Architecture as a form of self enquiry
The idea alluded to by Rudolf that our exploration of design in 3rd year is the exploration of self, understanding why we design the way we do and creating honest/authentic architecture. An idea I find very interesting and worth exploring.
Can I be meta about my design process? Can I observe myself make decisions and navigate through questions? Will that show me things about myself I did not know…prejudices, thinking patterns, and so on. Can I know myself better by ‘watching’ myself design. Can I learn things about myself through immersion in the design process.
The thing I have come to understand the most succinctly is that design and the outcome of design is dependent on the process that lead to it. A proper grasp and understanding of the design process and design thinking is necessary for one to make good design in any discipline. The book ‘Glimmer’ is a great reference tool in this regard. It highlights the points and the processes designers go through in finding a solution.
Now a slight caution on the use of the word ‘solution’. Design has been often described as creative problem solving, and to a great extent it is. But it is more a process of speculative exploration. Asking questions, challenging assumptions, testing hypothesis all in a bid for progress, improvement and pushing the envelope. That is the true nature of design.
The major sticking point for me in design, even in graphic design sometimes is the leap from the thought to the form. It is quite easy to sit and theorize, its easy to come up with ideas and interrogate beliefs and ask questions and propose answers and all…but when the pen hits the pad and the form must appear, there is some sort of disconnect that happens. Its like, here are all these thoughts that are really cool and interrogate design and wonderful ideas and then time for the form and I just draw something that has no bearing, it doesn’t really seem to connect.
So how does one make the transition from concept to sketch, from idea to form. What informs form? Where does form come from?
I mean, form is probably the most important aspect of architecture. It is tangible, it is VISIBLE. It can be critiqued, it would expose the thinking behind it and so on, so form must be there. But where does it come from?
Is it possible to think in drawings as opposed to words? My thinking on paper is heavily dependent on words, how about I think in images, spaces and graphics. Perhaps that would ease a smoother transition/leap from concept to form. This is where intuition comes in and going with the flow and basking in the magic.
It goes without saying that it is absolutely necessary to have an arsenal of tools in the design process kit as well as a warehouse of references and inspiration. So immersion in design content is necessary, books, magazines, sites, blogs. Read architecture news, read manifestos, critically think about design and things you see. CRITICALLY think. The development of this muscle is very important and the development of an opinion is invaluable.
And I have been out of the game for 2 years, so I have a crap load to catch up on, so I recommend about 3-4hours daily of immersion, reading, etc.
