The long-standing debate in the field of architecture is the mode of delivering ideas, designs, and concepts. Delivering via hand-done presentations or via digital drawings, expression of concepts and development alter under both umbrellas.
The common ground which is shared via both modes of presentations is that both need to showcase the process of evolution under different circumstances. Hand-done drawings and computer aided drawings are two sides of the same coin. The crucial thing is to focus on the pros of a certain mode of illustration based on different concerns.
The article details out distinct scenarios under which the right mode of information delivery can be picked for eccentric presentations.
Situation-Based | Computer aided drawing
Situation-based scenarios layout assignments in Colleges or Offices. To deliver the right way, it is crucial to understand the audience we are catering to. Simultaneously, extending out the pros and cons of hand drawings and digital drawings is vital. Making the right choice while considering the above situations will help in the right development and communication of designs.
If an assignment is required to be delivered on academic grounds, showcasing concept and idea development is pivotal. Therefore hand-done concept diagrams deliver the designer’s ideologies and concept generations in a precise way. Hand drawings make the presentations look raw, organic, and concept-driven resulting in strong presentations for academic purposes.
If delivery is required for professional purposes, digital drawings are a secure option. Clients tend to look at the progress of on-site work rather than conceptual analysis of the design. The importance is given to space planning, services, and movements around the site. Therefore regular updates in space planning and services are practical only via the digital medium. It allows for constant corrections and updates allowing us to keep up with the client’s expectations.
Assignment Based
Selecting the right medium to communicate ideas that save time and energy is a trait of a good designer. Channelizing time and energy in design iterations and development is important over devoting manpower to beautify sheets.
Therefore, choosing the right medium of communication for any particular assignment is decisive. To adopt the right medium certain properties of an assignment need to be analyzed.
1. Scale | Computer aided drawing
In a professional environment, be it a small scale or large scale project, the chosen medium needs to be digital. Since the project will be on-site it requires consistent changes and updates. Therefore, digital mediums help in fast corrections and site coordination.
On academic fronts, considering the scale of the project is necessary. A small-scale project can be communicated as a hand-drafted or digitally drafted design with concept diagrams. Large-scale projects in an institution can be communicated via hand, digital, or a mix of both mediums. Initially, for constant changes in a design, the digital medium can be the rescuer, and for the final presentations, a certain rawness via hand-done diagrams can turn the tables in any jury.
Although digital drawings add crispness to the sheets, merging them with organic concept diagrams makes the presentations look complete and graphic with a strong sense of design basis.
2. Time Constraints
Time is one aspect of architecture, which remains critical from the start of a project till the end. Be it on the academic front or professional front, delivering within tight constraints of time is undeniable. Hence, efficient planning and avoiding over-delivery is a must-have quality for any aspiring architect. Efficient division of time between concept development, plan evolution, and final delivery, is vital to be a sustaining architect.
In an institution where showcasing the inspiration of a design is crucial along with detailed planning of the same, selecting the right mode of delivery for every aspect of design presentation becomes crucial. Therefore, it is vital to keep a tab of consistent alterations in design while having strong inspiration. Communicating with diagrams and showcasing the evolution of design on the final day will tip the scales towards the positive direction along with detailed plans and sections.
In the professional field, the scenario of delivery changes. Because the audience reading the drawings are your clients and on-site workers. Therefore it becomes exceptionally important to manage different sets of drawings efficiently along with regular updates and changes. Digital medium provides security, management, and alteration at the same time in a competent manner. It saves time, keeps work organized, and allows multiple people to work on the same project at the same time.
3. Form of Requirement | Computer aided drawing
As mentioned above the complexities of time bounds, being vigilant about the requirements of a particular project is also critical. If clarity lacks in understanding the deliverables of a project, the mode of delivery chosen to meet the project might lead to negative repercussions.
Be it a competition, academic project, or a professional assignment delivery, a mid-project discussion, or final day jury submission, being well versed with the requirements will prove to be exceedingly beneficial. Picking the right choice of communication in a limited time and meeting all the requirements of a particular assignment will benefit the designer and client in their own individual manner.
The debate on how to deliver a project has many layers to it. It is important to comprehend that both methods get the job done. But how well a method communicates the design to a desired set of audience in the required time frame to get the job done is the key aspect to inculcate as an architect or a designer.