Results
I naively predicted that each sketch would return as four, detailed sectional drawings. However, due to each member’s varying experience of architectural design drawing, the results were extremely diverse. Firstly, the PHD student requested that she draw a 3-dimensional sketch as her knowledge of section drawing was lacking. Her influences originated from the Pinterest application on her phone and other online sources. She required a space for studying within the communal area. This individual had a welcome knowledge for environmental design, requiring natural wood and easily removable seat covers for cleaning. The student struggled with the concepts of scale within the sectional outline, which is completely understandable. A client will be familiar with visualising spaces in 3D; but may struggle when viewing a space through a sectional detail. However, the opinions they bring to the design team is no less valid and requires the architect to curate the client’s vision into a more suited drawing style, of use during the construction process. The engineer who participated in this experiment was very comfortable drawing through section from his time working in the construction industry. However, the suggestion of constructing the seat from the environmentally harmful material MDF may need to be debated amongst the others in the design team. The engineer may not have the environmental agenda associated with their drawing in comparison to other agents. Nonetheless, they will hold
Participant 1:
Profession: PhD Student in Molecular Science Age: 24 “I decided to draw it in 3D too as I am not too sure how to draw it in section. I would like to implement large areas of storage above and below the seat. Firm cushions with removable cushions for easy clean. Light paint colour to reflect light into the room. I would like the seat to have back support at the window too, space could be a nice place to study” Participant 2:
Profession: Mechanical Engineer with experience in structural works Age: 59 “Armchair style seat fixed to wall, with area for services below including recessed electrical sockets, seat to be constructed from MDF” |
Participant 3:
Profession: 4th Year architectural student with practice experience. Age: 25 “Main idea was that the bench becomes part of the window and wall itself, the proximity of the door and shelves allows it to all become one homogenous piece of timber joinery. All the timber matches in thickness and is the same type (local, white oak), the floorboards also match the timber used elsewhere. Storage beneath for the cushions, when its not in use, and to keep cill clean. Participant 4:
Profession: Construction Manager Age: 40 “Supports (identified by no.1) to be hidden when all drawers are in the closed position. Drawers (identified by no. 2) Soft close mechanism to be implanted to runners, handle-less doors, finish to match surrounding room joinery. Cushions to be created with fabric – dark grey, cotton canvas on 50mm foam on ply backing.” “Back return on window reveal allows for 2 people to sit face to face for conversation” “If the window reveal width needs to be extended to 600mm to accommodate seat, I suggest building shelving behind my proposed seat backs.” “Wall build-up to be stud-plasterboard wall, floor finish to have a natural wood grain look, vinyl plank – Like Interface vinyl products, would need some soft furnishings to reduce echo with vinyl floor.” “Window should be sealed with a mastic or expanding foam seal. I would advise not using MDF or unedged melamine near window as condensation or water ingress would cause expansion.” |