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Design Thinking in Architecture

Sketch Book

The Sketchbook – A Tool For Exploration + Discovery:

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The Sketchbook, a tool for exploration and discovery:

To begin with a hand drawing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you start a project or seek to resolve a problem. In fact, in a digital age of complex tools, hand drawings have been pushed to the side. However, in this blog I would like to show that the sketchbook is actually a powerful tool for exploration and discovery. In fact, there is a profound cognitive process that takes place when a sketch is developed. The human mind does process this act of sketching as a deliberate attempt to engage it, and often responds with ideas. In addition, the sketch is a flexible tool, that can be easily incorporated into any project. Let’s briefly examine this simple tool, and understand how it can be better utilized.

Simple is often the best approach:

I remember my engineering professor,  who always began his lectures with the “KISS” principle. He said “Keep it simple stupid” Although I found myself at odds with this approach, I did learn very quickly that creating complex solutions also increased the potential for error. The sketchbook is very much like the KISS principle, it helps to train your focus on the basics.

The idea of using a sketchbook as a tool for exploration and discovery is foreign to some. However, in this blog, I want to shed light on the fascinating way that this simple tool is utilized in my practice. In addition, to convey that it can be utilized outside the strict boundaries of architecture. In fact, any discipline or endeavor can benefit formalizing this tool.    

Let me start with an example of an existing residential project that I was commissioned to redesign. The project entailed a complete renovation of a two story home, built in the 1950’s. The house was nestled on a beautiful one acre lot. The client wanted to improve its functionality and meet new energy codes. In addition, the home would benefit from an aesthetic refresh. 

As you might have guessed, a quick sketch began in earnest to record the existing floor plan, elevations, and a small sketch of the site plan. The documented information gained from the site reconnaissance was beneficial not in just documenting what is there, but when you sketch a drawing, you engage your mind through your eyes and hand. The sketch in this case was not about designing anything, but wanting to become ‘aware’ of what was there. In addition, the drawing served to create order and begin to organize existing data in a way that provided valuable information to build upon and proceed to next stage. 

Sketch and Seek to Understand:

The above noted project could have also been a commercial building, place of entertainment, commercial venue, anything. The process is the same; engage your mind through your hand sketches. Science has revealed that there is this extraordinary connection between mind and hand. There are some institutions that even have it as their moto, see MIT article on their approach to learning. 

The sketch book is however only as good as how you use it. However, the value of the sketch can quickly become apparent when it is applied in real life scenarios such as the noted project above. The sketch serves as a gradual step in helping the human mind to analyze (creative pursuits) and eventually to design itself. 

In addition, building understanding through utilizing this flexible hand sketch tool creates a basis by which ideas can come to light. It builds a meaningful framework. As the mind is investing in whats before you, it invisibly processes and provides a deeper understanding – this is never an arbitrary process.

Ideas and Application:

As the sketchbook can be found to engage our thinking and ability to work through a rational and ordered process. i.,e develop ideas. It also does something else. The hand can apply our thinking to develop specific applications and solutions. It becomes a tool to develop meaningful applications that utilize our observations and ideas that are processed so quickly by the human brain that we may even take it for granted. Sketching encourages exploration and discovery because of the ease in which sweeping changes can be made and analyzed. Perhaps most intriguing, it can create substantial value driven by the sketch process utilizing the mind and hand.

An Powerful Tool of Exploration and Discovery 

Remember, the goal of many projects in architecture and other disciples too, is primarily about understanding and finding ways to make improvement or solve problems. The sketch book begins this extraordinary process of discovery and understanding in ways that even modern high tech computing simply cannot do. In fact, I think the 

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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Design Thinking In Architecture?

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One might imagine, solving infrastructure problem(s) requires a well thought out process long before a project can even begin. It is therefore important to be able to organize, envision and move a project forward in a meaningful way. It’s a special process that engages a wide verify of data holistically in order to combine it in a way that develops a design. This process I am referring to can be called Design Thinking. In this blog, I take a brief look at how design thinking in  architecture can drive the early stages of a project.

In the Renaissance period, architects, artist’s and sculptor’s alike, created their designs with sketches, hand drawings, and even a preliminary  model, or study sculpture. They learned how ‘things’ worked, and built their understanding upon layers of knowledge and testing. They also learned how to develop their own specific approach that engaged their hearts and mind. It really became a series of ideas, learning and making interactions of their ideas which ultimately served as the basis for their work. 

The idea of ‘Design thinking’ really blossoms in the Renaissance period. And in architecture it becomes an effort that starts with a human centric approach. A way of thinking that required a rational and design mindset that is chiefly concerned itself with developing solutions to serve human beings. It comes as no surprise that these solutions of the Renaissance period gave rise to a better quality of human life, and served as a formal school like no other period in history, in showing how design thinking was utilized.

Why Design Thinking?:

Design thinking can be utilized to great value and purpose. This can also be used both in and outside the strict boundaries of architecture. Design thinking is a powerfully effective tool to both create and solve problems. In addition, it serves as a foundation, by which reason and order can flourish. utilizing this design thinking process creates opportunity to add a substantial value to the end result of any project. Through this work of a creative and rational mindset this is where the art and the science comes into view. However, if you don’t use it, you will miss out on opportunities to explore and discover solutions. 

Just in case I didn’t mention it, there are a great many facets associated with design thinking. This is the work of the art and the science of a project. It creates a synergy and aligns a project with inherent goals and values. It can solidify solutions by working holistically. Design thinking does not lock you in to one solution. it broadens your horizons, and helps one develop an understanding. It shapes and develops creativity in a meaningful way, to produce a work that is authentic. Although each project is different, we can learn a lot about how to make improvements on one project by using this methodology and applying it to others. This approach serves as a way to connect the dots and seek out the mystery and uncover secretes.   

How Design Thinking Can Be Used in Architecture:

  • Programatic diagrams that facilitate the development of the building program
  • Align functional requirements with aesthetics
  • Solutions focused development process (divergent and convergent thinking)
  • Utilizing the power of sketch and planning to clarify and advance objectives
  • Seeks to develop a human centric solution
  • Evaluating function, program, site and aesthetics as a single entity

Developing an architecture requires an understanding of how human beings live and what they need emotionally, physically and mentally. The process carries a responsibility to ask many questions of ourselves and the client. In addition, the lessons of the past, can and should be applied to refine solution(s) of the present.  

A Human Centric Approach:

When I speak of using design thinking in architecture, it is NOT a formula, or a mathematical equation that can be applied to solve for an unknown. It’s not divisive, or combative, and has more to do with developing a harmony among human beings.  Our process at Arc Castle Studio, utilizes an approach of generating, synthesizing and evaluating through a collaboration process with the client and consultants. We use critical thinking and simple tools like sketches, drawings, diagrams and model making to maximize the effectiveness of this design process. We explore, learn, discover, and connect the dots of our journey to paint a picture. But most important it is a work by human beings, for human beings.

Design thinking can minimize risk in the way it considers many options or solutions. As human beings we need to think through the goals and objectives before we can advance and build. When we rush to build, there can be long term consequences that cannot be easily reclaimed. When there is no building program, the process is usually being driven by a one size fits all approach. However, Design thinking represents a labor of love, where the effort seeks to create a work that balances the art with the science. Also, the financial benefits and value is enhanced. The investment in our infrastructure has long term ramifications and benefits; not only in the current culture, but upon future generations. 

Summary:

When Design Thinking is thoughtfully applied, it serves to solve problems creatively, and produce lasting value. through an authentic approach. This represents a process of thinking holistically. It’s not skin deep beauty, but rather has an authentic meaning, purpose and applications in the way it interacts with human beings. A good work can often judged on how well it functions, and how in alignment it is with the program, aesthetics, and budget. There is an inherent harmony present. If you want to maximize your project, plan, and design with a design thinking mindset. Never settle for mediocrity.

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