Macaulay's Magic

Who needs computers and fancy CAD software? For more than 30 years, architect-turned-author David Macaulay has enchanted readers with pen and ink drawings that "excavate" famous architecture and imaginary buildings. For example, in his book Castle (compare prices), Macaulay illustrates the construction of a Welsh castle, showing its inner workings from impossible perspectives.

I had the joy of seeing some of Macaulay's work at an exhibit in New England, and now I'll have another chance. David Macaulay: The Art of Drawing of Architecture is now at the National Building Museum in Washington DC. More than 100 original sketches and finished drawings will be on display through January 21, 2008.

^{Flying Buttresses by David Macaulay, New York Times Magazine, 18 April 1999 © David Macaulay; photo by Christopher Benson, courtesy of the National Building Museum}