When it comes to sketching, the image that comes to life in the architects’ minds and the idea that comes to the painters’ minds may differ. However, these preliminary works are of great importance for the creation of both designers and artists. These can then be evaluated for advanced levels or simply provide an idea to the person. Regardless, one cannot overlook the importance of sketching as a way of working. Let’s take a closer look at this method; intensive thinker minds use it while their thoughts are bouncing around.
The Basis of Thinking Like an Architect
The sketch is the name given to drawing drafts that were created quickly and not fully finished. However, when it comes to architectural drawings, these sketches become very important. So much so that many architects prefer to make quick and intuitive doodles in the first steps of design. In this way, they can convey their thoughts on paper without interrupting their studies. Of course, we can use different methods to present the first ideas, which differ from person to person. However, in architecture, where visuality is at the forefront, making a quick sketch can sometimes tell more than long paragraphs.
Many designers, from the most significant architects to amateurs, work this way. That is why the first sketches of critical architectural works are so important today. We can follow that structure’s thought process that we admire now, step by step, on those old doodles.
Content of the Sketch
There is no single way to make architectural sketches. Sketching is not a field with a rule and a single line and is also very suitable for customization. For an already made sketch to stand out, it must have a truly unique feature. Otherwise, it would be one of the thousands of sketch drawings in countless visual resources.
Of course, one should consider expressing the place or the other person’s land while sketching. But after all, a sketch is not an application project. For this reason, you can reinterpret the existing situations at the discretion of the architect. For example, in a large field sketch, you may not have captured every element on paper. While creating his sketch, the architect may consider the points he deems vital for the existing area and his project and highlight them in his drawing. On the contrary, he could draw trees on a barren land for a structure he’s outlined. Thus, that work becomes a sketch of both the building and the landscape plan because no building can be considered independent of its environment.
Sketching’s Power of Expression
Sketching is generally the fastest and easiest method among architectural drawing methods. It has no rules, and you don’t need to follow the scale. Moreover, everyone can show their style here. However, this does not mean that you may underestimate sketching’s power of expression. The expressions of sketch drawings are sometimes so powerful that they stay better in one’s mind rather than the original structure. So they replace the originals.
It is essential to have a unique style to capture this powerful expression in sketches. The aesthetic aspects of this can be shaped according to the person’s taste and can change over time. However, if one personalizes their style, it is definite that their sketch remains in mind among many other similar ones.
It is also essential to use a human figure to reinforce expression in architectural sketches. The human figure also helps the architect in the drawing phase. Thus, one should create a sense of scale in their drawing, and the viewers can put themselves in the shoes of the person they see on paper.
Finally, depth and colors! The density and use of these are again entirely shaped according to personal preferences. Some architects prefer to create their sketches with a single pen, while others may use more than one. There may be some who prefer to color their drawings while working only in black and white.
When it comes to sketching, it is necessary to experiment to find a personal style continually. Only in this way is it possible to make technical and aesthetic progress and to improve pen control.