01 | Analysis
Analysis is the process by which one uncovers the possible intentions
and strategies behind a design, as well as the important characteristics that set that work apart from other works. Analysis is conducted by understanding, abstracting, and interpreting the systems of a precedent. These systems include such things as structure, circulation, public versus private spaces, solids versus voids, repetitive versus unique, geometry, hierarchy, and massing. The most common method of analyis is diagramming, the recording of the systems of a precedent and its important characteristics through abstraction
26 Principles of Design
and reduction. Diagramming allows one to gain increased familiarity with the
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systems of a precedent, to understand how these various systems interplay, and to gain awareness of common themes across multiple precedents. Through analysis, one gains the capacity to make critical design decisions and obtains a repertoire of design solutions in which can be used in later projects or which can inspire new solutions.
