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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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Strategic Design

In this blog, I will show why strategic design is extremely valuable and how it can be utilized in architecture. I will use the discovery of an ancient ‘city gate’ of Megiddo and present valuable incites for contemporary solutions. In addition, through this non-fiction account, of this archeological dig that occurred in Israel in 1925. I will show how this uncovered ruin actually served as a prototype of its day and created multifaceted solutions; which can also be applied today in ways that only strategic design can achieve. 

The Story of the Megiddo Gates:

The discovery of this ancient city gate of ‘Megiddo’ tells an interesting story about how strategic design was used to create one of the more unique and successful city gates in all the world., The discovery revealed a design of a long lost city gate system that was ingenuous in its solution of providing an enclosed passageway and internal chambers. It appears the chambers served to provide protection against any invaders who may have entered the city gate. .     

The’Megiddo Gate’ (as depicted above) shows the floor plan and the manor of passage that was taken into the city. The discovery of this gate,  led to a deeper analysis of this unusual design for this gate.  In, fact, it was discovered, that the design included much more than a single point of protection. It contained a series of redundancies for added protection. In addition, it was later understood, that the gate also served as a civic function. Much like a judicial court, This was a civic function, where various civil madders could be addressed through the dual functionality of its design. This design turned out to be so successful in achieving its objectives, that there were other versions built and  implemented throughout this region. It became obvious through other archeological digs that other versions of this design were applied from the Megiddo prototype,

The archeological dig also revealed that the structure was built as a double wall system, and it was ingeniously designed to include an internal passage way that could secretly operate to prevent unlawful access and potential destruction of its city.. As such, it becomes clear, the city gate of Megiddo housed a diverse level of functionality beyond protection. The design fundamentally transformed the operation of the city entrance gate of its day. Megiddo itself had become a symbol of strength and served as a model of governance.

With all of this in mind, The Megiddo gate system reveals a design thinking mindset that incorporated a series of solutions and deep understanding of the challenges of its day. However, through strategic design. The Megiddo city gate system also provided an innovative design approach, that made it extraordinary example of how strategic design can be utilized to solve complex problems, while also advancing cultural advancements that supported the city.  

The Essence of Strategic Design:

This story of the Megiddo city gate provides incite into the nature of strategic design. Specifically through improved functionality, added civiic functional benefits and operational  control. The design solution also represents advancements over the status quo.of its day. Interestingly, the gate advancements did not require new material, or technology, but demonstrated a quality in craftsmanship, engineering and emphasis on  innovation through design— specifically ‘strategic design’. However, perhaps most important, was the level of thinking and wisdom that was incorporated very early in the design process. Long before construction began, its clear the s=design was set with a clear set of objectives and outcomes.  

Challenges inspire Good Design:

From a modern perspective, the design of the Megiddo city gate, depicts a fascinating account of how strategic design can be utilized in a powerful way. i.,e., solving major challenge’s of its day, even madders of life and death consequences..This astonishing example proves that strategic design does in fact make all the difference between order and chaos. Advancing solutions that resolve problems can add great value to any project. Even more, it will benefit human beings. Its clear the above noted example serves as a prototype.  Megiddo also became much more than a fancy facade, it became a unique and thoughtful way of using challenges as a spring board to uncovering innovative solutions. 

Modern Day Applications:

To achieve any good  work, ultimately requires a vision,  analysis, and proper planning. In a building endeavor such as this city gate example. Its clear that strategic design is vital and will benefit the project in multifaceted ways.. Much can be accomplished with this design approach and way of thinking. Simply put, strategic design will make substantial contributions in establishing order over chaos.      

Summary and Application:

  • Megiddo’s city gate provides a real-life example of the importance of strategic design.
  • Improving function, creating order, enhancing operations — creating substantial value.
  • A holistic approach — harmonizes the entire project.
  • Design thinking mindset that is used to create a prototype.
  • Solving problems through strategic design, enhances functionality and value.
  • Advancing multifaceted solutions and benefits that go beyond problem resolution.
  • Strategic Design represents an art and a science that may not be easy, but is extremely valuable.
  • Multi-faceted methodology that treats each project individually.
  • Advances secure and safe environments — a quality of life issue.
  • Provides an excellent feasibility analysis tool — long before construction begins.
  • An design process that minimizes risk, and established long-term value.
  • The quality of our life and what is produced; depends on a higher level of thinking, not a factory line.

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Planning in Architecture

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The Nature of Planning:

The nature of planning, cannot be emphasized enough both in terms of the importance to transform the mundane but also creating order through organizing, sketching, and diagraming. Although not limited to these activities, they form the back bone and purpose to envision and achieving project success both in and outside the boundaries of architecture, 

I want to emphasize in this blog, the nature of planning is a vital tool and that it should be utilized to develop a project from the earliest stage.. Although planning can be a ubiquitous term. I will explore the nature of planning from the perspective of how it serves a vital link to the necessary process of exploring and discovering solutions.  . 

What Is The Nature of Planning?

Planning a project requires an understanding. The more understanding the better, As an architect, I have discovered that my training lends itself to utilizing tools like planning as a process of problem resolution and envisioning solutions. As an architect I know the development of a preliminary plan does not proceed out of thin air, it takes a level of thinking and effort to establish the parameters, eg, developing a program, understanding site, and exploring the budget to name a few. However, the challenge of ‘planning’ is to consider the big picture. .Evaluating completing circumstances and data. This is where the nature of planning shines.  

Planning provides a way to seek understanding and to organize; serving as a way to build upon. This becomes a way to document important information, writing, and sketching of preliminary ideas. The planning leads to a deeper understanding of objectives, However, this engagement of ideas also leads up to the place where design can begin. Often, substantial solutions can be realized, that would not otherwise have been revealed. All of this speaks to the overall importance of planning early.

The planning process serves to identify the parameters by which a project can succeed. This process of seeking to understand, establishes clarity of what success looks like. Through planning, the project is built on a strong foundation of analysis and critical thinking. The nature of planning considers a broad spectrum of data and trys to mitigate risk as well as find inspiring solutions. 

Planning Determines Outcome:

The nature of planning also seeks to develop order, and help establish the project approach, it essentially is building a story, It can also be said, most any project will  often be more complicated than meets the eye. Planning harmonizes the project and seeks to implement the data in a meaningful way. The process of developing ideas over time also will create opportunity for refinement from initial ideas that may not be very good .     

Spending time with the planning process helps to create order and establish a meaningful direction. Planning also helps to set important mile markers long before a project is born and goes into construction. In addition, through planning, greater efficiencies and esthetic value can be brought into focus.   

With the start of any project, it’s important to have. process that helps to work through ideas, sometimes bad ideas. However, without planning, important ideas that need to ‘bake’, may get lost. An interesting observation by Steven Spielberg encapsulates this idea well, he said: “all good ideas start out as bad ideas; thats why it takes so long.” Indeed, the planning process may be a winding road, but it will produce a better work than not planning at all. 

The planning stage also engages a thoughtful process of understanding form, function and aesthetic. And the vital way that they all can work together. Unfortunately, many residential communities for example, have entirely by-passed this planning process.. Unfortunately this lack of planning approach leads to a domino effect and effects society as a whole..

The Individual Nature of Planning:

Having a planning process in place will help clarify objectives and develop meaningful goals. Planning provides a framework, and serves as a guid post and serves to collect ideas in a meaningful way. The plan documents ideas. It simply serves to help solidify the project. Good ideas tend to build upon themselves. Thats why planning becomes soo important.    

This process of planning works across all disciplines. The principles are similar. In short, with no planning process, or guide, chaos can rule the day. However, the nature of planning brings ideas and concepts to fruition in a meaningful way. 

Summary

The planning process is not an arbitrary name with fancy lines on a page. Planning provides a meaningful way to identify problems in order to develop solutions. The art of building, doesn’t just happen by accident, or even because of good craftsmen, or using good materials. It requires critical thought that comes through planning. 

The importance of planning in architecture or any endeavor serves to create order. 

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