Long before construction begins, architects sketch their visions. From casual sketches to intricate architectural drawings, a concept emerges. Next come elevation drawings, section drawings, and detailed plans. Eventually the architectural firm will use CAD software to create complex renderings and 3D views.
Each stage of the creative process gives insight into the architect's imagination. Here's a sampling of architectural drawings and sketches for a variety of projects, from famous structures to visionary structures that were never built.
1. Gordon Strong Automobile Objective and Planetarium
FLLW FDN #2505.039 © 2009 Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Frank Lloyd Wright
For this ambitious project, Frank Lloyd Wright drew a spiralling roadway that mimicked the shape of the mountain. His client, Gordon Strong, rejected the plans, but the architectural drawing reveals Frank Lloyd Wright's early experiments with hemicycle forms.
For this ambitious project, Frank Lloyd Wright drew a spiralling roadway that mimicked the shape of the mountain. His client, Gordon Strong, rejected the plans, but the architectural drawing reveals Frank Lloyd Wright's early experiments with hemicycle forms.
2. World Trade Center Tower 2
Image: Foster and Partners, courtesy Silverstein Properties
Foster and Partners
The World Trade Center architects imagined four blocks of light-filled, column-free floors centered around a central core.
The World Trade Center architects imagined four blocks of light-filled, column-free floors centered around a central core.
3. World Trade Center Tower 4
Image: RRP, Team Macarie, courtesy of Silverstein Properties
Fumihiko Maki and Maki and Associates
This architect's sketch envisions a skyscraper completing the spiral composition of the four towers in the new World Trade Center Complex.
This architect's sketch envisions a skyscraper completing the spiral composition of the four towers in the new World Trade Center Complex.
4. Minnesota State Capitol
ArtToday.com
Cass Gilbert
In this early architectural rendering, Cass Gilbert imagined a vast domed structure modeled after Saint Peter's in Rome.
In this early architectural rendering, Cass Gilbert imagined a vast domed structure modeled after Saint Peter's in Rome.
5. Lloyd's of London
Courtesy Richard Rogers Partnership
Richard Rogers Partnership
The architect drew detailed section drawings for a skyscraper with with bright, light-filled spaces.
The architect drew detailed section drawings for a skyscraper with with bright, light-filled spaces.
6. The Burberry Line
© Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, permission of Portland Museum of Art
Frank Lloyd Wright
Through his drawings, architect Frank Lloyd Wright proposed a Burberry Line of modular furnishings that could be arranged in a variety of configurations.
Through his drawings, architect Frank Lloyd Wright proposed a Burberry Line of modular furnishings that could be arranged in a variety of configurations.
7. The Marika-Alderton House
Sketch © Glenn Murcutt, courtesy the Pritzker Prize Committee
Glenn Murcutt
Australian architect Glenn Murcutt combined his own creative vision with Aboriginal ideas, sketching a long, low house with flexible shutters and natural ventilation.
Australian architect Glenn Murcutt combined his own creative vision with Aboriginal ideas, sketching a long, low house with flexible shutters and natural ventilation.
8. The Senedd, National Assembly for Wales
Courtesy Richard Rogers Partnership
Richard Rogers Partnership
These sketches by Richard Rogers illustrate the roof funnels and other energy-efficient designs at the Senedd, home of the National Assembly for Wales.
These sketches by Richard Rogers illustrate the roof funnels and other energy-efficient designs at the Senedd, home of the National Assembly for Wales.
