Representational Techniques for Architecture

Lorraine Farrelly, Nicola Crowson

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Year: 2015
• ISBN:
  9781474239264
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Architecture
• Subtopic: Architecture Design

The techniques used to represent architectural design are examined in Representational Techniques for Architecture. A broad array of methodologies for developing architectural ideas are described, ranging from two- and three-dimensional conceptual sketches, through to the working drawings required for the construction of buildings. The book offers a range of practical drawing methods, showing how to present and plan layouts, make conceptual sketches, work with scale, use collage and photomontage to create contemporary images, along with techniques to prepare and plan design portfolios.The book also deals with contemporary computer modelling and drawing techniques.

In the second edition, 25% of the material is new: many of the images have been updated, and new case studies have been added, for example architect studios such as Coophimmelblau and C J Lim/Studio 8 architects. Additional case studies are drawn from American and international architectural practices and studios. The most up-to-date CAD technology is examined along with illustrations showing how it can be used to create architectural models and plans. The enhanced project sections encourage students to explore further the techniques that they have acquired.

1 Sketch

A sketch needs to be quick, loose and open. It is the speed inherent in this sort of drawing that makes it a powerful way to describe an idea. Forms of sketching can range from visual note-taking, observing real conditions and situations, to the production of analytical drawings that deconstruct an idea or concept. Sketches can be categorized according to concept, analysis and observation.

Conceptual sketches can reveal the essence of a complex idea. The challenge in the concept sketch is to clearly and concisely communicate the design intention. A concept sketch may be drawn at the beginning of the project, and it should still be relevant on the project’s completion.

Analytical sketches can be used to analyze a building, space or component. These can be created at any stage of the design process. In a project’s initial stages they may convey a design intention; later on in the design process they can explain ideas associated with journeys through the building or aspects of construction.

Observational sketches can be used to describe aspects of buildings, exploring materials or space in detail. This type of drawing is about careful consideration of a view, exploring an aspect of a space or place and taking time to record it.

There are many sketching techniques that can be explored and further developed until individual preferences and a personal style are established. A personal sketching technique needs to be developed through practice and experimentation. Carry a sketchbook with you so that you can record ideas, and work through concepts—it’s an extension of memory. Practice will improve observation and drawing skill.

1.1 Project: Conceptual proposal for a health living center
Location: Leigh Park, Hampshire, UK
Designer: Jonny Sage

This charcoal sketch shows the conceptual relationship between an idea for a building and how it connects to the surrounding landscape. The heaviness of the charcoal lines represents the solidity of the building forms and the accents of blue represent pools of water.

Tools and materials

Sketching requires a range of tools, and first and foremost is the sketchbook itself. When selecting a sketchbook, important factors to consider are convenience, portability, and the purpose of your intended drawings. It’s also important to purchase the best quality paper you can afford. Better quality paper will be more flexible as it will work equally well if sketching in pencil or pen, or if using watercolors.

An A4 (210 x 297 mm or 8.3 x 11.7 inches) sketchbook is a good starting point, as the page is large enough to accommodate experimentation with different sketching techniques, and it allows bigger images to be produced. Alternatively, an A5 (148 x 210 mm or 5.8 x 8.3 inches) sketchbook is very useful for travel because it fits neatly into a pocket and can be carried easily. An A3 (297 x 420 mm or 11.7 x 16.5 inches) sketchbook is excellent for life and large-scale observational drawings (such as elevations).

1.2 Project: Living Bridge proposal
Location: Aalborg, Denmark
Designer: Joshua Kievenaar

This perspective sketch depicts a view across a bridge towards the city of Aalborg, Denmark. It uses mixed media to suggest the quality of the materials of the bridge, water, and sky. The perspective and white foreground draw the eye to the center of the image and to the city skyline in the distance.

Line hierarchy

When sketching, it is an excellent idea to have a range of pens, pencils, and coloring media at your disposal because the thickness of the lines in a sketch are extremely important. There is a hierarchy associated with the line, and its values vary in sketching. A fine line can be used for shading and detail, and a thicker, heavier line will suggest form and substance.

Different drawing media will affect the line hierarchy. Fiber-tip pens, which are available in a range of nib sizes, are useful for capturing detail. Pencils can also supply a range of line weights as well as being available in soft (B) and hard (H) leads. Using varied pencil types will allow a range of differently styled sketches to be developed. A 0.5 mm propelling pencil, with a range of hard and soft leads, is another versatile drawing tool.

Sketching with a black-ink pen is an important skill to develop because the contrast that the ink line produces against the paper, and the permanence of the line, results in a definite image.

One tool that is probably unnecessary is an eraser. When sketching, practice is very important and even the mistakes can be important lessons, so it makes sense not to rub them out. Remember, a sketchbook is a collection of drawings, and it reflects the development of techniques and ideas. It is also about developing confidence and seeing the progress in drawing technique.

Tools for architectural drawing

To enjoy sketching, and achieve a range of results, it is important to have different sorts of equipment to experiment with. Simple drawings can be produced with a single sheet of paper and a pencil. Then, by further considering the type of pencil and the type of paper, the possible variations are endless. With each drawing, experiment with a new tool or medium. Listed here is a range of equipment that can help you vary and further your drawing experiences.

Mechanical pencils (0.3 or 0.5 mm)

Fiber-tip pens (0.2, 0.5, 0.8 mm)

Adjustable set square (20 cm or 8 x 8 inches)

45-degree set square

60-degree set square

Circle template

Architect’s scale rule (30 cm or 12 inches)

Roll of white tracing paper

Roll of sketch and trace/detail paper

A3 (297 x 420 mm or 11.7 x 16.5 inches) tracing paper block (60 gsm or 40.5 lbs)

Drawing board

Sketchbook

Tape measure

Set of French curves

Conceptual sketches

Architectural ideas or concepts are described in a form of sketch shorthand. A conceptual explanation of how a building works can sometimes be conveyed in a simple line drawing. Conversely, the concept may be more complex and so require a series of sketches to fully explain the underlying idea.

A concept can be related to any aspect of the architectural design process. For example, an urban concept might reference the scale of a city or location, or a material concept could describe the different details of a building and how they are connected together. The architectural concept can be conveyed in both the macro and micro elements of a scheme design.

At any stage of the process, the concept is something that drives the design forward and as such it needs to be recorded. A sketch is a quick, easy, and useful way to do this, and a concept sketch can take many forms.

1.3 Project: Oxford Brookes University Campus
Location: Oxford, UK
Architect: Design Engine

A parti drawing is reductive; it displays a complex...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Contents
• Introduction
• 1 Sketch
• 2 Scale
• 3 Orthographic Projection
• 4 Three-dimensional (3D) Images
• 5 Modeling
• 6 Layout and Presentation
• Conclusion
• Glossary
• Further resources
• Acknowledgements and Picture credits
• eCopyright