It is hard to believe that before the Renaissance, buildings were created with no drawings or instructions. During this time, the architect physically built the site with no clear direction. It was during the Renaissance period when a group called the humanists introduced the idea that the architect should create drawings about the building instead of doing the physical labour. It was Leon Battista Alberti who first claimed the idea that the practice of architecture should be about representing buildings with the art of drawing, not physically building them.
In 1435 Alberti created the first set of rules for drawing a three-dimensional scene on a two-dimensional plane. Since then, with the use of these rules, hand drawing has been a fundamental skill in architectural design. The drawing of plans is now aided with the recent introduction of technology, where computer aided design (CAD) programs assist scaling and visualising the proposal. However, has this limited our creative thinking process when it comes to individual designs?
We have been operating for over thirty years, in which we have seen many technological advancements in the industry. We are constantly evolving with the use of new architectural programs to assist the visualisation process. However, we believe that when you begin with hand drawing, the mind can be more creative in developing unique designs specific to the client’s desires.
Centuries have passed now with the use of architectural drawing and we do not want to lose this art. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for architecture, however, we must remember to pay our respects to the wonderful history and art form of this industry!
What do you think of the future of hand drawn plans? Do you see this practice becoming redundant? Let us know your thoughts!
Image: Leonardo Da Vinci, "Studies of Central Plan Buildings" (1488-90)
Pen and ink on paper, 230 x 160 mm, Bibliothèque de l'Institut de France, Paris
