[i] …IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Architectural representation has a long-standing tradition not only as part of the development of architectural design but also as a method for learning about the practice of architecture.
The teaching tradition is a fundamental part of this field, and pedagogical innovations—using the tools available—need not turn their backs on it. We must be able to work with both new and old techniques, but above all, with new students.
Pedagogical methods, didactic focuses and teaching tools for graphic representation
Transition from manual to digital techniques
Academic performance and tool usability
Learning processes (learning by doing, challenges, design strategies…)
Integration of new technologies in architectural representation
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[ii] …WITH INFORMATION AND DATA
DIAGRAMS, DATA GRAPHS, BIG DATA, GIS, BIM, LISTS…
Technological evolution has provided us with new resources for the development of architectural representation and has triggered impulses—not without debate—about whether or not they should be incorporated into graphic work. Computational design and generative artificial intelligence engines point to yet another revolution we must face, embrace, and assimilate.
Moreover, through the use of this technology, we have learned to draw what we calculate, to visualise intelligently and understandably the results of simulations, measurements, and data—which would otherwise remain unmanageable without computation. Most significantly, our proven skill in explaining things through drawings has contributed to the world of information the ability to make mass data comprehensible. Turning overwhelming information into something understandable requires drawing.
The use of information in design: contributions related to the creation, analysis, and visualization of data.
Discussions on the use of graphic representations to visualize complex data related to the urban context, social indicators, environmental performance, energy efficiency, and other aspects of sustainable and resilient architecture.
Data-driven design: parametric, generative, algorithmic, and evolutionary design.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Robotics and digital fabrication
What can AI offer us?
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[III] …OF DRAWINGS, GEOMETRIES AND strokes
CREATIVE PROCESS OF ARCHITECTURAL FORM
Architecture is built upon the foundations of past experience. Architectural drawings are the references upon which the framework of our theory is constructed. Observing, analyzing, and copying the drawings made by architects before us provides material with which to shape a possible corpus of the discipline we can hold on to.
We learn from exemplary drawings created by architects who solved problems similar to ours—using different tools, for different audiences—but whose work contains the keys to opening new ways of seeing and practicing architectural drawing.
At the same time, the framework of geometry—as the framework of architectural form—is constantly being pushed from the center to the margins. Yet, repeatedly it regains its central role, not always well understood, but always essential. The acceleration of digital evolution has opened up a new realm of uncertainty regarding how much control we still have over constructive geometry—that is, over architectural form. Today’s computational capacity can free us from tedious drafting processes, but it can also jeopardize that control over form.
Exploration of the various techniques and media used to represent architectural projects, from antiquity to the digital age, including freehand drawing, 3D modeling, rendering, animation, virtual reality, AI, etc.
Graphic expression in idea generation and its connection to other stages of the design process.
Architectural geometry as a formal structure of architecture—used for design or to solve problems.
Sketches, notes, urban sketching…
Traditional styles and techniques of representation.
Other analog and digital methods of representation and expression.
The identification of representation systems with the architecture they depict.
Geometric forms or graphic figures that are constructed.
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[IV] …FROM THE EXISTING
DRAWING REALITY: SURVEYING, SIMULATION, GRAPHIC ANALYSIS, CONSERVATION
The surveying of architectural heritage, the recording of the built environment, the synthetic analysis of architecture’s fundamental ideas through drawing, and the virtual reproduction of objects and spaces to assess their parameters have all evolved significantly within our field, making contribuitions to our shared knowledge.
This knowledge has found application in other fields such as archaeology, tourism, and environmental assessment. The state of conservation of built heritage, and even natural heritage, has also become part of the graphic records produced through the surveying of reality, encompassing both buildings and open spaces.
Presentation of papers that use graphic expression techniques to document, preserve, and reconstruct architectural heritage, as well as to explore new ways of experiencing and understanding history and culture.
Historical studies of buildings.
Digital reconstruction.
Surveying and data collection of architectural and landscape objects.
Automated capture/reconstruction methods (e.g., photogrammetry, TLS—terrestrial laser scanning, etc.)
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[V] …TOWARDS SOCIETY
COMMUNICATION, SOCIAL AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Architecture has always responded to the social challenges of its time, echoing the concerns of its context, reflecting ways of seeing the world, and offering answers to collective or individual needs. Eco-social concerns have always been part of architectural practice. Architects’ research and practice have explored how to respond effectively to these challenges, offering innovative, thought-provoking, sometimes controversial proposals, which may have been applauded or criticised, yet have always helped to move the discipline forward.
The profession’s relationship with society has also encompassed the broad field of disseminating architecture and urbanism in all their forms. Popular books and specialized essays have often advanced our discipline more than all the literature confined to academic articles.
Explaining complex topics need not be at odds with high-quality communication and must adapt to the changing conditions of society through exhibitions, publications in the press, multimedia programs, mass media, and of course, social networks—each medium requiring its own adaptation.
Papers that contribute to an architecture attentive to environmental, economic, and social contexts, and reflections on the dissemination of knowledge to society at large.
Contributions involving the transfer of technology or knowledge to the building sector or related fields such as health, inclusion, social integration, gender equity, etc.
Communicating beyond the sense of sight: strategies for social inclusion and multisensory representations.
Studies employing participatory methods involving diverse social stakeholders that incorporate graphic expression in their methodologies.
Social media and new media platforms as new ways of drawing and explaining.
Analysis of how architectural graphic expression is used to communicate concepts, ideas, and narratives throughout the design process—from initial sketches to final presentations.
Visual storytelling: communication, concepts, and ideas.
Multimedia: animations, videos, diagrams, infographics, audiovisual representation of architecture.
Exhibition of works that explore new forms of graphic expression in architecture, challenging stylistic conventions and experimenting with form, color, texture, and other formal elements.
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EGA26 Organizing Committee