PREFACE
The first edition of this text int roduced students to the range o graphic tools.
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techniques, and conventions designers use to communicate architectural
ideas. The prime objective behind its original formation and subsequent
revisions was to provide a clear. concise. and illustrative guide to the creation
and use of architectural graphics. While retaining the clarity and visual
approach of the earlier editions, this fourth edition of Architectural Graphics
incorporates several significant changes.
The tactile, kinesthetic process of crafting lines on a sheet of paper with a pen
or pencil is the most sensible medium for learning the graphic language of
drawing. C
hapters 1 and 2. therefore. remain introductions to the essential
tools and techniques of drawing and drafting by h However, this text. in its
and.
expla nations and examples, acknowledges the unique opportun ities and
challenges digital technology offers in the production of architectural graphics.
Whether adrawing is executed by hand or developed w hthe aid of a computer.
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the standards and judgments governing the effective communication of design
ideas in architectureremain the same.
Another change is the division of the original lengthy chapter on architectural
drawing conventions into four separate chapters. Chapter 3 now serves as an
introduction to the three principal systems of pictorial represent ationmultiview. para line. and perspective drawings- and analyzes ina comparative
manner the unique viewpoints and advantages afforded by each system.
Chapters 4. 5. and 6 then focus on the principles governing the conventions
and uses of eachof the three drawing systems.
The language of architectural graphics relies on the power of a composition of
lines to convey the illusion of a three-dimensional construction or spatial
environment on a two-dimensional surface, beit asheet of paper or a computer
screen. Although the line is the quintessential e
lement of all drawing, C
hapter 7
demonstrates techniques for creating t onal values and develops strategies for
their use in enhancing the pictorial depth of architectural drawin Chapter 8
gs.
extends the role of rendering t odefining scale and establishing context int he
drawing of design proposa ls.
Chapter 9 continues to exam ine t he fundamental principles of graphic
communication and illustrate the strategic choices available in the planning
and layout of architectural presentations. Incorporated into this discussion is
the original chapter on lettering and graph ic symbols, which are informativeand
essential elements to be considered in preparing any presentation.
PREFACE
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