Fox Fridays Basics: Hand Drafting Techniques and Applications

We will review techniques and tools for hand drafting as well as precedent images. Then, using an object or model, participants will construct a set of orthographic drawings consisting of plan, section, elevation at 1" = 1" scale using a drafting pencil and drawing board. We will cover not only basic methods of orthographic projection, but also how students could apply more advanced methods of projection, collage, and color.

Takeaways: Students will produce a small set of orthographic drawings including plan, section, and elevation. They will learn techniques including lineweight management, angles, curves, and methods of erasing. Finally, they will be well equipped with avenues for further exploration and ways in which they can continue to use hand drafting as a representational tool in their studios and seminars.

Cross-disciplinary Connections: Hand drafting can be combined with other mediums including watercolor and printmaking to create experiential composite drawings. These media can be applied directly or used as background, landscape, and shadows, among others. Hand drafting can also be combined with digital rendering, photography, and collage to create similar effects.

Connected Classes: Courses students can take in the future include Architectural Sketching by Don Koster, Drawing on the City by Bob Hansman, Unveiling the Detail by Don Koster.

Resources: Students who are great resources for further help: Yuwei Yang, Ange Long, and Borler Wu. Books: Manual of Section by LTL Architects; Architectural Graphics by Francis Ching.

Instructors: Natsuko Nozaki is a fourth-year undergraduate student from Redwood Shores, California, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. She is a part of the second generation leadership team for the Sam Fox Peer Mentoring Program as well as an executive member for ArchEngage. In her free time, she enjoys going bowling. Connor Merritt, LEED Green Associate, is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and minors in Art History & Archaeology and in Urban Design. He co-founded the leadership team for the Sam Fox Peer Mentoring Program and is actively involved with WashU’s club ultimate frisbee team. In his free time, he enjoys playing electric guitar and reading fiction novels and short stories.