TRYING to quantify what makes a building or space feel special is not as obvious as it seems.
That reaction you get when experiencing something for the first time, that instinctive gut feeling, only comes once and lies at the root of success and failure in design. We can rationalize anything to death and we may even be able to convince ourselves why we should like something but identifying why we truly like something is far more important.
During my early days in architecture school a professor of mine encouraged me to carry a sketchbook with me at all times so I could draw what interested me. The idea was to capture on paper the essence of what appealed to me in a building or a space. My first thought was that taking a photograph would be more accurate and far easier - being the lazy student and all - but the notion was quickly dispelled as my prof insisted that the process of sketching would connect me far more with the subject than would a simple click of the camera. It's a concept I soon became convinced of and 25 years and a stack of sketchbooks later I still find myself doodling images and details I like.
The process of sketching affords one time to analyze what they see and understand what makes a composition successful. The play of light on a surface or texture, the shape and detail of structure and space, the connection of architecture to site and to the people that use it are all aspects of what makes something unique. Sketching allows one to gain a deeper connection to the built environment because, by its very nature of translating perception to reality, forces one to slow down and critically think about what they see.
A fun exercise for individuals interested in architectural design is to try to understand why a building or space appeals to them. Sketching is only one means to an end with the end being taking the time to critically think why a given space or building works for you. Begin by asking yourself some questions. Is it the proportions that make it distinctive, the orientation, the texture, the light? Critically analyze what you're experiencing and try to figure out what's making it special. I often pace out a room that feels good and take note of its ceiling height and then analyze how the lighting works and how it's finished. Its relationship to other spaces is important too. Try to come to grips with why it works well.
If you're somewhere that really strikes your fancy ask yourself why. Answering the question will give you a tremendous insight into creating places you'd love to live in.
Kevin Vallely is a residential designer in North Vancouver. Follow along Kevin's "small house" design at cliffhangerhouse.com.
