Felipe is an architect working with a client who wants her office building to have the quality of a soaring cathedral in its main interior space, which should extend to the ceiling and have the tiers of the offices arranged around this massive open area in a terraced effect. She also wants an eclectic look for the reception and office areas, blending styles and materials, adding in ornate flourishes wherever possible, and creating an almost maze-like feel. Felipe is perplexed about what the client really wants. How would it be best for him to proceed?
Design to the eclectic style idea but have each floor embody a different aesthetic principle.
Design to the maze idea but make the design more uniform and don’t have such a massive open area.
Design to the cathedral idea and concentrate on giving the open interior space a secular cathedral feel.
Explain to the client that the desired styles are contradictory and show her several design alternatives.
In this situation, the best approach for Felipe would be to explain to the client that the desired styles are contradictory and show her several design alternatives. This option allows him to engage in a constructive dialogue with the client, clarifying her vision and addressing any potential conflicts between the soaring cathedral aesthetic and the eclectic, maze-like feel she desires.
By presenting several design alternatives, Felipe can explore different ways to balance the grandeur of the cathedral-like space with the eclectic and ornate elements she wants. This approach not only demonstrates his expertise as an architect but also ensures that the final design aligns with the client's true vision while addressing any practical concerns that may arise from combining such diverse styles. It also opens the door for collaboration, allowing the client to refine her ideas based on visual examples and professional guidance.