Designer's Choice: The Importance of Conceptual Sketching

    If you know me, you know how much I enjoy sketching conceptional designs and architectural structures. What started off as just a hobby soon transformed into a stress-reliever, and then into regular practice that directly relates to my major, which helps me convey what I am thinking and feeling. Architects and designers don't typically sketch as an art, but more as a mean s to an end. We draw with the sole purpose of showing the observer our world of space that could be reality. A space that can make someone feel whatever we want them to feel. Anxiety, sadness, confusion, excitement, or even amazement. We hold that power within the tip of a pencil.

    Architectural sketching is a unique way of what we see. It isn't photorealistic, with perfect lines and shading and all color "within the lines", and that is kind of the point. Architectural sketching is suppose to be quick and messy, with overlapping corners and tons of notes and rough lines. Within all those lines, there is beauty and thought put in. Other architects are able to read those sketches as plans and projects, and follow along with the author. Sketching is a practical tool. It is an international language that is quicker than digital construction, and even easier to modify. It should be the first step when trying out new ideas or solving problems for any particular project, especially during the early stages of the design process.

(Frank Gehry's Sketch)

    I'm sure you have seen some of the more famous architects' sketches. They are impressive, not because they are the most clear and realistic, but because there is a clear intent and want behind them. The artist has a vision of what could be, and they want to show you a glimpse of it through their eyes. Personally, I believe that this type of sketching should be more common amongst architects and designers, as it is a tool that engages problem solving skills and hand coordination. It is a great exercise for your brain and allows for great improvement of visual comunication. To be honest, you don't even have to be necessarily good at sketching, but being comfortable with picking up a napkin and Sharpee and sketching out a new idea for a client shows a lot about your resourcefulness.

    So pick up your drafting pencil. Open your sketchbook, and just draw a square, and from there add another shape into it and soon enough you will see it slowly transform into what you want. It will take practice and discipline, but once you get to a certain point excitement will fill you because you have just unlocked the ability to communicate through a new language that will aid you for your entire lives.

Sources:

Marica. (2016, November 10). The Importance of Sketching. Studio MM Architect. https://maricamckeel.com/importance-architectural-sketching/

Important, A. (2014). Why Sketching Is An Important Part of The Design Process. DNN Software. https://www.dnnsoftware.com/blog/why-sketching-is-an-important-part-of-the-design-process