Do Architects Still Need to Draw? (2020)

Summary

Do architects still need to draw? Think about it. Seriously. I am putting this is out there and I know the question is quite a stirring sentiment in each of you. I have been having this conversation with colleagues both in academia and in practice for a couple of months. I am certain the feelings on this are likely directly related to the reader’s age. At least that is how it seems to be breaking down for a majority of my conversations. Honestly, I am not even certain where I stand on this statement. So that is why I am writing this post. I want to start a larger conversation within the field and see what happens. I am very aware this is a controversial topic. I want you to try and take sentiment out of the discussion as much as possible. So let me attempt to explain the full meaning of the question. “Attempt” is the keyword in the last sentence. Most of this began when the shift to online classes started in the spring and it became more difficult for students to use drawings or to hone their drawings skills. Now as the possibility of moving forward in the fall with minimal or even no face to face instruction, I began to ask the question. Do we need to teach students how to draw? Is that an essential element required to create or practice in this day and age? Hand Drawn Exploded Axonometric I did in Graduate School I will start with the notion that I am not referring to sketching. I believe that is an essential element of practice. I think that is a required skill. Also, it is possible to learn this skill and improve your abilities with practice. Even if it’s more along the lines of what I would call “technical” sketching. That is a skill that I use probably every day. I would be even more lenient on the notion of “perceptive” sketching (what you see) or “imaginative” sketching (from your mind) as a required skill. I would never say it was not a useful skill for any architect to have. Also, I believe that diagramming is a required skill. Now I know that many diagram...