Architecture cannot speak without language. For literature, that language is words. In architecture, it is a combination of visual representation and words. When clear and concise writing is paired with convincing visual graphics, this combination without a doubt leads to memorable architecture for the world to enjoy in all its magnificence. Let us analyze what makes good architectural writing and visual graphics to understand how their influence guides the practice of architecture.
Importance of Good Writing
Architectural writing is fundamental to the architectural profession. It is a tool to facilitate communication of complex design concepts in clear, concise terms. Written communication is used in architecture to describe concepts, document the evolution of an architectural design, or express the aspirations and goals of the creator. Alan Berman, who used to curate and judge the AJ Writing Prize for the Architectural Journal, asserts that great architectural writing “should aim for clarity and precision of expression using lucid terminology and simplicity of structure.” Carter Wiseman similarly describes in his book “Writing Architecture: A Practical Guide to Clear Communication about the Built Environment,” that writing with clarity of thinking and expression is crucial to successful architectural writing.
Although architecture is inherently visual, storytelling is central to concept creation and ideating for a building. Koolhaas gained initial global fame from his work in journalism, such as his book “Delirious New York” before he designed a single building. Therefore, the creative act of storytelling and making your message clear to the audience is of utmost importance. Architectural writing actively transforms your creative vision into a beautiful story. Developing a captivating story leads to strong architectural concepts that translate into a physical building.
In general, architectural writing takes place in the industry in the form of marketing materials such as project proposals and articles featuring newly completed projects. Writing is also important in working documents with clients and consultants in the form of design briefs, reports, and/or design narratives. Visual representations such as plans, sections, and renderings are often combined with written descriptions to delineate the design intent and aspirations of the architecture design team. The format of the document dictates the ratio of the amount of writing to visual tools. For example, a report may be almost entirely text, with a few supporting photographs, while a client presentation is heavily loaded with strong images to sell a project, with some key phrases and concepts to highlight important aspects of the project.
Visual Representation as Language
While written words help architects to convey the story of their building effectively, visual representation is a gateway to the architectural design itself and brings the audience to experience it in a two-dimensional format. Like the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words“, visuals such as drawings, diagrams, and renderings can explain a project well beyond word description. Visual representation is the principal medium that architects use to design a project. The act of architectural drawing creates a clear distinction between the architect’s role as a planner/designer, from the act of construction. Architects do not construct buildings, but rather make representations of buildings, in the form of visual tools such as graphics, drawings, illustrations, renderings, etc.
Visual representation lives and breathes the language of architecture. Many two-dimensional processes such as sketching and diagramming help architects at the early stages of a project to analyze programmatic spatial organizations, test design concepts, and define certain types of functions or intentions of the space. These early studies are conceptual extensions of the architectural narrative, which must be developed in line with the story of the building you plan to craft to the client and the greater public. Architectural renderings have also become a strong visualization tool for architects since the dawn of the computer. With the advancement of 3D modeling software and CGI techniques, renderings serve to bridge the gap between architects, and their clients, as they are capable of showing 3-dimensional spaces with hyper-realism.
The whole language of visual representation has experienced an ever-changing evolution over generations – from beautiful hand drawings from the likes of architects Giovanni Battista Priranesi and Louis Kahn to the illustrated comic-like appearance of Archigram’s work, to creative montages and collages seen by Superstudio and contemporary use by Fala Atelier. Architects largely use visual representation as a language to express their interpretation of culture, context, and place that represents the kind of Architecture they bring to society. Different types of expression and language also represent the identity of an architect or firm culture. Steven Holl’s vibrant watercolors represent his search for natural light and materiality, while Tadao Ando’s gestural sketches embody his stance on the emotional power of light, shadow, and space in architecture.
The use of visualization within architecture is limitless. Current trends indicate that hyper-realistic renderings and AI-generated visuals will continue to advance. It is concerning that visualization technology gears evermore closer towards realism, especially with the event of AR (Augmented Reality) and wearable devices like the Apple Vision Pro, which brings the 3-dimensional environment to the everyday consumer. We should keep in mind that “architectural representation” is meant to serve its original purpose – as a “representation” of a 3D environment of a building meant to be (or already is) physically constructed for our physical world.
References:
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“Architecture Narratives – the Storytelling of Design.” Archisoup, 14 Oct. 2023, [online] Available at: www.archisoup.com/studio-guide/architecture-narratives.
Baraya, Santiago. “The Evolution of Visual Representation in Architecture (and How It Will Continue to Change).” ArchDaily, 10 July 2020, [online] Available at: www.archdaily.com/942862/the-evolution-of-visual-representation-in-architecture-and-how-it-will-continue-to-change. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024
Berman, Alan. “AJ Writing Prize: Alan Berman on What Makes Good Architectural Writing.” The Architects’ Journal, 13 June 2011, [online] Available at: www.architectsjournal.co.uk/archive/aj-writing-prize-alan-berman-on-what-makes-good-architectural-writing#:~:text=Rather%20it%20is%20to%20say. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024.
Cano, Paula. “Can Architectural Journalism Shape the Future of the Profession?” ArchDaily, 19 Mar. 2023, [online] Available at: www.archdaily.com/993671/can-architectural-journalism-shape-the-future-of-the-profession?ad_campaign=normal-tag. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024.
Vroman, Liselotte, and Corneel Cannaerts. “Other Perspectives: Extending the Architectural Representation.” Research in Arts and Education, vol. 2022, no. 2, 22 Dec. 2022, pp. 12–24, [online] Available at: journal.fi/rae/article/view/122983, https://doi.org/10.54916/rae.122983. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024.
