Tools to conceive an architectural idea
Tools to conceive an architectural idea
September 12, 2023
by Crysly Egaña
Hey! Jonathan here.
It happened more or less like this. It was 1934. EdgarJ. Kaufmann, a furniture industry magnate, asked the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to build a weekend house near what is now the Bear Run Nature Reserve in Pennsylvania, USA. The key element: Kaufmann wanted the house to have a view of the waterfalls that he and his family enjoyed so much.
Wright first visited Bear Run in December of that year. At least three visits by Wright to the site have been documented before the design phase. Not a single line was drawn during that time. Wright was a peculiar type. It was important for him to cultivate imagination, to conceive the concept before putting it on paper. "Conceive the building in the imagination, not on paper but in the mind, thoroughly – before touching paper. Let it live there – gradually taking more definite form before committing it to the draughting board. When the thing lives for you – start to plan it with tools. Not before," says one of his most famous quotes.
The architect conceived the idea over nine months. For him, the house had to integrate with the natural surroundings, and the people should be able to enjoy the view of the waterfall from anywhere in the house. Therefore, the Kaufmanns would live amidst the waterfall. According to the testimony of his employees, he drew the initial sketches and plans for the house over the waterfall in just two hours when he received the news of his client's imminent visit to review the design progress. Then he placed at the end of the blueprint a name that everyone knows: Fallingwater.
The integration with the natural environment is not limited to simply placing a house in the middle of the waterfall, but it encompasses everything. It is about creating harmony and, at the same time, showing respect for nature. In one part of the house, there are a series of pergolas, like awnings, whose shadows resemble those of tree trunks. Rocks were used as foundations, and some spaces of the house has local stones. The house emerges from the waterfall.
As you can see, the design process is highly personal and depends on each individual. Some may need to cut and paste cardboard with their hands to realize certain details. Others may need to draw over and over again. The variety of tools at our disposal can seem overwhelming. But the important thing is to take the best from them to accomplish the most important task:effectively communicating an idea.
3Directions
How can we make the most of current technology? This is why 3D JONY exists. We have developed a workflow and platform integration that has proven successful for us, and we not only propose it but also teach it. In order:
Modeling: This topic covers the process of creating detailed 3D models of architectural designs using ArchiCAD. It includes techniques for accurately representing buildings, structures, and spaces in a digital environment.
White Rendering: White rendering involves generating visual representations of architectural designs with a focus on light, shadows, and basic materials. It's a technique to showcase designs in a simplified, monochromatic style that highlights architectural elements.
2D CADing: This topic revolves around creating 2D technical drawings and plans using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools within ArchiCAD. These drawings go beyond technical precision to convey design concepts, emotions, and artistic elements effectively.
3D Printing: Here, the emphasis is on utilizing 3D printing technology in conjunction with ArchiCAD models. This allows architects to physically manifest their designs, enabling tangible prototypes and models to aid in visualization and communication.
3D Documentation: It involves creating comprehensive records of architectural projects using ArchiCAD's 3D modeling capabilities. This can include everything from capturing design iterations to documenting construction phases, aiding in project management and collaboration.
Let’s think
Yes. Design is an extremely personal process. The"Eureka" moment can vary for each person, as well as the development of the concept for an idea. You can learn how to draw, build a model, or use a BIM program. However, teaching how to ideate, how to stimulate creativity...that's a different story altogether.
What is the most important thing for you when conceiving an architectural idea?
We look forward to your comments via email or on our Discord server, where you’ll find a special forum dedicated to The Blueprint’s discussions, called “lets-think-the-blueprint”.