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Drawing out Meaning: drawing and the development of architecture from Inigo Jones onwards

Visit by The Manchester School of Architecture, April 2007 to the RIBA British Architectural Library.

Led by Professor David Dernie (Manchester) and Dr Paul Snell (RIBA Library)

Aims of the visit

Architectural education and practice is fast evolving. The traditional education of the architect, focused on drawing, has radically changed in the last few decades. Together, shifts in technology, architectural theory and style, and in education philosophy have transformed the architectural curriculum. Yet, arguably, architectural drawings are more popular than ever, with high market prices for historic examples, and many architects keen to retain their drawing archives.

Thus the seminar asked:

• do contemporary architects need to draw? Is drawing still relevant to the practice of architecture?
• what role has drawing played in the past in the development of architecture?
• what different media have architects used, and what effects can be achieved? 
• how can past examples of drawing inform future architects in practice and method?

 

Structure

After a general induction to the collections, the 25 students were given the opportunity to look at first hand at some of the superlative examples of drawing from the collection, including:

• Inigo Jones
• John Talman
• Sir William Chambers
• John Ruskin
• Sir Hugh Casson
• Carlo Scarpa

The drawings chosen were key examples from the Library Collection, a mixture of media, date and type. All have been digitally scanned, so that students could access these again after on the Library's online digital database RIBApix|.

Presented chronologically, these examples allowed an overview of the development of architectural drawing in Britain and the continent. Being in close proximity to the drawings, students were also able to examine the subtleties of texture, colour, and artistry. The intention was for them to draw out meaning from iconic works of the last five centuries. The striking examples and informal presentation format meant there was a lively discussion, just as intended.

Other activities

Whilst visiting London, the opportunity was taken to encounter Alvar Aalto's work in the exhibition at the Barbican. Drawings were of course a central element in this show, and the students were able to examine their role in the evolution of Alvar's practice, plus consider the relationship of drawings, models and the built.

Reactions

'A big thank you ... for kindly hosting our visit. It was immensely informative and enjoyable - your insights into the works were very much appreciated by us all.'
Professor David Dernie, Head, The Manchester School of Architecture