International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology.
ISSN 0974-3154 Volume 10, Number 1 (2017)
© International Research Publication House http://www.irphouse.com
Visual Communication in Architecture
Asst.Prof.Tejas B Pingale
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture,
D. Y. Patil college of Engg. & Tech.,Kasaba Bawada,
Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
email:tejas.pingale@gmail.com
Asst.Prof. Snehal Y Damugade
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture,
D. Y. Patil college of Engg. & Tech.,Kasaba Bawada,
Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
email:aboutspacekop@gmail.com
Asst.Prof. Neela D Jirge
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture,
D. Y. Patil college of Engg. & Tech.,Kasaba Bawada,
Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
email:neelajirge@gmail.com
Abstract photography, collage, three-dimensional process and
This paper presents a Architecture is not just a picture of computer-based methods are appropriate. Drawings can be
visual understanding how Designers create and communicate used for the purposes of observation, visualisation and
through visual means, but means of visual communication via presentation. Observational drawings are freehand drawings
from direct observation to represent the form, materials and
diagrams, sketches, charts, photographs, video, and animation
textures of objects/structures. Visualisation drawings are in
in fundamental to the process of exploring concepts and the form of quick ideation sketches for conceptualising and
disseminating information to shape the everyday quality of communicating ideas. Presentation drawings are refined and
life for individuals, communities and societies. finished and can be drawn
using manual and/or digital
Keywords: Architects, Visualization , Presentation drawing. methods. All drawings can
represent objects in two- and
Introduction three-dimensions. Types of
This unit focuses on using visual language to communicate two-dimensional representation
messages, ideas and concepts. This involves acquiring and drawings include orthogonal,
applying design thinking skills as well as drawing skills to plans and elevations.
make messages, ideas and concepts visible and tangible. Types of three dimensional
Visual communication design relies on drawing as the representation drawings include
primary component of visual language to support the perspective (one and two point)
conception and visualisation of ideas. Architects develop an and paraline (isometric and
understand the importance of presentation drawings to clearly planometric). Drawing as a
communicate their final visual communications. Through means of communication This
experimentation and through exploration of the relationship area of study introduces the
between design elements and design principles, They develop skill set that underpins the
an understand how design elements and principles affect the discrete design process stages
visual message and the way information and ideas are read of generating ideas, developing
and perceived. concepts and refining drawings.
It focuses on the development
Visual Communications of visual language and design
The design and creation of visual communications requires thinking skills.
the selection and application of methods, media, materials, Architects use observational,
design elements, design principles and final presentation visualisation and presentation
formats. Collectively these are the resources of visual drawing as the means by which
language. ideas and concepts are
Methods refer to the technical processes used to make visual Fig.1.Conceptual Drawing.
communications. For this drawing, painting, printing,
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International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology. ISSN 0974-3154 Volume 10, Number 1 (2017)
© International Research Publication House http://www.irphouse.com
communicated. Through observational drawing Architects of existing objects and/or spaces when recording these
consider reasons for the choices designers make regarding the investigations.
aesthetics, appearance and function of objects/structures. • Generation of ideas: exploring a variety of design ideas that
Architects investigate ways of representing form and surface draw on the research and are appropriate to the brief.
textures, and apply different materials and media to render Imaginative ideas can be quickly drawn using visualisation
drawings. drawing methods. These freehand ideation sketches support
Media are the digital and non-digital applications used to the communication of ideas. Visualisation drawing can
make visual communications. digital applications include represent objects in two- and three-dimensions.
vector-based and raster-based programs, • Development of concepts: selecting the preferred ideas and
non-digital applications include pencils, ink, markers, applying a range of methods, materials, media, design
pastels, acrylic paint, gouache, dye and film. elements, design principles and presentation formats to create
Materials are the surfaces or substrates that visual two- and three dimensional visual communications that
communications are applied to or constructed from. which address the brief. Both visualisation and presentation drawing
include paper, screen, card, textile, metal and plastic. methods are relevant to this stage.
Design elements are components of visual communications. • Refinement: modifying visual communications in response
For this include point, line, shape, form, tone, texture, colour to feedback and evaluation against the brief.
and type. • Resolution of presentations: presenting visual
Design principles are accepted coventions associated with communications that satisfy the brief.
arranging or organising design elements. For this include
figure-ground, balance, contrast, cropping, hierarchy, scale, Presentation Drawings
proportion and pattern (repetition and alternation). Drawings intended to visually communicate a scheme and to
promote its merits. Through representing actual usage of
Design Process space, people, vehicles and trees to appear realistic. Working
The design process identifies separate stages, as drawings may include tones or hatches to emphasise different
illustrated in Figure 2, which collectively form a framework materials, but they are diagrams, not intended to appear
for creating visual communications in response to a brief. realistic., and are otherwise very similar in style to working
drawings. Rendering is the art of adding surface textures and
shadows to show the visual qualities of a building more
realistically. An architectural illustrator or graphic designer
may be employed to prepare specialist presentation images,
usually perspectives or highly finished site plans, floor plans
and elevations etc.
Fig.2.Design Process
The brief can be provided by the Client. The process should
not be seen as static or linear; rather it is cyclical or iterative,
with stages revisited as required to resolve design problems
and extend ideas. Underpinning the design process is ongoing
analysis, reflection and evaluation requiring creative, critical
and reflective thinking, referred to as design thinking.
Stages in the design process are:
• Development of the brief: Identifying the client needs, the
context , the purpose of the Project, the target audience, and
any constraints that affect the nature of the solution.
• Research: collecting ideas, information and resources
relevant to the brief for inspiration, investigation, analysis and
interpretation. Architects can use observational freehand Fig.3.Presentation Drawing
drawing methods to represent the form, materials and textures
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International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology. ISSN 0974-3154 Volume 10, Number 1 (2017)
© International Research Publication House http://www.irphouse.com
Technical drawing in context Assembly drawings show how the different parts are put
Working drawings would typically combine plans, sections, together. For example, a wall detail will show the layers that
elevations and some details to provide a complete explanation make up the construction, how they are fixed to structural
of a building on one sheet. That was possible because little elements, how to finish the edges of openings, and how
detail was included, the building techniques involved being prefabricated components are to be fitted.
common knowledge amongst building professionals. Component drawings enable self-contained elements e.g.
Modern working drawings are much more detailed and it is windows and door sets, to be fabricated in a workshop, and
standard practice to isolate each view on a separate sheet. delivered to site complete and ready for installation. Larger
Notes included on drawings are brief, components may include roof trusses, cladding panels,
cupboards and kitchens. Complete rooms, especially hotel
bedrooms and bathrooms, may be made as prefabricated
pods complete with internal decorations and fittings.
The focuses on the acquisition and application of presentation
drawing skills that incorporate the use of technical drawing
conventions. These drawings present information and ideas
associated with a specific design field. Within the
environmental design field, one can focus on a specific area
such as architectural, interior or landscape design. In any
design field investigate ways in which information and ideas
can be communicated to a client and draw on these
understandings when creating presentation drawings.
the drawings which are not communicated as per the
knowledge.
Fig.5. Mistakes of technical understanding.
Fig.4.Technical Drawing
referring to standardised specification documents for more
information. Understanding the layout and construction of a
modern building involves studying an often-sizeable set of
drawings and documents.
A comprehensive set of drawings used in a building
construction project: these will include not only architect's
drawings but structural and services engineer's drawings etc.
Working drawings logically subdivide into location, assembly
and component drawings.
Location drawings, also called general arrangement
drawings, include floor plans, sections and elevations: they
show where the construction elements are located. Fig.6. Mistakes of technical understanding.
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International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology. ISSN 0974-3154 Volume 10, Number 1 (2017)
© International Research Publication House http://www.irphouse.com
Key skills: supply a maximised content.Role of Standards to provide
• Apply drawing methods that are suitable for the purposes of nationally accepted conventions for technical drawing.
observation, visualisation and presentation
• Use manual and/or digital methods to create drawings for
different purposes References
• Apply three-dimensional drawing methods to represent the
form and structure of objects [1] Website: www.vcca.vic.edu
• Select and apply media, materials and techniques to draw [2] Wikipedia.org/wiki/Architectural drawing.
and render forms [3] visual communication by Kajsa Björne,
• Apply design thinking techniques to generate alternative
ideas and reflect on their suitability.
• Apply and document design thinking techniques when
engaged in the design process
• Research and analyse information relevant to a given brief
• Use freehand visualisation drawings and annotations to
make ideas visible
• Evaluate the suitability of design ideas and concepts in terms
of the requirements of the brief
• Select and use a range of appropriate methods, media,
materials, design elements and design principles
• Apply techniques to refine and present visual
communications
• Apply practices that fulfill legal obligations with respect to
copyright
• Use appropriate terminology.
• Made a list of what symbols that we would need to evaluate
and work further with.
Discussion
The solution It is important to remember that all individuals
work differently and like different things that can be
demonstrated even if everyone works with the same symbols
and colours. However, by starting with a set colour and
symbol library the drawings became quicker and easier to
create and as a result less stressful. The amends made a great
impact on the look of the visuals and consequently our visual
language became clearer. We all agreed on that the colour
scheme and symbol library was mainly meant as a dynamic
and changeable guide in order to create a united style, rather
than something that would restrain any type of creativity.
Conclusion
A set language might mean that you have to work within
barriers that do not suit you. However, a set library and a
colour scheme is not meant to restrain any type of creativity,
but rather be a guide in order to create a united style, take
away stress and save money. It is meant as a basis upon which
everyone can begin at the same level and from there create
what is suitable. Nevertheless, when developing a visual
language, consideration must constantly be taken, evaluations
performed and frequent discussions take place with all
employees in order to mediate the visual language that’s
desired and together create the tools that will work for
everyone. A set visual language is also important in order to
make the design work more efficient. It is important that the
visual language does not go to extremes and end with the
common man failing to understand it. It shall be a fine balance
linking exciting communication and the actual design. A
visual language shall optimise the possibilities in order to
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