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Sketch Book

The Sketchbook: A Tool For Exploration and Discovery:

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The Sketch Book:

The sketchbook provides a tool and remains relevant even in an age of Ai (Artificial Intelligence). This is a  tool, that makes strong connections between design and the end user.  With this in mind, let’s examine the sketch book as a vital part of the design process.

An Extraordinary Tool in an Age of Fast Computers:

Regardless of the project type or subject to be explored, the sketchbook represents an interesting engagement process that simply does not take place with a computer. It also makes it an effective tool to analyze and seek understanding.       

I use the sketch book as a tool through hand sketching and recording conceptual ideas, or making notes of unique features. Sketching is not necessarily just design, but the process of seeking understanding before the design takes place. It’s a way to become ‘aware’ and seek understanding. This provides an opportunity to document your progress. But what gets overlooked is the way sketching engages and develops the creative mind.  

The Sketch Book In History:

There is an extraordinary and unique aspect of developing the hand sketch. It develops a personal human centric connection that a computer cannot do.  In fact history reveals an extensive cadre of sketchbooks. and provide excellent examples of the value that can be created.  

Long before the so called ‘information age’, artist’s worldwide would used a sketch book to record their initial thoughts. History records this fact and it reveals an astonishing effort and the power the sketchbook has played in the creative realm.  

The sketch book is however only as good as you use it. The value is derived as it is applied. The sketch book is a tool that has been used as long as mankind has lived on this earth. Over time as the sketchbook has become an irreplaceable tool. Even in our modern area, there is nothing that has replaced the concept and need for the sketchbook. 

Ideas and Application:

The sketchbook also engages our thinking and ability to work through a rational process. Sketching encourages exploration and provides a fluid process. The ease in which sweeping changes are made and analyzed are inviting a process of adding idea onto idea. Perhaps most intriguing, the sketch book creates opportunity to share and collaborate with others.

The Sketch book as a Tool For Exploration and Discovery 

Using your sketchbook, should always be about seeking to understand. This provides a way to explore and discover many ways to improve upon and finding ways to problem solve. The sketch book serves a vital role in starting this extraordinary process of discovery.   

Its astonishing how this simple tool of hand sketching can be sidelined for various reasons. Perhaps the lure of other tools becomes too great. It should also be said, various digital tools are not necessarily bad, or cant be used, rather it becomes an issue of how do we best engage our minds in a physical way, so as properly guide our technology.       

The sketch book provides a simple but thoughtful process to begin any project. It is a powerful tool that captures what you observe, and it engages the mind to create meaningful solutions. Hopefully we can all appreciate the value of this tool and next time you seek to start a project, know you can begin it with a sketch.

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Strategic Design, A Case Study:

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Long ago, in a land far away, there existed an ancient ‘city gate’. This is a non-fiction story that came to light, as part of an archeological dig that occurred in Israel. The account provides interesting parallels to how strategic design was used throughout history. It’s an astonishing account of a real-life city gate that reveals timeless applications.    

The Story of the Megiddo Gates:

The ancient city gate I am referring to, is the discovery of the Gates of ‘Megiddo’. It was through the archeological dig, a discovery revealed an ancient design of a long lost city gate. The design of the gate system entailed an enclosed passageway that was composed of internal chambers. It appears the chambers served to provide added protection, if any unwanted invaders managed to enter the gate system.  

The design of the ‘Megiddo Gate’ (sketch depicted above) reveals the floor plan that was discovered. As the details emerged, it became clear that this was an unusual gate system that included  much more than a single point of protection. But contained a series of redundant protections. In addition, it was later understood from historical records that the gate contained a civic function. 

The archeological dig also revealed that the structure was built with a substantial foundation and durable materials that could still be observed. In addition, the wall structure was built to include an internal passage way that could access the noted chambers. In turn the city gate became a fortified structure that housed diverse functions while also protecting the city. The design fundamentally changed the typical operation of the city entrance gate and operation. It was as though the city gate itself had become a symbol of governance for this city. 

This ancient city gate revealed a design mindset, that incorporated an understanding of the various challenges of its day. The Megiddo gates provided an innovative design approach, that made it extraordinarily difficult for an apposing army to enter through this gate. In addition, the design provided a limited amount of space which seems to have easily supported  supplied the city but made it difficult to have “uninvited guests” enter. 

The Essence of Strategic Design:

The noted case study of the ‘Megiddo city gate’, provides a case study into advanced functions and operations that dramatically improved how this city operated and was protected. The design solution represented advancements over the status quo. Interestingly, the gate advancements did not require new material, or technology, but rather demonstrated an emphasis on  innovation through its design. The design demonstrates an emphasis on utilizing wisdom and understanding in its design process to solve some of the problems of its day.  

Challenges Can inspire Good Design:

From a modern perspective, the design of the Megiddo city gate, depicts a fascinating account strategic design. Solving major challenge’s of its day with strategy and design. This astonishing case study delineates a way of advancing solutions that in addition to resolving one problem can add great value, and benefit for the human beings who lived in this city. It became much more than a fancy facade or skin deep solution, it was a unique and thoughtful solution. 

Modern Day Applications:

A work of architecture requires vision, analysis, conceptualizing and planning. In an endeavor such as this can benefit from utilizing the principles of strategic design, both  to realize solutions and transcend the problem. Much can be accomplished with this methodology and way of thinking. The city gates of Megiddo depicts an example of an ancient city gate that used strategic design to make substantial improvements. In the process it created a seat of governance and a high level of protection against disorder and chaos.      

Summary:

  • Megiddo’s city gate provides a real-life example of how strategic design is used.
  • Improving function, creating order, enhancing operations — creates value.
  • A holistic approach — harmonizes the project
  • A powerful design tool that created a prototype solution that could be applied to other cities.
  • Solving an identified problem creatively.
  • Advancing solutions that have multi benefits.
  • Strategic Design represents both the art and the science.
  • Multi-faceted methodology to enhance and improve anything.
  • Secure and safe environments add to the quality of life.
  • Provides an excellent feasibility analysis tool — prior to construction.
  • A tool to evaluate and minimize risk.

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Planning in Architecture

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Planning in Architecture

Planning can be defined as activities associated with organizing, sketching, diagraming, for the purpose of achieving a goal. In architecture, a project may begin with an idea, however it takes planning to develop that idea and assess the viability.  

Let’s take a brief look at planning, and using it more effectively as a tool to explore how this may serve your project. To help you develop ideas, mitigate risk and create value. 

With or Without a Plan?

Planning any project requires an understanding of the issues or problems involved. This is true for any project, whether it is a small residential home or large commercial project. Planning can occur in many ways.  Such as understanding the program, schedule, budget, aesthetics, site, building codes and other such data all require analysis and a way to navigate through it in a meaningful way. 

Planning is a system.  One that that organizes and collects important information, notes, and sketching various ideas. It is a system that leads to a deeper understanding of what you are trying to accomplish. Engaging your project data also leads to a place where the design process can begin. It may even lead to substantial solutions that would otherwise not be revealed. All of this speaks to the overall goal of your planning.

As you engage the planning process, it leads to clarity and a thoughtful development of and identification of the issues of the project. This  process provides clarity for the steps you discover, and sets your objectives. It should come as no surprise, that through this planning effort, the project is placed on a firm foundation. Planning adds value to any project, mitigates risk, and helps establish a budget.  Of coarse planning is only as good as the effort that is applied, however this system can provide substantial value both in terms of the incite it generates, and clarity to the project goals.

Your Planning Determines the Outcome:

Anytime you build, you need a plan! Through planning, it provides the client with clarity. This also works as a way to develop your creative approach, because it all works together. In lieu of the many requirements a building project encompasses. The process of developing ideas over time will provide opportunity for assessment and refinement along the project path.   

Spending a little time up front with this planning stage can help you set important mile markers. Utilizing a design professional can also help bring some efficiencies and esthetic value to your project. It may not seem apparent at the start, but soon it becomes apparent how valuable this can be.   

Its not uncommon that initial ideas are not the end all. . .  We simply need a way to start and work through what you want to accomplish. But without writing it down and planning it can get lost overnight. Steven Spielberg said “all good ideas start out as bad ideas; thats why it takes so long.” The process can be a winding road, but it can produce a way to connect the dots. he should know! 

In our work at Arc Caste Studio, we begin by meeting with the client and ask questions, to seek out an understand the clients objectives and vision. As we build a project program, we are able to develop ideas in a meaningful and harmonious way.  The planning stage engages a thoughtful process of understanding form, function and aesthetic. And the vital way that they all can work together. This simply doesn’t happen without planning  

Unfortunately, many residential projects that surround small town USA, have entirely by-passed this planning process. It makes for an interesting case study that shows the many challenges associated without planning — it all becomes the same boring stuff.  It becomes a sea of medicare results. Unfortunately this lack of planning approach leads to a domino effect. Were the status quo becomes the norm.  Unraveling this lack of planning becomes a complex and costly maze to repair.

The Power of Planning:

By way of a simple example, If an architect can be engaged to review your residential plan, and they are able to  improve by finding ways to have greater functionality and save just 100sf, that represents a major cost savings. i.e., for a building cost of say $250/sf, that can be a $25,000 savings! (using a very conservative building cost for SF value.) This is a tiny example, however it provides a case for engaging a planning process. In addition, aligning all  the diverse functions, budget and aesthetic preference also provides solutions that are well thought out in advance. And minimizes risk. Our building infrastructure represents an important part of our lives. Winston Churchill said, “We shape our buildings and thereafter they shape us.”  Our building infrastructure has a way to inspire us and influence how we live. It can even affect the quality of our physical lives.   

Each Project Is its Own:

Having a planning process in place will help you see the need to clarify your objectives and develop meaningful goals. Planning provides a framework, and serves as a guid post of collected ideas and thoughts. The plan is a way to document ideas through sketching, thoughts, and notes.  It simply serves to help solidify a picture of the project. Remember good ideas tend to build upon themselves. Thats why planning becomes soo important.    

This process of planning, can be overlooked, however the process does work across all disciplines. The principles are similar. In short, with no planning process, or guide, chaos can rule. However, when clarity is developed early, it leads to bringing ideas and concepts to fruition more quickly and in a meaningful way. 

The planning process provides anyone a meaningful way to identify problems and then develop specific solutions. The act of building anything, requires careful thought and planning. The importance of planning in architecture is simply priceless. 

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