Architectural Sketch Techniques

Drawing Instruments

• Although sketches are very often pencil drawings, there are many other drawing instruments you can use to sketch architecture, and each instrument has qualities that makes it perfect for certain types of sketches. For example, a felt tip pen is perfect to draw fast, fluid sketches; the pen bleeds into the paper, creating a strong, thick line. Other types of drawing instruments for sketching include brush pens, ballpoint pens, charcoal, graphite, conte, pastels and watercolor brushes. Explore the different drawing media to find the perfect method for depicting a structure.

Three-Dimensionality

• Sketches should never be flat drawings that simply show a planar facade or plan. Instead, draw architectural sketches with three-dimensionality that either have multiple layers of information overlaid, such as materials, structure and dimensions, or are three-dimensional drawn constructions, such as isometric, perspective and oblique drawings. Three-dimensional drawings are much more dynamic and help the viewer, as well as the architect, understand the structure and space much more clearly than flat representations.

Line Weight and Line Quality

• Each type of drawing instrument provides many methods of representation. All pencils, pens and brushes allow the sketcher to provide variations of line weight or thickness. Vary the line weight of the sketch to provide interest and express qualities of the structure. For example, heavy lines are used for profiles and to express space beyond the drawn element or aperture. Furthermore, light lines are used to show texture and material.

  The accuracy with which the architect sketches gives line quality. Sketches with trembling lines and overlapping corners express precision within a limited time frame. Whereas, deliberate, well-drawn lines express thoughtfulness and reflection on the object. Experiment with different quality lines to explore drawing character.

Shade and Shadow

• Sketching allows the architect to not only delineate a structure, but model the architectural form and its shadows in light. Shading with the side or blunt tip of a drawing instrument defines the three-dimensional qualities of the building, as well as its materiality.

  Creating shadows on the sketch gives depth cues to the architectural form, and the shadows add multiple values to the depiction, creating visual interest. Sketching shadows is also very important to understand how a structure works throughout the days of the year. Experiment with shading and shadow to see how these techniques affect your sketching.

Drawing Confidence

• Sketches should be drawn with confidence and not judged harshly. Most beginners are embarrassed or ashamed of their initial sketches. Sketches are quick drawings that are meant to explore the form of an object; they are never perfect representations. So, try different techniques and continue to practice architectural sketching. Never be embarrassed of your drawings --- they help you understand an object.