Architectural Design

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2nd ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design

Job No: CPD0810-27/4028

082-103 Chapter 3 final (3.2)_.qxd:layouts to chapter one 8/18/10 2:00 PM Page 103

Mapping exercise

Architects’ observations of a site need to be a more analytical

and heightened version of the way that the inhabitants of the

place naturally absorb its qualities every day. To get the most

out of a site visit the architect must plan ahead: what type of

information is needed, what questions need to be answered?

The graphical language and techniques of maps are of

particular interest to architects wishing to understand and

represent data gathered on site. Maps represent particular

types of data such as spot heights, landmarks or road types

in relationship to each other at the same scale, normally

in plan view. To retain legibility, a map also excludes data

considered to be irrelevant for its purpose. The architect

must make similar decisions about which aspects of a

complex reality are most relevant to the project. Mapping

this information enables the architect to find connections

between significant elements of the project and deepen their

understanding of the place.

Visit the site. In the area around the project site, record the

location and appearance of:

1 An event that happens once at random during the site visit.

2 Infrastructure or other evidence of a process relevant to the

function of the project.

3 An element that occurs frequently in the area around the site.

Pin a site plan on the wall and plot all of the observations

on to it using pins, string, thread, found objects and cut-out

representations of the elements observed. Photograph this

mapping of the existing situation. Spend five minutes

considering the patterns of use and inter-relationships

between the elements observed.

Make one change. For example:

1 What if the event happened every month?

2 What if the infrastructure was removed?

3 What if the location of the elements were altered?

Rearrange the mapping to represent the change that

is proposed and the way that the other elements would

respond to it.

Clients, users and brief ›

Site, context and place

› Initial ideas

Text

2nd ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design

Job No: CPD0810-27/4028

082-103 Chapter 3 final (3.2)_.qxd:layouts to chapter one 8/18/10 2:00 PM Page 103