...designing is impossible without information about a specific problem,
design precedents, and the world in which we live.
N. Crowe, P. Laseau

Introduction

Now that you have observed, recorded and represented an existing space in a variety of ways you are to engage in a process of critical speculation about the space. If it is understood that all architectural drawings are to some degree abstractions of a perceived reality then diagrams occupy the most abstract end of the spectrum. The abstract nature of diagrams enables the designer to analyze existing environments and to translate complex concepts into simpler notions. The designer's thinking is facilitated and expedited through the use of symbols and other notations. In general the process of abstraction entails the leaving out of information that is not pertinent to a particular category or thought, or idea, and the representation of elements that are.

Objectives

• To encourage abstract thinking
• To introduce diagrams as an aid to architectural thinking
• To encourage speculation about architectural phenomena
• To introduce basic geometric design principles

Project

This exercise asks you to develop a series of analytical diagrams that elucidate the issues listed below. Designing, drawing and refining clear diagrams usually involves working with a referent, symbols for the category, annotation and a label.

Issues

• Underlying geometric structure
• Regulating lines, square, Golden Mean and root 2 rectangles
• Symmetry vs. asymmetry
• Center vs. edge
• Primary vs. secondary spaces
• Multiple and overlapping spatial readings
• Sequence and movement
• Light
• Implied tectonics
• ... this list is not exhaustive and you may add other issues

Procedure

On your sketch pad develop a series of diagrams, each one expressing one idea that you have discovered about the character of the assigned space. The diagrams can address components, properties and relationships of spatial elements as well as the geometric properties underlying the space. Explore these ideas both in plan and in section.

Requirements

• A minimum of six diagrams arranged on one sheet, pencil on white paper.
• Label each diagram appropriately.

Evaluation Criteria

• Ability to discover architectural phenomena in an existing spaces
• Graphic quality of diagrams in expressing architectural phenomena and/or architectural thinking
• Care in execution of diagrams: line hierarchy, line quality, composition

Reading

• Ching, Frank. Architecture: Form, Space, and Order, second ed.
  Ch. 3 Form & Space, pages 91 - 175,
  Ch. 6 Proportion and Scale, pp. 277 - 291, 313 -317, and
  Ch. 7 Principles, pages 319 - 369 , esp. 321 (visual summary).
• Ching, Frank. Architectural Graphics, third ed.
  Ch. 6, pages 158 - 163.
• Ching, Frank. Design Drawing. Pages 289 - 301 (handout)

Schedule

To be announced by your instructor.