Theory of Architecture: What Drawings Did and Do

Abstract

For centuries, architectural drawings have been at the center of the profession: how architects come up with ideas, share them with clients, and communicate with builders. The seminar takes the point of view that hand drawing can still be a useful instrument for the architect, and that the ways how may be understood in part through a study of past drawings, studied in the original.

Objective

The seminar meetings will convene as often as possible in the drawing study rooms in and around Zurich, including the Archives of ETH, the Graphische Sammlung of ETH, the Kunsthaus Zurich, and the Stadthaus Zurich. Students will develop a knowledge of techniques of historical drawings from the Renaissance forward, as well as a conceptual understanding of their uses, and the different graphic strategies adopted by draftsmen in response to varying conditions, materials, and aims. They will also have a chance to explore a range of approaches to making their own drawings, when possible in response to the earlier drawings we examine. The course will challenge students to consider what the future role of hand drawing could be for the architect.

Content

The function of drawing changed with the advent of digital modeling, which made hand drawing marginal at best to both firms and schools. In light of current conditions, the seminar considers both historical techniques of drawing as well as a range of conceptual approaches and functions, and its possible future within the altered profession of architecture. It will take an interest not only in drawing as a practice, but also as a representational tool. It will adopt a critical attitude towards the traditional architectural conventions of plan, section, elevation, axonometric drawing and challenge students to think about how those conventions might be interrogated or undermined. The chronological scope of the seminar will be very broad. The professor's expertise is in Renaissance drawing, however the seminar aims to take advantage of the resources available in Zurich which include everything from fifteenth century drawings to the present. Interested students will have the opportunity to take part in the conception and organization of a conference on the topic of drawing, including both architects and historians.

Resources