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
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