In "Signal. Image. Architecture.," John May argues that traditional drawing in architecture has been overtaken by technics of imaging since the advent of software like AutoCAD. He highlights that contemporary architectural practices are now focused on digital image creation, detaching from the hands-on skill of drawing. This shift has left younger architects with no familiarity with manual drawing techniques, reflecting a broader change in technical production methodologies.
This evolution signifies the replacement of orthographic production's historical and temporal relationships with a new culture centered on imaging. Despite the persistent, hand-crafted nature of architecture, the industry still relies on two-dimensional representations derived from digital models, awaiting a future where digital constructs play a direct role in building processes. In this context, senior practitioners strive to instill an understanding of traditional orthographic documents and their relevance, even as digital tools dominate.
The book prompts reflection on whether the analogy of ‘drawing with words’ still holds validity in a digital-first design landscape. It questions whether such analogies remain meaningful in a world where traditional drawing practices are essentially obsolete. This contemplation acknowledges the complexities and ongoing transitions within the field of architecture.
Read more...Further to this older post I have been thinking about the book again, and what it may offer to its readers. I had an interesting pathway into design, one that combined the formal and spatial composition typically associated with architectural design with the crafting of words, sentences and meaning in the service of the design effort. I think the book will offer students of architecture and design an alternative pathway to that typically pursued in the profession, transposing the desire for 'design' (the verb) into the world of 'writing' (also a verb). Not one or the other; not exclusively defining the overall effort in one medium or another - rather, a combinatory pathway into a career in design.
Will I manage to pull it off? I am uncertain. Nevertheless, here goes.
Read more...Who is it for?
It is for students of architecture and design who want to write like a designer.
Read more...Writing here in the third person: in this reflective piece, I emphasize the importance of pausing to consider the motivations and beneficiaries of my efforts. By taking a moment to intentionally reflect, I aim to ensure my actions are aligned with my goals and values. This underscores a commitment to thoughtful, step-by-step progress rather than rushing forward without purpose. Or something like that.
Read more...In the summer of 1990, before starting architecture school, I watched the British documentary series "Architecture at the Crossroads," sparking a vocational and intense interest in this strange thing called architecture. This wasn't a burning emotional love, but rather an appreciation for a discipline I could bring into my world—a world of complex yet fascinating puzzles that influenced people's everyday lives.
The documentary portrayed architecture as a social endeavor, turning mundane built environments into compositions that spoke a physical language of form, repetition, pattern, materiality, and space. Particularly impactful was the episode on Japanese houses, with Hiroshi Hara's Awazu house standing out for its astonishingly literal and symmetrical design, vastly different from my suburban Australian upbringing, evoking a sense of open-ended possibility.
Stay tuned for more insights.
Read more...In refining my Instagram marketing strategy, I had to define a clear target audience for the project. This focused effort ensures that the communication aligns with a clear strategy and effective segmenting. The project's aim is to create a non-fiction pamphlet that explores the relationship between writing and design, though the exact thesis is still evolving.
The book will touch on various interconnected ideas, as depicted in an initial diagram. Taking inspiration from Seth Godin's concept of 'genre' in his book *The Practice*, the work will fit within an established framework while responding to specific concerns. Recognizing that true originality is rare, our goal is to provide a clear and comprehensible context for our audience.
Architectural pamphlets, which are concise and centered on a single idea, serve as a model for this project. This format contrasts with comprehensive works, offering a brief yet impactful exploration of the topic at hand. More updates will follow as the project progresses.
Read more...The blog post introduces a diagram outlining three domains of design, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these domains. It explains that the focus will be on writing as a subset of the overall design process, highlighting the importance of understanding how each part relates. The author expresses uncertainty about the diagram's finality but chooses to share it now for further contemplation.
Read more...The book is designed for anyone who has been through architecture or design school, whether or not they have achieved licensure or registration. It emphasizes that many who complete architecture programs don't become formal architects, but can still carry a deep passion for the art of architecture. This passion and experience can be a foundation for exploring other creative and professional avenues.
Unregistered professionals can view their provisional status either as a limitation or as an opportunity. Instead of feeling inadequate without the official title, they can see the lack of definition as a chance to explore limitless possibilities in their design and creative work. The book encourages leveraging the uncertainty and undefined status to discover unique personal and professional identities.
For those who endured the rigorous critique and challenges of architecture school, the book offers a blueprint for harnessing their design passion in a new medium. It doesn't aim to replace the traditional aspects of architecture but to add another dimension to it through language, writing, and text. The goal is to reignite the desire to create and transpose it into a form where one can "draw with words."
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