Visual Notes for Architects and Designers

The completely updated step–by–step guide to¿capturing experiences in sketch format—regardless of artistic ability Recording your ideas and observations primarily in pictures instead of words can help you become more creative and constructive on the job, no matter what your level of artistic ability. Featuring completely new coverage of visual note–taking in a digital world, Visual Notes for Architects and Designers, Second Edition demonstrates how to make rapid, notational sketches that serve as visual records for future reference, as well as improve understanding and facilitate the development of ideas. It shows you how to expand your knowledge of a subject beyond what is gained through observation or verbal representation alone. You gain access to simple techniques for collecting, analyzing, and applying information. Crowe and Laseau examine the relationship between note–taking, visualization, and creativity. They give practical guidance on how to develop: Visual acuity—the ability to see more in what you experience Visual literacy—expressing yourself clearly and accurately with sketches Graphic analysis—using sketches to analyze observations Numerous examples demonstrate some of the many uses of visual notes. They help you develop a keener awareness of environments, solve design problems, and even get more out of lectures and presentations. The authors also discuss types of notebooks suitable for taking visual notes. If you want to develop your perceptual and creative skills to their utmost, you will want to follow the strategies outlined in Visual Notes for Architects and Designers, Second Edition. It is a valuable guide for architects, landscape architects, designers, and anyone interested in recording experience in sketch form.

Preface vii 1 . Introduction 1 The Uses of Visual Notes 2 Visual Literacy 6 The Notebook 10 Using This Book 14 Getting Started 15 2. A Guide to Note–Taking 17 Recording 19 Analysis 26 Design 30 3. A Journal 35 Exploring a Place 38 Understanding Order and Disorder 50 Solutions to Common Problems 64 Focusing on Details 72 Design Study: International Center 86 4. A Collection of Visual Notes 99 Thinking and Creativity 99 Visual Note–Taking 101 Examples 102 5. Transitions to Design 141 Visual Notation and Design Process 141 Impact of Digital Technology 142 Digital Design Media 142 Examples 144 Conclusion 178 Appendix— Tools and Techniques 181 Equipment 182 Basic Drawings 184 Drawing Conventions 202 Analytical Drawings 214 Symbolic Drawings 220 Endnotes 226 Illustration and Photo Credits 227 Bibliography 229 Index 231

Norman A. Crowe is Professor Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame′s School of Architecture and author of Nature and the Idea of a Man–Made World . Paul Laseau is Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Ball State University. He has twenty–five years′ experience teaching freehand sketching and design drawing, and is author of several books related to visual communication.