Research is about being curious

Research is about being curious. You have to ask a lot of good
questions. Plan and section drawings are great places to get answers.
First, find a good plan and a good section of your site (you should have a
plan from the last assignment). Make sure the drawings are big enough
for you see everything well. Next, analyze them by asking good
questions, and the list below might help:
● How are different spaces defined and distinct from one another?
How are they joined?
● What are the most important architectural elements? Architectural
elements include the following:
○ linear elements, such as columns, beams, arches, etc.
○ planes, such as walls, ceilings, domes, floors, ground/site
articulation, etc.
○ objects, such as closed domes, cubes, sculptures, etc.
○ circulation—paths, gathering nodes, primary views in and out,
public vs. private space, etc.
○ solids and voids and the relationship between them
● What are the visual properties of the architecture? These might
include the following:
○ shapes, such as square, round, octagonal, or pyramidal
shapes
○ size/scale, such as height and width in comparison to the
human body or other structures
○ regular and/or irregular forms, such as basic, complex, or
organic shapes
○ symmetry or asymmetry: Do parts mirror each other on an
axis or are they unbalanced?
○ open or closed, light or heavy, transparent or opaque
qualities of thickness and openness
○ vertical or horizontal orientation, as shown by being tall, long,
or wide
● How are the parts related to one another?
○ Are they radiant or magnetic: Did the plan grow outward or
divide inward?
○ Are they additive or subtractive: Did the architecture add to
its site or carve into it?

Full Answer Section

     
  1. Architectural Elements:
    • Goal:Identify the key building blocks that make up the architecture. This includes:
      • Linear Elements:Columns, beams, arches, etc.
      • Planes:Walls, ceilings, floors, domes, etc.
      • Objects:Closed domes, sculptures, etc.
      • Circulation:Paths, gathering spaces, primary views, public vs. private areas, etc.
      • Solids and Voids:The interplay between built structures (solids) and open spaces (voids).
  1. Visual Properties:
    • Objective:Analyze the visual aspects of the architecture. Consider:
      • Shapes:Square, round, octagonal, pyramidal, etc.
      • Size and Scale:How does the size compare to the human body or other elements?
      • Form:Regular (basic) or Irregular (complex, organic) shapes?
      • Symmetry/Asymmetry:Are there mirrored elements or is the balance asymmetrical?
      • Openness/Closeness:Is the space light and open, or heavy and closed? Consider transparency and material thickness.
      • Orientation:Is the structure predominantly vertical (tall), horizontal (long), or wide?
  1. Relationships between Parts:
    • Exploration:How do the different parts of the design interact? Think about:
      • Organization:Radiant (growing outward) or Magnetic (dividing inward)?
      • Site Interaction:Additive (adding to the site) or Subtractive (carving into the site)?
By asking these questions and actively analyzing the plan and section drawings, you can gain a deeper understanding of the spatial organization, architectural elements, and overall design intent.  

Sample Answer

   

That's a great explanation of how to analyze plan and section drawings in architecture! Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Preparation:

  1. Gather Materials: Locate a clear plan and section drawing of your site, preferably from a previous assignment. Ensure they're large enough for detailed examination.

Analysis Steps:

  1. Spatial Relationships:

    • Focus: How are different areas defined and connected within the space? How do they transition from one another?