< Go Back Art in Architecture Posted: Jun 2, 2016The Art in Architecture
How can an architect win clients make his schemes
stand out and be successful? In my view, the designer needs flair, ideas,
talent, artistic creativity, perseverance and the ability to turn the design
into a technical masterpiece of form… turning a dream design into reality…. A
real 3-D bricks and mortar dwelling/building and perhaps a work of art.
Here, I aim to focus on ways architects and interior
designers can create their projects, what medium to use, for example, hand
drawn sketches and computer aided design and how it can aid the completion of a
successful project
When I started out, every project design was hand
drawn in pencil, in rotary pen etc. We learnt the art of drawing and
alterations could be done quickly, with the aid of a razorblade and rubber and
presented in a creative way!
A major
advantage to this method is that the designer was directly associated in the
design and the finished format, whereas many CAD designers have told me they
feel less associated with the computerised design process. Hence the depth of
creativity and understanding of form and space, in which we work is more
thorough.
Now a substantial part of an architect’s work is
created in 2D and sometimes, 3-D rendering services, such as CAD architectural
software, where we can create 2D and 3-D modeling. Quite intensive work at the
beginning, whereas the initial hand drawn idea can quickly lead to artistic
creation
In my view, there is a time and place for both hand
drawn sketches and computer aided design during the life cycle of the
project. Both methods have their
pluses and minuses, but with the right mix can provide a complimentary
combination to enhance the project’s success.
Hand-drawn Sketches
Pluses
•
These can be undertaken quickly . Many
architects enjoy creating hand drawn sketches, and we like to think we are good
at it. This is the fastest way to reflect the work of your imagination. Ideal
for sketch schemes, ideas and option drawings.
•
Sketching gives us freedom . As an architect
this gives me freedom for creating anything within the bounds of my
imagination. It is easy to prepare a few sketch schemes on tracing paper to
show ideas to the client, options
to view and make decisions. It aids quick decision-making.
.
•
Drawing develops our creative and artistic side , attention
to detail and whether the design can be feasible. Clients like hand drawn
sketch and consider it more personal.
Drawing on tracing
paper the proposed outline sketches can be fast and variations in design shown
quickly
Minuses
•
Ruin the cartridge paper . We need
to be accurate when drawing on paper. It is more difficult to erase a mistake
from a sheet of paper than to click “remove”. You can also spoil your
drawing by accident – for example, spilling water on paper
•
Remember here is only one original.
.
•
Digital copy . Nowadays,
if the project goes ahead, in most cases, you will need to start to use CAD to
get an electronic version of surveys, plans, building control etc
Computer Aided Design
Pluses
•
In the long run with most repetitive designs, it
saves you time . At first, 2D and 3D graphics may seem
difficult to learn, but the time spent on learning is worth it. As soon as you
complete two or three projects, you will find out how to spend less time on
creating your design in CAD, when you come to the design, planning and building
control stages.
•
The end results are precise … providing
the data input is accurate.
•
CAD can still enable a creative style . Your
projects will still reflect your creative skills but from a different method
and viewpoint.
•
It is faster to share . In this
digital age, it is important to distribute the information quickly. CAD
drawings can be sent by email, shown on the computer or even on the smart
phone. It is more convenient than carrying around your hand drawings. However,
you can scan in hand drawings to distribute them electronically.
Minuses
•
Licensed software is expensive.
Data Input
need to be accurate . Rubbish in = rubbish out.
•
Exaggeration. 3D rendering services .
•
Limitation of
creative association with design . The sense of space,
form and reality maybe diminished.
Conclusion
I am sure this subject will be debated for some time
In my view, we need to use both hand-drawn sketch
schemes and designs made by 2D and 3D render services. Both are important,
depending upon the type, size and project budget, at the right stage. A
designer should present to the client both hand-drawn sketches and 2D and
sometimes 3D renders. However it is crucial to use these methods at the right
stage of development of the project. It is a way of communicating.
CAD construction drawings are easy to amend, send
electronically to the client, building control and associated consultants at
early design stages
Hand drawings are a quick creative solution when you
have to create a first general impression of the projects and it is easy to
make amendments for the client. There is also a lot of freedom using pencil
from which the design can flow freely, turning dreams into reality
When the
client has decided on the scheme and it is time to proceed with the planning
stage, 2D and 3D CAD services enable the creation of a precise interpretation
of the building, constructing an agreed design for the client proceeding
through the life cycle of the project.
