concerned with space and symbolism, while office
buildings focus upon structure and surface) or the dictates
of context. Whether as a student of architecture, a
professional involved in the construction industry, or as an
interested lay person, a visual awareness sharpened by
use of the sketchbook leads quite naturally to a sensitivity
towards design.
Many designers employ the freehand drawing to help
develop their ideas. A completed design proposal does
not happen all at once; rather it grows from a series of
early sketches and abstract probings. The sketch plan or
section allows the architect to grasp the complexity of the
subject and develop particular strands. The methods
employed in reaching an understanding of an existing
building or place are much the same as those used to
develop a design proposal. Such drawings have the prime
objective of explaining to the architect aspects of the
design. A series of sketch drawings are normally
prepared, each representing a layer of development or an
aspect of the design. They can be used in three important
ways:- to relate new design proposals to the existing
structure of site and buildings; - to communicate the broad design strategy to others
involved in the creative process; - to analyse and explain aspects of the design to
oneself.
Mention has already been made of how Charles Rennie
Mackintosh and Richard Reid use the freehand drawing
as part of the creative act. For many architects and
engineers the sketch is an essential starting point for any
design proposal. The investigation of options and the
development of particular avenues of thought are best
achieved through the medium of the freehand sketch.23.3 a, b and c
Another sequence of a photograph and sketches remodels Great Western Road in
Glasgow by removing the traffic and planting trees. Notice how the first drawing
begins to edit out the unnecessary information of the photograph.
From sketch to design 219