VIII. a+I architecture

VIII. a+I architecture
http://www.aplusi.com/

Navigation:
Most interesting website I had ever seem. There are a lot of interacting between the website and people with a clear understanding of using. It is organized in a really creative way. The first time enter the website, it does not seem like any architecture firm’s website that I had seem. It looks like a website for photo gallery, which also the reason people get attracted and stay with the website. Everything is clearly labeled; therefore, the website is really user friendly. Very well structured website with clear hierarchy! All the categories and sub-categories are list clearly with really organized gridded sample images of projects. Although the impression the website give is new and inexperience, after navigate around will notice that the firm is well experienced and care about their potential client a lot. That is why the website is really easy for everyone to navigate around.

Architecture:
The architecture of the a+I architecture’s website is really well thought out. The structure and orientation are very clear and precise and consistent, which allow people to navigate around easily. In some sense, the overall website seems with elaborate design, which illustrates the precise goal and philosophy of the firm. The website is also really straight forward, what you see is what you get. Two different ways to select project makes the website stronger especially when both option function really well.

Content / Typography:
The impression created by the organization and simplicity of the typography and its interacting with people. Nothing overwhelming, everything appears with just right proportion, giving precise amount at once to give better understanding. The graphic and the layout of the website emphasis how the firm understands the importance of 3d visual effect and creativity in architecture field. The most interesting part of this website is that there is no standard banner as other firm’s website to list out the categories. Only two major contents are shown, which are “sort” and “a+I”. There is nothing I would change to this website. It is really well designed and clearly shows the purpose of it.

Grid / Structure:
This is a very interactive website with consistent structure and grid system after entering any specific categories. The main “sort” and “a+I” icon stay at the same location throughout navigation, which allow people to refer back to the original page to continue searching. However, that also causes problems. The consistent spot of “sort” is somehow also over right on the top of the listed sample images, which allow people to click into to see detail of the project. The consistent location of the search is really strong; therefore, the list of the sample project should be rearranged in different way or different zone of the page. Not as other website, the clean and comprehensible of the website does not lose people’s excitement. Anyhow, the website is clearly promoting an architecture firm in a really creative and interactive way.

Iconography / Imagery:
A very inspired introduction page keeps people interested. All the sample images places as they are photography lay on a table with really realistically view. All the sample images are with consistent size and decent proportion what already give a sense of project. After select any specific project, all the images cover almost the whole page with good quality, which enhance the space and design. Also not all the images are photo some are sketches and plan of the space, which give more life to the project and the firm. There is no confusing about “next” photo. The cursor turns into a cursor with arrow, which allows people to move back and forth between photo. A simple structure website with creative elements helps to keep viewer on the site to create more interaction.

Color Palette:
The black background with contrast white border around each icon and images allows all elements to pop out. Both main icons are highlights with two contrast colors, green and orange. They both are also the most saturated color when compare to other elements. However, that enhances the purpose and importance of both icons. Majority of the texts are in white, which contrast to the black background color and color of images. The texts are also with perfect font size, which clearly shows the purpose.

Site Focus:
The focus of the website is obvious. It is promoting architecture and design in a really creative view. The strongest part of this website is the design of the website. It is design from viewer’s point of view, which make everyone who is on the navigation really comfortable. Also open people’s view about the interconnection between different types of design. The only issue of this well structured website is that the content of each project are not detail enough, which mean I wish there are description about the concept of the project not just the location, size, and date.