Art in Architecture

Art in Architecture

Why drawing systems matter and what that means to all of us

Like so many of my associates, I have always felt that in Architecture, the labor of craftsmen should stem from a well thought through design. The design process itself should come from a carefully thought through plan and executed as a work of art.  So the entire process of getting something built can be a beautiful form, from start to finish.  Otherwise, what is the purpose of just throwing something out there as technical garbage to be built from.  If Designers & Architects expect something beautiful to come from their drawings, shouldn't beauty be built into their plans and design?  Is it really enough to just have a technical drawing in hopes to have a structure built?

Maybe I'm over romanticizing the idea that blueprints and construction drawings have always been a thing of beauty.  If I look at Jefferson's designs and blueprints, using the University of Virginia's design (as seen above); I could very well imagine this piece framed in my office. That is my intent and purpose during design, the entire process should be a worthwhile endeavor.

So, in order to follow through and produce a set of plans; I don't think it's enough to simply have ideas and not implement them.  They need to be put into action.  For years I've been adding fills to technical drawings to give them the appearance of the material they represent (learned under Architect Mouzon), I've since began to add shadows and color to roofing for my 2D drawings.

Take a look at the following house:

The Top picture is more representative of conventional technical drawings. Flat & Bland.

This bottom picture shows shadows & a fill applied to the following: The Ground, Windows & Roof, each more closely representing the material they are graphically representing, such as glass & shingle roofing.

Shadows come last, it's not an exact science, most "Art" isn't.  It's there to convey an idea and give a feeling.

There are further ways to graphically show material such as glass. Industry standards dictate a series of diagonal lines.  Though what is standard in Construction Drawings becomes too muddled to try and show everything exactly as standards dictate, giving the drawing a feeling of "busyness"  Combat this solid or greyed fills, such as seen in the windows above

For future projects, I am experimenting in another direction, leaving behind the world of 2D elevations and implementing 3D rendering from Sketchup PRO, and will begin using it for Construction Drawings.

Basically, my idea is to not even bother drawing flat 2D CAD elevations or building sections, since those are really there to tell a story. I'll draw it in all in sketch up, export it to DWG or DXF and do a take off for floor plans and Wall Sections.

It's not as robust as Revit, but it seems to be working out well. I'm still developing the ideas to implement them; clients love it, Contractor's seem in different.

I wanted to share all of this, because as a community, I think we can knock heads and build a more beautiful world. I also think Art should be brought back to the entire process of Architecture, which begins when you put pen to paper or hear the chimes of the MAC fire up.

Sddrawings.com

The story of two hammers

Two different hammers,

Sometimes you're reminded how good that old hammer is...

Finally taking a step towards using AutoCad 2013 for Mac.  The juxtaposition between the CADD system (engsw.com) I am used to drawing with and the "industry leader" as two competing CADD packages shows noticeable differences.  I'm convinced if I were operating on a standard PC, the software would be much more robust.  Thus far, the Apple version of AutoCad leaves much to be desired.  I had no idea that you actually have to construct a door instead of having a dedicated tool palette.

The above graphic shows the same plan at different stages of

production on 2 separate CADD systems.

Furthermore, The Trim line function is nearly non existent without having to look up special "codes" to be typed in.  As I dig further into the inner workings of AutoCad, I see that one can get everything done with the same software I was raised up on, but it seems backwards and non-intuitive.  As if only special members of the club are invited.


As a "for Hire" Draftsman and Designer, I really have to make every hour count.  Maybe learning a new system will glean me more clients and help me to be more valuable and useful to the ones I have.  Here's to hoping so.  Through it all, I think using a new tool, that effectively drives the same nail into framing will be neat to use. It should get the job done, it's just that I know how to use one hammer over another with more in-depth knowledge.

Powercadd
Two screen shots showing the difference in tool pallets. You'll notice this screen shot, Powercadd (by engsw.com) has all the tools readily available.  Reminds me of the old Microstation CADD from the 80's.  Which featured a huge board with each tool right at your finger prints (you actually used a stylus).  One thing I really like about PC (powercadd) is how every single item from line weight to a specific function or tool is easily configurable as key commands.  Also built in are powerful informational tools and a developer who will actually take your emails and call you on a saturday morning to discuss your ideas and needs in a cadd package.  My only problem, text conversion can be an issue between this and other platforms.  You also lose fills, gradients and hatches when converting.  Though the native tools can help you to create an amazingly beautiful drawing.  I would say it is the premiere Apple compatible CADD system, even the late Mr. Jobs may approve of.

Autocad 2013 for Mac

Autocad 2013 for Mac, limited tools are readily available, and everything is more chunky. Requires memorizing specific tool commands.  This may be good for Architectural firms and drafting shops that need people to operate a system that is already configured for use. I understand Autocad has some good features, it wouldn't be the Q-Tip to the Great cotton swab industry if it didn't offer a way to get the job done.  It seems to lack any kind of shading and intuitive use.  Drawings look clear and crisp like Powercadd, though very technical.

Regardless of what system you use, branching out and trying something new is always good.  Then sometimes you realize how good you already have it. Any Cad package is essentially a hammer used to drive a nail into a wall.  It's the final design and attention to detail coupled with the ability to listen and help guide Owners in building, that make a designer worth while.

sddrawings.com

Design & Drafting techniques

Another week: sddrawings.com In Keeping with drafting techniques for the beginner. Again, another post about keeping to the basics, keeping it simple, and keeping it accurate. I hope that even these ideas can be used in what ever job you may go into; whether it is design, pet sitting, auto mechanics, climbing telephone poles, etc…

Every Engineering firm & Architectural office has their own way of producing CAD drawings.  Just like every artisan has their own way of painting, every mechanic has their own way of fixing a problem and every telephone lineman has their own way of placing strand and cable.  The old saying goes at 'Ma Bell', you send 6 linemen out to do a job, you'll have 6 different ways for it to get done.  Whom ever you work for will have their own set of rules and ways of drawing.  A big secret I've used for years was to ask an Architect or Engineer for a copy of their work to reference.  Even a paper copy will give away secrets to their drawing style, though paper copies will not show advanced CAD information such as 'layers'.  Having a paper copy of a similar project as a reference handy, will help you on matching the office standards.

 Some Designers tend to have a lax approach to their drafting techniques.  They opt to simply get their point across, making the design being built their main focus, while they see CAD drawings are simply the means to make that happen.  Where they are lax in drawing techniques, they usually have a more hands on approach to the final outcome of the project.  The Contractor will usually find this designer in the field more often.  This designer is also more apt to make calls to check on projects and verify everything is going the way it should.  As a draftsman working for this style of Designer, you will probably be called upon to make field visits and document the progress or verify dimensions.

 Other designers are very meticulous about their drawings.  They will have every element fit on a page precisely.  This can provide for very quick drafting and allow for modifications easily.  Usually these designers are very detailed orientated and have greater success through release of their drawings to be built correctly, with little or no further input from the Designer.  Even during construction, a builder will have fewer questions regarding this Designer's intent (which I will address in the future).

 I personally like to use a mix of these two drafting techniques.  My goal is to find a happy medium between art and giving instructions on how something should be built or compiled.  One aspect of any design work, is the use of 're-usable' content.  This spans across all industry.  It is rare to find a car where every bolt is a different size and thread count.  The same goes for any of my designs, whether that is drawing a house or designing a web site. 

if we look at a few of my latest web site designs:

sddrawings.com   hikealabama.org   habitat2012.org (Just to name a few) 

You'll see a common element in all three of these.  That element is the menu bar (as of Sept 2012), is essentially the same across all 3 sites.  I did this to simply save time.  Not that I can not go back and change it later, but an initial place holder with a product I know was designed correctly the first time saved me days of fiddling with html & css code.  Just like one of my past posts about getting things drawn right the first time see http://sddrawing.blogspot.com/2012/09/its-all-in-dimensions_9.html, once you get a detail or drawing element correct, it's easy to reuse it across many drawings, or in this case a web page.

The bonus of this 're-use' of an element or detail, is that my finished product is completed much quicker as there is less drafting & design work to do.  The entire point being; learn what works for your office, learn how to reference other work to mimic or match what has been done in the past & be accurate with your work as it will make it much easier in the future to reuse your own work.

Feel free to email or post your own thoughts. sddrawings.com

How to deal with learning a new drafting style?...

Another week: Keeping with drafting techniques for the beginner. Again, another post about keeping to the basics, keeping it simple, and keeping it accurate. I hope that even these ideas can be used in what ever job you may go into, whether it is design, pet sitting, auto mechanics...

"Just a simple
notebook is enough"

      Learning anything new requires your time and attention.  When you are taking the jump from your high school, trade school or Architecture/Engineering program to head into the commercial world of drafting and design, it is going to be very important to be prepared and ready to learn.  Even if you have worked for a Designer before and you are going to another office, you have a daunting task of either re-learning a good portion of your trade, or a new way to go about it.  Each office will have their own standards and requirements for their drawings.  There are some basic fundamentals to help you get acclimated quickly to your new surroundings.  Aside from the basics I've already covered in previous posts like: show up, be on time, be in good spirit.  You will want to take notes. Notes, take a lot of notes.  You have been educated, that's why you have a job, though certainly you know how to take notes by now.  You have enough knowledge that someone has decided to put their trust in you to help them make their life easier.  So get a notebook and dedicate it to JUST that designer's system.  Purchase a good notebook and a pen.  You are a professional, this is part of your job.  Practice good handwriting skills and keep your notes in order. Hopefully you will actually be able to use them later.

     There will be a lot of things you have either already learned or will learn that works across the board. For instance, Layers are in all CAD systems; Autocad, Powercadd and Microstation (just to name three).  Things you will not find across the board is individual drawing styles between designers.  Some may use a "profile line" layer, some may use an intricate title block and so on. Regardless of what the topic is about during your training or meetings about your project, take notes of what the Designer (or co-workers) you work for explain.  During meetings, when reviewing your drawings or just another set of prints you will have ample opportunity to take notes.  This notebook will be your drafting "bible" while you work there.  Look for opportunities to fill your notebook.  It may be drafting styles, it may be standard practices.  Consider having a section in your notebook to differentiate between the myriad of different topics for optimal organization.

      Practice makes perfect, once you get into the rhythm of drafting for one Designer, you will learn the system and hopefully become very versed in production & design work that suits your environment.  While you are with one designer, one way you can meet their expectations is to use their past jobs as reference.  If you're on a CAD system, you can have other jobs similar to the one your working on available on the screen.  It's easy to jump back and forth between the two separate jobs.  Alternately, print out a ledger size drawing for reference or use a full size printed version of another job available to reference while you are drafting on your project.  Make it easy to jump back and forth between the two drawings, the goal is to mimic what has been done before, so make it easy on yourself.  The more you draft for one designer, the more you will understand their system and style.  Ask lots of questions.  Think about your questions, write them all down and at the opportune time, ask the Designer to look them over and give you feedback.  A good reason to write down your questions is that you will not bombard the designer (or trainer if you're just learning CADD) with a million small nit-pick questions. Obviously, they want you to know the answers to your questions, but make it easy on them and thusly yourself.  Think if you were in their shoes.  How would you want to be treated and approached?  There really is no such thing as a dumb question, sometimes it's just how you go about it.

Happy Trails!

sddrawings.com