The completely updated step-by-step guide töcapturing
experiences in sketch format--regardless of artistic
ability

Recording your ideas and observations primarily in pictures
instead of words can help you become more creative and constructive
on the job, no matter what your level of artistic ability.
Featuring completely new coverage of visual note-taking in a
digital world, Visual Notes for Architects and Designers, Second
Edition demonstrates how to make rapid, notational sketches
that serve as visual records for future reference, as well as
improve understanding and facilitate the development of ideas. It
shows you how to expand your knowledge of a subject beyond what is
gained through observation or verbal representation alone. You gain
access to simple techniques for collecting, analyzing, and applying
information. Crowe and Laseau examine the relationship between
note-taking, visualization, and creativity. They give practical
guidance on how to develop:

* Visual acuity--the ability to see more in what you
experience

* Visual literacy--expressing yourself clearly and accurately
with sketches

* Graphic analysis--using sketches to analyze
observations

Numerous examples demonstrate some of the many uses of visual
notes. They help you develop a keener awareness of environments,
solve design problems, and even get more out of lectures and
presentations. The authors also discuss types of notebooks suitable
for taking visual notes. If you want to develop your perceptual and
creative skills to their utmost, you will want to follow the
strategies outlined in Visual Notes for Architects and
Designers, Second Edition. It is a valuable guide for
architects, landscape architects, designers, and anyone interested
in recording experience in sketch form.

Norman A. Crowe is Professor Emeritus at the University of
Notre Dame's School of Architecture and author of Nature and the
Idea of a Man-Made World.

Paul Laseau is Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Ball
State University. He has twenty-five years' experience teaching
freehand sketching and design drawing, and is author of several
books related to visual communication.

Recording your ideas and observations primarily in pictures instead of words can help you become more creative and constructive on the job, no matter what your level of artistic ability. Featuring completely new coverage of visual note-taking in a digital world, Visual Notes for Architects and Designers, Second Edition demonstrates how to make rapid, notational sketches that serve as visual records for future reference, as well as improve understanding and facilitate the development of ideas. It shows you how to expand your knowledge of a subject beyond what is gained through observation or verbal representation alone. You gain access to simple techniques for collecting, analyzing, and applying information. Crowe and Laseau examine the relationship between note-taking, visualization, and creativity. They give practical guidance on how to develop:

• Visual acuitythe ability to see more in what you experience

• Visual literacyexpressing yourself clearly and accurately with sketches

• Graphic analysisusing sketches to analyze observations

Numerous examples demonstrate some of the many uses of visual notes. They help you develop a keener awareness of environments, solve design problems, and even get more out of lectures and presentations. The authors also discuss types of notebooks suitable for taking visual notes. If you want to develop your perceptual and creative skills to their utmost, you will want to follow the strategies outlined in Visual Notes for Architects and Designers, Second Edition. It is a valuable guide for architects, landscape architects, designers, and anyone interested in recording experience in sketch form.

1. Introduction 1

The Uses of Visual Notes 2

Visual Literacy 6

The Notebook 10

Using This Book 14

Getting Started 15

2. A Guide to Note-Taking 17

Recording 19

Analysis 26

Design 30

3. A Journal 35

Exploring a Place 38

Understanding Order and Disorder 50

Solutions to Common Problems 64

Focusing on Details 72

Design Study: International Center 86

4. A Collection of Visual Notes 99

Thinking and Creativity 99

Visual Note-Taking 101

Examples 102

5. Transitions to Design 141

Visual Notation and Design Process 141

Impact of Digital Technology 142

Digital Design Media 142

Examples 144

Conclusion 178

Appendix Tools and Techniques 181

Equipment 182

Basic Drawings 184

Drawing Conventions 202

Analytical Drawings 214

Symbolic Drawings 220

Endnotes 226

Illustration and Photo Credits 227

Bibliography 229

Index 231