subject: How To Balance Between Art And Technology In An Architectural Rendering [print this page] Many factors play into the question of how much art and how much technology in a architectural rendering. Who the work is being prepared for and a project's deadline is important. The intended use for the design also will weigh into the balance. The role of aesthetics in the presentation is also a consideration.
By definition, an architectural rendering is a means of creating a two-dimensional image of a proposed space that will occupy three dimensions. Traditional approaches to rendering this kind of representation have included pen and ink drawings, watercolors, and hand drawn sketches. Now computer graphics offer yet another path to convey the architects' vision.
While even a pencil is a technology, how the artist/designer interacts with it is quite different from working with a machine. Indeed, the more traditional tools bring to mind the art side of architectural work. Computers, by contrast, bring to mind the engineering, mathematical, and scientific side of the discipline.
At its best, aesthetics and creative design are a part of drawing. Hand drawing also is more likely to include notations that point to the architect's style (and flair).
Some say quick experimentation is easier when sketching. Others disagree and believe that the computer's speed allows more sketching because drafts are quickly conceived and discarded. Perhaps the machine can enhance visualization work done with a pencil, and the hand-held instrument can also aid in software driven projects.
Balancing the perspectives brings to mind that Brunelleschi dome design for the Cathedral of Florence (1419-1436) drew upon his talents as both an artist and engineer. His success, often attributed to his technical and mathematical genius, brought more status to the role of the architect. Yet, many see him more as an artist because he is also credited with making the first paintings that incorporate linear perspective.
How much art and how much technology in an architectural rendering is a topic of great interest today as people plan projects. The historical debates remind us that it is hard to quantify some aspects of what architects do.
