Drawing the building and building the drawing

Abstract

The way we build is inherently bound to methods implemented when representing any proposed intervention. Superficially, it would seem that the techniques used for representing architecture have rapidly progressed, especially with regard to the influence technology has on the depiction of architectural form in a graphically accessible manner. However, when critically examining the consequential products that arise from either method, it becomes evident that very little has been gained through employing these new methods of creation and depiction. Through accepting, wholeheartedly, drawing conventions adapted from generation to generation- combined with the digitisation of methods used for depicting architectural intent and/or instruction, a schism emerged. There exists a divide between the act of drawing, and the primal meaning represented through the product. To escape the doldrums created by the aforementioned condition, this dissertation presents a fourfold investigation on ‘architectural drawing’ as entity. The four individual chapters should be understood as reflections on the methodological approaches employed in the formation of the resulting intervention. The summarised topics are as follows: It is important to note that all the drawings presented in this document were done by hand, and drawn with considerable love and precision. As such, The drawings are intended to be carefully studied and contemplated - with specific regard to the preceding text - in order to create a holistic view of the project. The resulting intervention is informed by, and thus a direct product of, investigative sketches that act as research- and mapping devices. This process enables the communication of internalised ideas, both to oneself and to others. Since communication is fully dependent on the clear translation of ideas, drawings become the embodiment of the formulated approach, instead of a representation of internalised ideas. The programme housed by the resulting architecture aims to further strengthen the proposed theoretical premise through emphasising the impact that drawing has on spatial hierarchy. The act of drawing possesses the power to define or alter perceptions of hierarchal value contained within artefacts. through manipulating the emphasis placed on an object within a drawing it becomes possible to manipulate it’s perceived importance.