Basic design and construction design: the differences
The basic design defines the building and is used to apply for the permit; the construction design details it in order to build and compare tenders.
Industry highlights
How many square metres per person does an office need?
The law requires 2 m² of free floor space and 10 m³ per worker, but an office is sized at between 8 and 15 m² in total per person depending on its layout.
How close to the boundary can you build?
The distance to the boundary is set by the municipal ordinance: between 3 and 5 m for detached houses and zero for terraced, semi-detached or party-wall homes.
What is the difference between a retail park and a shopping centre?
The difference between a retail park and a shopping centre lies in their format, the way they are accessed, the type of…
What are the differences between a shopping centre, a retail park and a shopping arcade?
The differences between a shopping centre, a retail park and a shopping arcade come down to their format, location, shopping experience, type…
What is branding applied to an architectural project?
Branding applied to an architectural project means integrating a brand's identity into the design and experience of the built space. It is…
Industry highlights
Practical guides on architecture, construction and interior design: permits and licences, building costs and timelines, regulations, materials and trends, explained by the Estudio Cabana team.
In “Industry highlights” we answer the questions we are asked every week at the studio: when a building permit is required and how long it takes, what separates a basic design from a construction project, how the price per square metre is calculated or how high a wall between neighbours can be. The articles are written by architects and interior designers from the regulations and from our experience on site.
If your question is about a specific project, see architecture studio in Madrid to find out how we work and tell us about your case.
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Other topics
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Design of shops and commercial spaces: types of shopping centres and retail parks, refits and renovations, spatial branding and the keys to retail that works.
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Hotels
Hotel architecture and interior design: what defines a hotel, how its spaces are organised and what to consider when designing or renovating one.
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Office and workplace design: office types, floor area per person, wellbeing and productivity, and the keys to designing or renovating an office.
4 articles
Residential
Articles on housing: house design, orientation and plot selection, full renovations, residential trends and the keys to deciding between building and buying.
20 articlesIndustry highlights
Practical guides on architecture, construction and interior design: permits and licences, building costs and timelines, regulations, materials and trends, explained by the Estudio Cabana team.
63 articles