Drawings are essential for several reasons but their real value transcends the realm of ‘reason’.
We spend alot of time on the computer preparing CAD drawings which are very helpful for recording (archiving) and copy and pasting however computer aided drawing on its own is detrimental to keeping an open mind. Keeping an open mind is an essential characteristic for designing and for enjoying what we do. We always try to impart this open-minded energy through our designs. This is so important given the repetitive and routine patterns that our lives are encouraged to live. Counter balancing drawing with different techniques and technologies encourages an open-minded attitude. We use computer programs, pencil sketches and charcoal drawings, photographs, montages and scale model-making to name only a few ways of drawing. We also ensure we visit new places regularly to keep learning and to help maintain this ‘open mindedness’.
Drawings are also used to communicate the materiality, massing and atmosphere of buildings and spaces to our clients and others. They are essential for forming Building Contracts. Without them anything goes! Drawings help our clients to explore their options and to clarify the detailed construction of the building work to the builder.
Most important of all is where the art of drawing transcends being a ‘tool’. Drawing is more than that. It lets us look closely at things and to consider and question things more carefully. How have we come to live our lives like this? Why have we sacrificed certain things? Are these conscious decisions or have they just happened to us? Drawing reminds us how beautiful Nature is. I do not mean the nature of landscapes but rather our human nature, the nature of our real selves, who we are. From this understanding we can then start to think about the design of buildings.
