AN INTRO


DESIGN - P.1A > SKETCHING DESIGN ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES

Simple sketch using lines as a basic design element.

The main architectural subject of Semester 2 in FNBE - Introduction to Design. An organised module leading us step by step into the unknown abyss of architecture, by starting with the basics. Our first project was the beginning of what would be a fulfilling course, in terms of enlightenment and satisfaction.

Understanding the elementary components of design was, of course,the most rational first step. Anticipation was evident in the spirit of our class as we received our first brief ever from Ms Delliya, our ex-ENBE-now-turned-Design lecturer. Consisting of Part 1 and Part 2 of the project, along with in-depth explanation from Ms Dee regarding the upcoming tutorial expectations and deadlines, it was definitely overwhelming with the amount of tasks we had lying ahead. Below is a copy:



But we started small and individual - it was all about observation and understanding at this point. Similar to Sem 1 when we went to Pahang, our lecturers had organised another weekend getaway to the small, charming streets of Malacca. In a class of roughly 80 people, we had tonnes of fun gathered in a remote chalet altogether, from activities like exploring Jonker Street to jungle trekking and playing at the beach (strategically sourced accommodations in conjunction with this project).

The aim of the trip was to provide natural settings for our sketches. Basically we each had to produce a total of 10 sketches, each which portrays a design element or principle set in the brief (e.g. lines, colour, texture), including 2 geometric and abstract artworks. All to be composed on 3 A2 sized boards according to the brief. At Malacca, we settles with on-site sketching but mostly exploring and capturing as many photos as we could of our desired subjects. Coming to the trip prepared with rough idea of what to look for really helped some of us in matching the type of design elements to our sketching subjects.

Below are some photos from Malacca! Flip to view.



It was a fulfilling trip. Just what we needed to get everybody in their high spirits to restart another gruelling semester. And getting work done in the meantime too. Getting back, I got to work by sorting out all the photos I took according to their respective design element or principle. Through a few tutorials, I determined which sketch was best to represent every designated element, and started sketching.

Learning the techniques from scratch wasn't easy. All of us were hanging on, referring to one another for tips and advice, besides consulting lecturers whenever we could. Genuine techniques, e.g. stippling, continuous contour, had a reason as to why it was best to represent each element or principle. One by one, I finished each sketch with either pencil or Artline, and refining those I was unsatisfied with. Besides sketching, we had to complete each one with a page of short annotations and descriptions explaining our sketch, down to design elements and principles again.

A couple weeks of work at something totally new had brought to this. Labelled with the design element or principle and respective names:

Board 1: clockwise / lines, shape, texture, form.

Board 2: Hue, value, scenery, space.

Board 3: Geometric art, abstract art

Annotations

Annotations

My personal favourite board would be the first, as I like the clean colours and forms. I learned that sketching techniques can convey clear messages if done patiently and detailed enough. I should also leave more time to increase the quality of my artworks and annotation pages for future projects.

It was satisfying seeing the outcome of my own handiwork as a whole on the boards. Lots to improve though. Looking forward to future sketching!


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