The incomplete and speculative nature of a sketch will lead us to the next idea and liberate design.

The goal of the course is threefold: 1) to show students why sketching matters; 2) to demonstrate to students what computer programs produce without telling them why or how it’s done; 3) to instill confidence in students and liberate them to sketch and design freely from the classroom to the boardroom.

The term will be organized into three parts:
Part 1: Understanding drawing types
Part 2: Mastering an understanding of Descriptive Geometry
Part 3: Applying skills to design issues

Because of the advent and widespread use of the computer, there has been a widespread absence of freehand drawings in the profession these days. As such, there has been a lack of spatial awareness and a loss of ability to communicate graphically and freely. Students will address how to describe and express design ideas through quick coherent sketches. They will learn how to describe spatial and formal ideas by first mastering descriptive geometry, linear perspective, skiagraphy, stereotomy, and stereography, and then apply lessons learnt to actual design exercises by sketching.

Students will learn to sketch and draw freehand via a combination of lectures, demonstrations, in-class exercises, and take-home assignments. Assigned readings will supplement weekly class content. Apart from classroom work, students will also be brought outside for field assignments, visual observations, and live sketching.

Every student will use a ring-binder portfolio in everyday classwork and will develop through the term. Every sketch, from the most casual sketching exercises to the most elaborate drawings, will be recorded in their sketchbook and it will form a journalistic record of student progress.

Students will be evaluated on 1) progress made throughout the term; 2) the rigor of exercises done; 3) the design assignments issued during the last two weeks and their studio-style final review. There will also be an exhibition of student work at the end of term.

The class is open to anyone interested in developing sketching and design skills. As such, there is no ‘minimum’ sketching ability required. However, students should anticipate devoting time every week for take-home assignments. As the old adage goes, ‘practice makes perfect.’