useful fields of inquiry. Armed with a sketchbook and
plenty of time, the student should be able to visit a
building and, through making descriptive or analytical
drawings, come away with an enhanced appreciation of
architectural design.
It is remarkable how many buildings by famous
architects exist in most European cities. Wherever you
live, it should be possible to analyse a building of real
worth. As a resident of Glasgow I have the works of
Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Alexander ‘Greek’
Thomson on my doorstep, and should I live in Edinburgh
or London, I would have the buildings of Robert Adam or
Richard Rogers to explore. The examples given here are
from Glasgow’s two great architects, together with
sketchbook studies of Le Corbusier’s Ronchamp Chapel
and various buildings by Antonio Gaudi. Sketches of
works by the latter are the result of visits to France and
Spain specifically to experience, record and explore the
works of these two fine European architects.
It is important to seek out the works of major
architects. Experiencing buildings and places first hand is
infinitely more valuable than studying their designs by
way of slides and construction drawings. The sketch
heightens the act of experience, and forces the observer
into a critical relationship with the subject. A systematic
approach is desired, though many undertake the freehand
drawing in a more spontaneous fashion.
Depending upon the building, the sketchbook analysis
will probably move from the exploration of the whole to
the detail, and from the edge to the interior. Such features22.9 (far left)
The Norman carving on the capital of
each of the nave columns at Bayeux
Cathedral varies from one column to
the next. This sketch is one of a series
that chart the differences along the
nave.22.10 (left)
Industrial architecture provides some
of the most sculptural subjects for
those intent on learning about design.
This crane is to be found at Harwich.208 Understanding architecture through drawing