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Architect’s conceptual work (travesty of Oscar Niemeyer drawing made by the author)
JACEK KRENZ, IDEOGRAMS IN ARCHITECTURE
The drawing is therefore not only a tool and graphic means, but also plays the role of a catalyst in the process of creating an architectural form. It helps the designer develop a concept, which evolves gradually, aided throughout the process by sketches. At times though, architects aim to remain as faithful as possible to the properties encompassed in a sketch, in order to leave a personal „handprint” on their work. comparisons evoked by the drawing, we may either develop the primary idea, or modify it thanks to feedback.
Tools: the sketch and the ideogram „Thinking with a pencil” is especially significant when operating with complex dependencies, which are studied during the dynamic design process. A drawing comments and registers specific stages in the course of designing, and then presents a final solution to the problem. It is also often successful in helping with the search for solutions. Particularly helpful here, are synthetic forms of drawing, such as the sketch and the ideogram. The ideogram helps find direction, builds the design intention based on the quintessence of form and meaning. The ideogram in sketch form comprises of an exceptional
potential thanks to its openness, which results from an unfinished, unspecified form: it stimulates the imagination and makes a variety of interpretations possible. Sketches, especially in the initial stage, are an invaluable aid, making possible the quick verification of the correctness of a given solution, its relation with surroundings, and its function and structure. A sketched form of plans and cross-sections allows for the integration of a building’s complex structure, and for the working out of a concept. Sketches and ideograms are also used to present a client with initial concepts, because they explain them well and support