Visual Notes for Architects and Designers

by Norman Crowe (School of Architecture, Univ. of Notre Dame); Paul Laseau (Ball State Univ.)

• ISBN13: 9780471289593
• ISBN10: 0471289590
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1986-07-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Recording your ideas and observations primarily in pictures instead of words can help you become more creative and constructive on the job, no matter what your level of artistic ability. This show-by-example sourcebook clearly illustrates proven methods and procedures for keeping a highly useful visual notebook. Visual Notes for Architects and Designers demonstrates how to make rapid, notational sketches that serve as visual records for future reference, as well as improve understanding and facilitate the development of ideas. It shows you how to expand your knowledge of a subject beyond what is gained through observation or verbal representation alone. You gain access to simple techniques for collecting, analyzing, and applying information. Crowe and Laseau examine the relationship between note-taking, visualization, and creativity. They give practical guidance on how to develop: Visual acuity-the ability to see more in what you experience Visual literacy-expressing yourself clearly and accurately with sketches Graphic analysis-using sketches to analyze observations Numerous examples demonstrate some of the many uses of visual notes. They help you develop a keener awareness of environments, solve design problems, and even get more out of lectures and presentations. The authors also discuss types of notebooks suitable for taking visual notes. If you want to develop your perceptual and creative skills to their utmost, you will want to follow the strategies outlined in Visual Notes for Architects and Designers. It is a valuable guide for architects, landscape architects, designers, and anyone interested in recording experience in sketch form.

Table of Contents

Preface	v
Introduction	1	(16)
The Uses of Visual Notes	2	(4)
Visual Literacy	6	(4)
The Notebook	10	(4)
Using This Book	14	(1)
Getting Started	15	(2)
A Guide to Note-Taking	17	(18)
Recording	19	(7)
Analysis	26	(4)
Design	30	(5)
A Journal	35	(64)
Exploring a Place	38	(12)
Understanding Order and Disorder	50	(14)
Solutions to Common Problems	64	(8)
Focusing on Details	72	(14)
Design Study: International Center	86	(13)
A Collection of Visual Notes	99	(50)
Thinking and Creativity	99	(2)
Visual Note-Taking	101	(1)
Examples	102	(9)
Recording	111	(14)
Analysis	125	(10)
Design	135	(14)
Tools and Techniques	149	(50)
Equipment	150	(4)
Basic Drawings	154	(32)
Analytical Drawings	186	(6)
Symbolic Drawings	192	(7)
Conclusion	199	(1)
Epilogue	200	(9)
Thomas H. Beeby
Footnotes	209	(2)
Photo Credits	211	(2)
Bibliography	213	(2)
Index	215