This is not a building: Using the (mis)interpretation of drawings as a method to design non-conventional architecture

Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Program
Architecture and urban design (MPARC), MSc
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Forsberg, Julia
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
A drawing is a representation of an object; it is an abstracted version of the object, stripping it from three dimensions to two. This act inevitably causes a loss of information, gaps which are filled with the reader’s subjective interpretation. Evans (1986) describes architecture as the translation from drawing to building. The drawing is the architect’s final output, and the information it conveys is loaded with values. Weisman (2000) states that “architecture [...] is a record of deeds of those who have the power to build” (p. 86). Although drawing is largely seen as a neutral tool for representing architecture, this thesis argues that by putting these theories together, we could understand the translation from drawing to building not as something neutral but rather as an act based on societal values. To orient ourselves in drawings we use conventions. Ahmed (2006) writes about the relationship between queerness and disorientation, and states that to queer space is to disturb the order of things. Through a series of explorations, this thesis develops a method of design based on the (mis)interpretation of drawings and their conventions, disturbing their order – enabling a reading of drawing which is disorienting and queer. An influential part of the method is also the translation of an analog drawing into vectors, done through a mixture of manual and automated tracing. The method is applied to a design project based on the (mis)interpretation of the hand drawn entrance floor plan of Slottsviken, Mölndal. Slottsviken is a costly villa built originally in 1898, today used as a private conference venue with its grounds closed off from the public with a black iron gate – the villa only to be seen from opposite the lake next to it. The design project distortedly mirrors the villa from across the lake, but answers to the private extravaganza with something public and celebratory – a community centre. The intention of the thesis is not to critique the subjectiveness of drawing, but to urge the reader to be aware and intentional with their interpretations, and to raise a conversation about future uses of drawing, highlighting that there are more stories to be told. The thesis celebrates drawing through creative use of it and argues that non-conventional but functional and intriguing design can be discovered through the method of (mis)interpretation.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
architecture, drawing, interpretation, representation, non-conventional , queer
Citation
Arkitekt (konstruktör)
Geografisk plats
Byggnad (typ)
Byggår
Modelltyp
Skala
Teknik / material
Index