a case study to do..can u please guide me by teling how many sheets should i present..please guide me..as soon as posible..ur site helpd me to knw how to do case study but i also want to know how many sheets should it include..please guide me..

tanx for this good work.pls do continue.

Number of sheets doesn’t matter until you pin down your inferences correctly …… for a first year student i guess a max of 1 or 2 A1 sheets or a ppt of less than 20 slides should be enough in terms of quantity …. make sure you put the point across 🙂 🙂

This was really helpful. Thank you very much. Just about to go for a case study on 2 schools.

What r all things I should see for bedroom attached bathroom casestudy.

Thank you for some other wonderful article. The place else could anyone get that type of information in such an ideal manner of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the search for such information.

this really helped alot Thankyou

love your articles ,wld love to b part of this, was just surfing the net and found this…….good work to u guys

Hey, this really helped I’m goin for a case study on resorts tmrw Would appreciate any pointers to observe there thanq ????

hello,i am second year b.arch student,i have to do case study on luxury primary school . cud you please tell me what all should i include in my case study ???and also case study for the kids school…………

For a project like that, you should visit a minimum of two schools. One would be a high profile school and the other one could be a private low budget school or a government school. After you casestudies you will be able to draw comparisons between the two and that should help you come up with your list of requirements. let me know if you have any other questions.

I am doing by 3rd year b arch n this time our project is based on housing for artist Wht all shld I keep in mind while designing for artist n der family member who are non artist

Hello Monisha, I recommend you to read this article: http://www.architecture-student.com/case-studies/design-of-an-artist%E2%80%99s-house-guide-for-conducting-a-casestudy-of-a-villa/

Nice bolg. Thank you. I am barch student. I would like to know how to do comparison study of any two building. Now I have done with case study of a gallery (ngma Bangalore). I have done sub case study as well as literature study. But I want to know how exactly should I do comparitive study. More than write up comparison, How well can I present it

I am doing thesis on Orphan children and oldage home combining both generations together so as to create marvelous socially conceptual design. Help me with bestest case study from which I can learn alot to create spaces for both.

I am final year in srm rampuram school od architecture and doing thesis on township. So could anyone help with sum reference for case study and literature study as soon as possible

Hello Revathy,

When you say township… what kind of township. Give us some description of your thesis project so that we could give suggestions as to how you could proceed.

thanks a lot it is great information has answered some of my questions

hello.i have taken up the topic EMBASSY(any country) Design for my final year thesis. i was wondering if you could help me out with the plans for casestudies,since i hear it will be quite a problem with all the security.

It is not an excellent topic for design. You should have chosen something that would let you explore your ideas. Embassy building would look like a commercial block…nothing interesting… this is not something people havent seen. I do not think you will get permission for a livecasestudy of any embassy. No one would let you in. So if you still have time, i would suggest you choose a more design oriented topic.

hey i am doing thesis on low cost building materials and technology.i wanna do commercial project on this topic. can you suggest me project name or case study on this topic.

I have taken service apartment complex for tourist as my final year thesis. Help me to find the best case study for thesis.

Hello. Im studying b.arch 4th year. Im supposed to do a thesis case study, on Automobile industry i.e a car manufacturing plant. Can you please help me regarding this, as what all i should include and what steps i need to follow to complete my case study. Please reply me asap. Thank you.

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A case study is a research strategy that uses "an empirical inquiry that investigates a phenomenon or setting" in its real life context. (Adapted from Groat, Architectural Research Methods , 346).

Check out these books from the library for further guidance on case studies:

• Flyvbjerg, Bent. "Five Misunderstandings About Case Study Research." Qualitative Inquiry, 12, no. 2 (April 2006): 219-245.

• Last Updated: Oct 5, 2023 8:40 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.utexas.edu/architecture

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How Architecture Case Study Can Benefit Students

As an architecture student, how often do you take delight in doing architectural case studies? Does it excite you or make you frazzled? Irrespective of how you feel, a case study in architecture proves to be a privilege to the students in this discipline. You get to study a project of a similar genre, ascertain the design principles of the designer, and understand its scope before conceiving the design. You can also visualize the design more closely and manage the intrinsic affairs independently.

Table of Contents

What Is A Case Study In Architecture?

An architecture case study is the in-depth analysis, exploration, and understanding of an existing building. While students consider a case study in architecture as the starting point of any project, it can also serve as a reference to proceed with the intricacies of a project. For example, the following image shows the case study of “The National Gallery Of Modern Art”.

There is no definite format for representing a case study. For instance, the following images show the case study of “The Church of the Light” by Tadao Ando in various styles.

It is fun as an individual can travel a lot and meet different types of people. At the same time, how an architecture case study benefits us relies on how we perceive and deal with it. 

Philosophy of a Case Study In Architecture 

To make it easy to understand, we have summarized the philosophy below:

Literature 

You may not always be aware of the scope or objective of an upcoming project. The entire planning process might seem strenuous, and all your questions may remain unanswered. In such cases, an architecture case study can come to the rescue. It exposes an individual to the intricate details of a live project and answers all your questions practically. It helps in broadening your academic boundary, making your literature strong, and analyzing the following:

• Architectural Style

The regional or communal context and its predominance in the design.

• Micro-climate and Environment 

The surrounding nature and various important climatic factors like sun path, wind direction, or rainfall can affect the building in a particular site.

• Requirements Based On User Behaviors

The areas will suffice the purpose and efficiency by keeping gender, age group, well-being, and other factors in mind. For instance, a hospital is different from a commercial shopping center.

An architecture case study allows you to study the design philosophy that an architect used. Then you can analyze what worked and what did not, identify the pros and cons, and grasp what you need. It also helps you determine the following details:

• Planning and Analysis of Site

The site dimensions, site-to-building ratio, orientation, geology, hydrography, vegetation, etc.

• Function and Form

Which philosophy to adopt between “function follows form” and “form follows function”? Why does a building stand that way or why does it stick out from the immediate surroundings?

• Construction Materials and Technologies 

The available materials and commonly-used technologies in that region.

• Structural Details 

The columns, beams, and trusses are used in a building.

• Connectivity/Linkage 

How to link various activities inside the built space?

• Vertical and Horizontal Circulation

The placement of elevators, ramps, and staircases, or the area assigned for building lobbies and corridors.

• Access Locations

The entry and exit points of the building and the site.

• Services and Utility Systems

Determine why services like water supply systems, electrical layouts, HVAC, or fire alarms are necessary for a building.

• Barrier-free Consideration 

The design accessibility to children, people who have a disability, aged people, and pregnant women.

Imagination 

At times, you may mimic the case study you are studying instead of getting inspired by it. It happens because your thought process gets trapped in the shackles of your architecture case study. It may seem difficult to think outside the box. So, coax yourself to start afresh and let your imaginations do the rest.

Generalization 

You cannot adopt every element of it as a blueprint for your design. An architecture case study will make you realize that. Every design is distinctly unique and meant to fit in with ever-changing parameters like climate, region, and user requirements. Putting every single design problem in the same mold would lead you nowhere.

Therefore, treat every design problem differently.

Diversity 

It is necessary to have at least a couple of options to study from instead of sticking to one particular architecture case study. It forbids you to imitate an existing design and lets your creativity flow. 

So, initiate your case study with a small-scale project to outline the basics and consider another large-scale project to modify the required parameters you did not include before.

Architecture is a dynamic course where learning delves deeper and much beyond the scope of the textbooks. It is an undertaking to design the future by continuing the legacy of human civilization while minimizing past mistakes. All these reasons make the precedence of architecture case study an inevitable necessity.

Remember: we intend to research, understand the concepts that the architect has applied, and learn how that project worked. Meanwhile, we should also be able to point out the flaws and perfect them while introducing them in our projects.

10 Useful Architectural Magazines For Architects And Students (thearchspace.com)

Architecture Students Work – A Special Mention In GSEN (thearchspace.com)

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While finding her solace in silence and everything mundane, Shreyosi prefers to untangle the chaos inside her head and makes an effort to paint scenarios with words that keep her awake at night.

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Case Studies in Architecture

Architects inspire us every day. You take our simple, versatile products to incredible heights and creative places. We celebrate your innovation with the buildings we feature regularly in print ads and brochures. And now Acme Brick introduces  Case Studies in Architecture , a growing library of in-depth looks at the design work that goes into these projects.

Here you can view and download each case study that include:

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CASE STUDY: Tile & Stone

Amateur architecture studio clads a chinese archive with thousands of celadon tiles, liangzhu, china.

The National Archives of Publications and Culture campus is nestled against, and partially burrows into, an adjacent mountainside. Photo © Iwan Baan

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China has no shortage of history; with more than 4,000 recorded years of it, the country is considered the oldest living civilization in the world. That comes with its own set of quandaries, such as how to collect, preserve, and curate countless artifacts, from ancient books and manuscripts to stamps. In 2022, the Chinese government responded to the challenge by inaugurating the National Archives of Publications and Culture as a repository of that heritage, with a headquarters in Beijing and three satellite campuses dispersed throughout the country. One is in Liangzhu—a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the outskirts of Hangzhou—and, designed by the city’s own Amateur Architecture Studio, skillfully draws from the region’s artistic and architectural vernacular with pagoda-like structures, complex woodwork, and, most conspicuously, thousands of celadon ceramic facade tiles.

The campus is gargantuan, covering approximately 1.1 million square feet, and includes 13 pavilions, each of which houses a different program, such as exhibition halls and libraries, with the archives partly buried in the adjacent mountainside. The rough topography becomes an integral aspect of the project’s shan shui —a term from Chinese landscape painting meaning “mountains and water,” in which vertical and horizontal elements are balanced.

Celadon-clad screen walls line the campus’s arcades, and they can be rotated and moved. Photo © Iwan Baan, click to enlarge.

Celadon pottery has been produced in the city of Longquan, in the southwest corner of Zhejiang province—of which Hangzhou is the capital—since the Song dynasty about a millennium ago. Amateur Architecture Studio, led by Pritzker Prize–winner Wang Shu with Lu Wenyu, has experimented in the use of that fired and glazed clay as a cladding material twice before—the Ceramic House in Jinhau (2006) and Tea House at Linyin Buddhist Temple (2020)—but those projects are dwarfed in scale by the practice’s comprehensive undertaking in Liangzhu.

Here the firm developed a detailed set of drawings specifying the tiles’ dimensions, acceptable shades of green, and placement across the campus’s many buildings, specifications used by three celadon manufacturers, each with their own secret glaze recipes, to produce an array of samples that were carefully scrutinized. The process was a complex affair, and, after several full-scale mock-ups were built, the design team moved forward with 12 specific glaze types.

All in all, some 100,000 square feet of ceramic tiles clad the buildings—the bulk of which are used for the arcade screen walls that encircle the campus’s larger buildings. The tiles, which measure 1 foot by 2½ feet by 5/16 inches, are held in place by oxidized copper surface fasteners that tie back to a nearly 35-foot-tall uniform steel skeleton. This straightforward system sped up construction and installation, and allows for convenient replacement should any tiles be damaged. The skeletal frames are also mounted on either side of steel beams, and can rotate and open with the help of motors to reveal the surrounding landscape, bringing the outdoors in.

This contemporary interpretation of the region’s vernacular design extends to other materials and methods as well. Notably, the design team supervised live demonstrations of rammed-earth construction techniques for the project’s contractor, and the lessons gleaned were then scaled up to carve out program within the larger concrete superstructures. In the campus’s larger halls, intricate wood-and-steel canopies hearken back to traditional carpentry, though with monumental spans—the largest of which is nearly 330 feet wide. The Song dynasty may be long past, but its craftspeople would surely appreciate the complex and modern application of the traditional ceramic material for this cultural reliquary.

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Matthew Marani is Special Sections Editor at Architectural Record . Previously, he served as Program Manager at The Architect’s Newspaper and has several years of experience as a freelance writer specializing in urban planning, historic preservation, and architectural technology. Matthew is a born and raised New Yorker and holds an MSc in Architectural Conservation from the University of Edinburgh.

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Designed by London firm SODA, the project thoughtfully preserves the building’s heritage while creating space for community.

Ever since the pandemic left many office buildings empty, cities have grappled with how to revitalize business districts decimated by record-high vacancy rates. Coupled with the ongoing housing crisis, the answer seemed like a no-brainer: turn the offices into housing. Of course, it wasn’t that simple. The logistical challenges, cost and complexity of these renovations have induced well-founded skepticism in commercial to residential conversions. Yet with the right building — and the right firm — it’s not only possible, but the results can be even more remarkable than a new build. Roco, a co-living complex in Liverpool designed by London firm SODA , is a case in point — and an exciting precedent for this emerging typology.

Commercial buildings are often challenging to convert due to their deep floor plates, which limit access to natural light. But the client, Livingway , saw potential in a 1970s edifice on James Street, located along the waterfront at the heart of the city. With its robust concrete structure, slim footprint and ample glazing, the building had all the makings of a great residential project. For SODA, the aim was to highlight what was already there.

“We love working with existing buildings because not only is there a great carbon and sustainability story, but they also provide specific context and identity to work with. This is so important to us as it allows the city to retain its identity and saves a lot of carbon that gets wasted when perfectly good buildings are torn down,” explains Ryan Holland, director at SODA.

The firm began by dividing the large former office floorplates into 120 individual residences, and a handful of hotel-style units available as short-term rentals. With a variety of studio, one- and two-bedroom layouts to choose from (which all come furnished), the building seeks to accommodate a broad range of residents, from students to young professionals.

The units are modest in size, but what they lack in space is made up for in the building’s extensive, community-focused amenities available for residents only, which include everything from resident lounges to communal kitchens, screening rooms, co-working spaces, a gym and rooftop terrace. According to the architects, Roco’s social ethos seeks to integrate the building back into the life of the city.

In these common spaces, the architects celebrate the building’s brutalist shell, leaving the existing cast concrete waffle slabs exposed — a move that also mitigates the need for unnecessary materials, further reducing the project’s carbon cost. To complement the original building’s features, SODA sensitively inserted contemporary elements — such as a floating timber “activity wall,” which serves as a central spine that divides the ground floor into zones for work, rest and play.

Throughout, a material palette of wood, tiles and fabrics, all in warm neutral tones, unifies the space, the finishes and furnishings nodding to the original building’s 70s style. With units ranging from £1,000 to £1,650, it’s far from an affordable solution to the housing crisis — but it is proof that, in the right context, offices can make beautiful homes. “It’s amazing to have a project like this located right in the centre of such an incredible city like Liverpool,” says Holland. “Roco takes a previously unloved building and breathes new use into it for the next generations.”

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Case Study Houses: The Latest Architecture and News

Foster + partners reimagines william pereora's television city in california, united states.

Foster + Partners, l ed by Normal Foster, has just been selected to reimagine the Television City studio complex in Los Angeles, following a global competition. The project involves the restoration of William Pereira’s iconic 1952 buildings and the transformation of the 25-acre site into a low-rise multi-modal campus and draws inspiration from the Los Angeles’ renowned Case Study Houses. The campus will feature new sound stages, production offices, creative workspace, and retail surrounding its perimeter.

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Defining Afro-Contemporary Homes: The Role of Case Study Houses

The home is a fundamental expression of architectural movements within the fabric of a city. As one of the smallest typologies, it is the simplest canvas to exhibit the design ethos of any particular era. African cities have continuously negotiated the meaning of their residential dwellings, from traditional architecture to colonial architecture, and the influx of post-colonial modern architecture. Vernacular architecture explored homes with spatial patterns rooted in cultural dexterity, envelopes built with indigenous materials and forms, endowed with traditional motifs. These were in stark contrast to colonial homes that featured a range of imported architectural styles across the continent, neglecting their climatic and cultural contexts while amplifying social class.

How Did Materials Shape the Case Study Houses?

The Case Study Houses (1945-1966), sponsored by the Arts & Architecture Magazine and immortalized by Julius Shulman ’s iconic black-and-white photographs, may be some of the most famous examples of modern American architecture in history. Designed to address the postwar housing crisis with quick construction and inexpensive materials, while simultaneously embracing the tenets of modernist design and advanced contemporary technology, the Case Study Houses were molded by their central focus on materials and structural design. While each of the homes were designed by different architects for a range of clients, these shared aims unified the many case study homes around several core aesthetic and structural strategies: open plans, simple volumes, panoramic windows, steel frames, and more. Although some of the Case Study Houses’ materials and strategies would become outdated in the following decades, these unique products and features would come to define a historic era of architectural design in the United States.

Modern, Low-Budget and Easy to Build Living Spaces: the Case Study House Program

Between 1945 and 1966, the Case Study Houses program , following the Weißenhof-siedlung exposition, commissioned a study of economic, easy-to-build houses. The study included the creation of 36 prototypes that were to be built leading up to post-war residential development. The initiative by John Entenza, editor of Arts & Architecture magazine, brought a team to Los Angeles that featured some of the biggest names in architecture at the time, including Richard Neutra , Charles & Ray Eames, Pierre Koenig, and Eero Saarinen , among others.

The program's experiment not only defined the modern home and set it apart from its predecessors, but it also pioneered new construction materials and methods in residential development that continue to influence international architecture to this day. Take a detailed look at some of the program's most emblematic work together with recommendations for facing contemporary challenges. 

When Minimalism Gets Extravagant: A Virtual Look at the Case Study House 17(2)

Arts & Architecture ’s Case Study House program was supposed to be about creating replicable, affordable designs for post-war living—stylish but modest homes for young families on a budget. And then came house #17(2).

To be fair, this house was designed for real clients, with specific and ambitious requirements. The Hoffmans had four children, a household staff, and an art collection. So this was never going to be just another suburban three-bedroom.

A Virtual Look Into J R Davidson's Case Study House #11

The editorial notes on Arts & Architecture ’s 11th Case Study House set out the “basic principles of modern architecture”: an emphasis on “order, fitness and simplicity.” Livability and practicality are key, and “sham” is frowned on. As with other houses in the series, this design by JR Davidson adheres to these goals with clean, horizontal lines, an open floor plan, and integration of the outdoor space.

It’s a modest, compact home, less high-concept than some of the other houses in the programme—no indoor plantings or reflecting pools; no complicated backstory for the imagined clients (think of the next two, #12 and especially #13 )—but arguably more successful in providing a model for the average American home. Its value doesn’t depend on dramatic landscaping or views, but on thoughtful design and attention to solving everyday problems. Walking through Archilogic ’s 3D model reveals the elegance of Davidson’s approach.

A Virtual Look Inside Case Study House #10 by Kemper Nomland & Kemper Nomland Jr

The tenth Case Study House wasn’t actually intended for the Arts & Architecture programme. It was added on its completion in 1947, to fill out the roster, as many houses remained unbuilt. Clearly, the Nomland design earned its place on the list, having many features in common with other Case Study homes and, most importantly, meeting the stated aims of economy, simplicity, new materials and techniques, and indoor/outdoor integration. The different departure point, however, can be seen in the layout. Whereas Case Study homes were designed primarily for families, this plan is for “a family of adults”—which is to say, a childless couple.

The World's First Freeform 3D-Printed House Enters Development Phase

WATG Urban's first prize design for The Freeform Home Design Challenge in 2016 is now moving one step closer to becoming a reality. Since winning the competition, WATG 's Chicago office has been developing the winning design, dubbed Curve Appeal, alongside Branch Technology . Curve Appeal is now undergoing the "wall section testing, research and development phase" with an anticipated goal of breaking ground later this year. This revolutionary project could change the way we construct complex, freeform structures.

A Virtual Look Inside Case Study House #7 by Thornton M Abell

The seventh house in the Arts & Architecture Case Study program was built with real clients in mind: a family of three with creative hobbies. The result, designed by Thornton M Abell , is a flexible home with a distinctive functional character.

The house divides neatly into three separate areas: to the left of the entrance, working spaces make up nearly half of the full floorplan, with living and sleeping areas off to the right and extending forward into the garden. Sliding panels between the roomy central reception/dining area and the cozy living room create the option of privacy or extra space, as required, with the terrace and splash pool beyond offering further possibilities for summer entertaining. A small planting area beside the sliding door blurs the line between indoors and out.

A Virtual Look Inside Case Study House #4, Ralph Rapson’s "Greenbelt House"

The fourth house in Arts & Architecture ’s Case Study program departed from the trend with a noticeably more introverted design. Intended for a modestly sized urban lot, rather than the dramatic and expansive canyon or forest locations of so many other Case Study homes, it couldn’t borrow drama from the landscape, nor would the residents welcome curious glances from their close neighbors—so the house looks entirely inward.

Rapson called his design the “Greenbelt House” for the glass-covered atrium that divides the living and sleeping areas. In his original drawings and model, as in Archilogic ’s 3D model shown here, this strip is shown filled with plant beds in a striking geometric pattern. However, Rapson imagined that it could be put to many uses, according to the residents’ tastes: a croquet court or even a swimming pool could find their place here. This “brings the outdoors indoors” rather more literally than, for instance, Richard Neutra ’s expansive, open-door designs.

A Virtual Look Inside the Case Study House #23A by Killingsworth, Brady & Smith

Only three of the Arts & Architecture Case Study Houses were built outside Los Angeles , and those three formed a united concept. The Triad Houses in La Jolla, a seaside suburb of San Diego , share a single driveway, motor court, and design vocabulary, while being created to meet different needs.

In keeping with the Case Study mission, all three houses used open-plan design, affordable modern materials (such as aluminium and concrete with wood frames), and plenty of glass to create a fresh and open mood. The emphasis was on strong geometric forms, careful detailing, horizontal lines (with perfectly flat roofs) and – this being the Californian coastline – dramatic views and outdoor living space, creating the illusion of more interior space than was actually present.

AD Classics: The Entenza House (Case Study #9) / Charles & Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen & Associates

Nestled in the verdant seaside hills of the Pacific Palisades in southern California, the Entenza House is the ninth of the famous Case Study Houses built between 1945 and 1962. With a vast, open-plan living room that connects to the backyard through floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, the house brings its natural surroundings into a metal Modernist box, allowing the two to coexist as one harmonious space.

Like its peers in the Case Study Program, the house was designed not only to serve as a comfortable and functional residence, but to showcase how modular steel construction could be used to create low-cost housing for a society still recovering from the the Second World War. The man responsible for initiating the program was John Entenza , Editor of the magazine Arts and Architecture. The result was a series of minimalist homes that employed steel frames and open plans to reflect the more casual and independent way of life that had arisen in the automotive age.[1]

A Virtual Look Inside the Case Study House #3 by William W Wurster & Theodore Bernardi

The third Arts & Architecture Case Study House has a noticeably different sensibility to that of many of the other designs in the series. While equally engaged with the goal of maximizing enjoyment of the natural surroundings, in this design the architects show more concern for privacy and protection.

The approach from the street is somewhat forbidding; aluminum siding presents an impenetrable front. Besides the front and garage doors, the small, high kitchen windows are the only visible openings, though it is possible to peer over the fence of grape stakes into the children’s private garden.

A Virtual Look Inside the Case Study House #2 by Sumner Spaulding and John Rex

The second house in Arts & Architecture magazine’s Case Study Houses program shows the hallmarks of the series: an emphasis on light-soaked living areas, indoor-outdoor living, strong horizontal lines dominated by a flat roof, and so on. It is distinguished, though, by particularly creative details linking the indoor and outdoor areas, and by a strong awareness of function.

A Virtual Look Into Richard Neutra's Case Study House #20, the Bailey House

The Bailey house—one of Richard Neutra ’s four Case Study designs for Arts & Architecture —forms one of five Bluff houses, standing high above the ocean. The brief was to create a low-budget home for a young family, with just two bedrooms, but offering the possibility of expansion as time went by (which did in fact transpire; additional Neutra-designed wings were later built).

Neutra employed the same indoor-outdoor philosophy that can be seen at work in his unbuilt Alpha and Omega houses, using large sliding glass doors to create light and a visual sense of space, as well as ensuring that the house physically opened up to, as he put it, “borrow space from the outdoors.” With this sunny Californian ocean-view setting, it made perfect sense to use the back garden and terrace as living and dining room.

A Virtual Look Inside the Case study house #12 by Whitney R Smith

In designing his (unbuilt) house for the Arts & Architecture Case Study program , Whitney Smith, like Richard Neutra , prioritized the connection to outdoor space. His motivation, however, was more specific than a desire to extend the living area of a small house. Rather, he wanted to create a highly personal space, geared to the passion of his hypothetical client. Seeing conventional plans as a straitjacket for residents who craved appropriate working space within their home (be it a sewing studio or a photography darkroom), he aspired to fit this house to the needs of a keen horticulturist.

A Virtual Look Into Richard Neutra's Unbuilt Case Study House #13, The Alpha House

Of the four homes designed by Richard Neutra for the Case Study Houses program, post-war thought experiments commissioned by Arts & Architecture , only one was ever realized. In the imaginary village of the program's many unbuilt homes, next to #6, the Omega house , stands #13, named Alpha. Archilogic ’s 3D model gives us a unique chance to experience this innovative concept home.

Each of Neutra’s projects was designed for a family of five, and each reveals his psychoanalytic approach to architecture, in which the house itself is an intimate part of family relationships, as important as the personalities involved. (Neutra was personally acquainted with Freud, and a committed follower of birth trauma theorist Otto Rank.) Underlining this Freudian view, his imaginary clients are not just neighbours—they are related; Mrs Alpha being sister to Mrs Omega.

A Virtual Look Into Mies van der Rohe's Core House

Architecture depends on its time. It is the crystallization of its inner structure, the slow unfolding of its form. – Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

In 1951, Mies van der Rohe designed the Core House, a participative design structure which could be completed by its inhabitants.

This flexible model challenged certain architectural concepts, explored new industrial technologies, and proposed a modular system to improve the quality and affordability of housing.

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Ex-assistant principal charged with child neglect in case of boy who shot teacher

The Associated Press

Signs stand outside Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Va., Jan. 25, 2023. Denise Lavoie/AP hide caption

Signs stand outside Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Va., Jan. 25, 2023.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A former assistant principal at a Virginia elementary school has been charged with felony child neglect more than a year after a 6-year-old boy brought a gun to class and shot his first-grade teacher .

A special grand jury in Newport News found that Ebony Parker showed a reckless disregard for the lives of Richneck Elementary School students on Jan. 6, 2023, according to indictments unsealed Tuesday.

Parker and other school officials already face a $40 million negligence lawsuit from the teacher who was shot, Abby Zwerner. She accuses Parker and others of ignoring multiple warnings the boy had a gun and was in a "violent mood" the day of the shooting.

Criminal charges against school officials following a school shootings are quite rare, experts say. Parker, 39, faces eight felony counts, each of which is punishable by up to five years in prison.

The Associated Press left a message seeking comment Tuesday with Parker's attorney, Curtis Rogers.

Shots - Health News

'say something' tip line in schools flags gun violence threats, study finds.

Court documents filed Tuesday reveal little about the criminal case against Parker, listing only the counts and a description of the felony charge. It alleges that Parker "did commit a willful act or omission in the care of such students, in a manner so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life."

Newport News police have said the student who shot Zwerner retrieved his mother's handgun from atop a dresser at home and brought the weapon to school concealed in a backpack.

Zwerner's lawsuit describes a series of warnings that school employees gave administrators before the shooting. The lawsuit said those warnings began with Zwerner telling Parker that the boy "was in a violent mood," had threatened to beat up a kindergartener and stared down a security officer in the lunchroom.

The lawsuit alleges that Parker "had no response, refusing even to look up" when Zwerner expressed her concerns.

When concerns were raised that the child may have transferred the gun from his backpack to his pocket, Parker said his "pockets were too small to hold a handgun and did nothing," the lawsuit states.

Architecture

With gun control far from sight, schools redesign for student safety.

A guidance counselor also asked Parker for permission to search the boy, but Parker forbade him, "and stated that John Doe's mother would be arriving soon to pick him up," the lawsuit stated.

Zwerner was sitting at a reading table in front of the class when the boy fired the gun, police said. The bullet struck Zwerner's hand and then her chest, collapsing one of her lungs. She spent nearly two weeks in the hospital and has endured multiple surgeries as well as ongoing emotional trauma, according to her lawsuit.

Parker and the lawsuit's other defendants, which include a former superintendent and the Newport News school board, have tried to block Zwerner's lawsuit.

They've argued that Zwerner's injuries fall under Virginia's workers' compensation law. Their arguments have been unsuccessful so far in blocking the litigation. A trial date for Zwerner's lawsuit is slated for January.

Prosecutors had said a year ago that they were investigating whether the "actions or omissions" of any school employees could lead to criminal charges.

What schools can (and can't) do to prevent school shootings

Howard Gwynn, the commonwealth's attorney in Newport News, said in April 2023 that he had petitioned a special grand jury to probe if any "security failures" contributed to the shooting. Gwynn wrote that an investigation could also lead to recommendations "in the hopes that such a situation never occurs again."

It is not the first school shooting to spark a criminal investigation into school officials. For instance, a former school resource officer was acquitted of all charges last year after he was accused of hiding during the Parkland school massacre in 2018.

Chuck Vergon, a professor of educational law and policy at the University of Michigan-Flint, told The AP last year that it is rare for a teacher or school official to be charged in a school shooting because allegations of criminal negligence can be difficult to prove.

More often, he said, those impacted by school shootings seek to hold school officials liable in civil court.

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How data modernization can benefit advisors and clients

Creating a modern data architecture has enabled a wealth manager to provide a consistent digital experience. Learn more in this case study.

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How can modernizing data architecture drive customer satisfaction?

Advisors need to have data and insights at their fingertips to provide personalized services to clients.

A US-based global wealth management firm was facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge. If its advisors could use real-time portfolio updates to offer their customers products and services that were precisely tailored to their needs, it would transform the business — but this wasn’t possible with their current IT set-up. At the root of the problem was the accuracy, consistency, timeliness and accessibility of data.

Like every wealth management company, the firm has several key applications — covering financial planning, trading, reconciliation, reporting, custody and CRM, among other capabilities — that have been built on a range of platforms or acquired from third-party vendors over a number of years. As a result, these legacy systems often connect and communicate poorly with each other, and with new products and platforms. This makes the firms’s advisors less productive.

“This is an industry-wide problem,” says Sourav Moitra, FSO Consulting Wealth and Asset Management Managing Director, Ernst and Young LLP. “There is no consistency in the data, and the ultimate impact on the client is a poor experience where they can’t even get a straight answer from their advisor about how much their portfolio is worth.”

Moitra explains that an advisor at the wealth management company will frequently find themselves having to enter the same data multiple times in different applications, which is laborious and frustrating. And, because data processing and communications between platforms are slow, they don’t enable advisors to see and act on the latest data in real time. For example, a customer’s net worth may vary depending on which platform the advisor is using, as some will update more quickly than others. And when an account is created for a new customer, the advisor typically can’t see it until the following day. This is frustrating for both parties.

As a result of these data-related issues, the wealth manager was losing advisors — and in turn, those advisors’ clients and their associated assets under management. Moreover, it couldn’t be as nimble as competitors in offering clients improved products or services. The company knew that it urgently needed to modernize its data integration architecture to be agile; however, its inflexible architecture was expensive to upgrade and time-consuming to modernize.

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EY teams collaborated with the wealth management company on a solution that would provide a consistent user experience across multiple platforms and help enable advisors to leverage data in near real time. EY teams worked with the client’s technology team, led by the CIO and the head of architecture, to co-innovate solutions and build a data integration platform.

They began by addressing particular use cases. One of the most important was around customer account data, which didn’t update immediately because it was batch-based. The team built an event-driven architecture to help ensure account updates are reflected across applications in near real time, giving advisors confidence that any data they are viewing is now up to date. That means they can offer robust, up-to-the-minute advice and recommend product options that fit customers’ immediate needs.

Another key issue was the difficulty in getting different data platforms to communicate with each other. To address this problem, the team created an interoperability layer based on a canonical data model that aligns with a defined data taxonomy. This essentially means that any data flows, from whatever source and in whatever format, can be incorporated seamlessly without any disruption to operations, improving data quality and consistency. Again, this helps advisors provide timely and authoritative information and insights to customers — something that is essential for wealth management firms, helping to grow the business and retain advisors and their clients.

The EY team’s financial services knowledge was crucial in addressing these issues, as the teams carrying out the work had an in-depth understanding of the specific business needs the technology had to solve in the areas of data architecture and data flows, and the way these impact the experience of both advisors and customers.

The better the world works

Increasing the speed of transformation

The data modernization will help the client achieve further digital transformation more quickly and easily.

EY Nexus for Wealth and Asset Management

A platform to help wealth and asset managers harness data and technology to generate client- centric advice. Learn more.

Speed to market is essential in the highly competitive financial services sector; the first two phases of the project were completed in just nine months and the upgraded data architecture now enables the wealth manager to provide a seamless digital experience for advisors and customers alike, increasing their satisfaction with the organization. EY teams and the wealth management company are now working to define a larger scope of work that will expand on the components already built — and, crucially, form a scalable foundation that will make it easier and faster to innovate in the future, reducing complexity and risk.

As a result of innovations that EY teams developed with the client, its data architecture has become more agile and efficient, with a standardized data infrastructure in place. This has wider benefits for the wealth manager, which has an ambition to become a more product-oriented organization. The existing architecture did not support the accelerated development of new products, but the new data architecture will provide that much-needed agility.

“For any client, we want to help accelerate the time for implementation and transformation and reduce the cost,” says Moitra. “The solution we have built with this client tends to reduce the cost of overall transformation — and it is just the beginning; the components leveraged in this solution are part of a new business transformation platform we are developing, called EY Nexus for Wealth and Asset Management.”

Transforming financial services

EY Nexus is a business transformation platform that accelerates innovation and powers frictionless customer experiences.

Gurdeep Batra

Strategist. Transformation leader. Technologist. Innovator. Entrepreneur. Diversity, equity, and inclusion advocate. Husband. Father. Volunteer.

Sandeep Kumar

Deep experience in technology strategy, wealth platforms, and accelerating business growth. Supports business transformation and improves operational efficiencies.

Sourav Moitra

Passionate about new technologies, innovation, and creativity. Two decades of experience working with asset and wealth managers. Loves to travel. Passion for the outdoors and adventures with his dogs.

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EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.