My Sketchbook

As part of my Architecture in Context module in term 1, I had to create a sketchbook by following weekly seminar tasks. I decided to use an A5 sketchbook to gather my sketches and ideas and received a Low 1^st for my efforts. I produced a lot of drawings during the time period and I believe my most successful drawing is the pen study of the Nottingham Council House. I believe this is the best outcome as it is a realistic resemblance of the building although it has a rough and scribbled style. I was able to capture the depth and size of the building by using different sized pens and showed good use of shading to produce the 3D effect. This image also stands out by me as I enjoy creating this piece due to the fact I was interested in the building itself.

 On the other hand I was disappointed by some of my work as I was unable to achieve the result I wanted, I think my least successful work is the section on Georgian Architecture as I failed to produce high quality sketches. Looking back at them I can see the lack of detail and design as I have produced simplistic sketches of the features. An example of this would be the Large Chimney Stacks and the Sash Windows, I can now see that I didn’t spend enough time on the artwork and have lowered the standard of the overall sketchbook.

 Moving on from Georgian Architecture to Gothic Architecture which was the style of architecture I found most interesting. I really enjoyed studying this style and being able to see first-hand examples around Nottingham which I was able to include in my sketchbook. I was very interested in the design techniques used to decorate the walls of the buildings and create large dominating buildings, which I tried to capture in my sketch of St. Mary’s Church.

 Throughout my sketchbook I preferred to use pencils and pens to create my sketches and ideas, this was due to my ability to produce quality drawings that fulfilled the objective and I was confident in using them. Now that I have completed my sketchbook I regret that I was not more experimental with the materials that I used. I believe I could have greatly improved my sketchbook by using alternative methods such as watercolours, acrylics and collages. I will learn from my mistakes and break my trend of using materials that I am confident in and explore other methods.

                                                                                            

 Although our sketchbooks are “complete” and marked I will not stop using it. From last term I have learned how useful and handy having a sketchbook is. It is like a diary in which you can record your ideas and sketch something that interests you. Due to this I am going to constantly add to my sketchbook and build up a collection of design ideas, architectural styles and information that will help me in future projects. I will hopefully keep my sketchbook during my whole academic career and continue to produce high quality sketches and develop my skills in using new mediums that will become a book off all my ideas and interests that could influence my future works. 

 Yorkshire Sculpture Park 

 Columns

 Nottingham Council House 

 Byron House, Nottingham 

Yorkshire Sculpture Park 

Sir John Soane

Sir John Soane (1753-1837) was an English architect who was known for his Neo-Classical style. In the 18^th Century he experienced many different architectural styles whilst on a grand tour of Italy which inspired his work. He also became a professor of architecture at the Royal Academy and an official architect to the Office of Works before receiving his knighthood in 1831. The following buildings are examples of Sir John Soane’s work:

Bank of England

On the 16^th October 1788 he was appointed architect and surveyor of the Bank of England where he remained for 45 years. During his time he rebuilt much of the bank and extended the site, he also decided to enclose the building in 1828 by building a windowless wall. The bank was a very grand building with columns covering the façade. From the plans and paintings you can see the attempt of designing an open airy space with plenty of sunlight illuminating the floor space as shown in Fig.2 illustrating the Banking Hall. He also focused on the heating element within the bank by designing decorative stoves and flues. Unfortunately none of this work can be seen today as the building was demolished in the 1920s for renovations.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

This building was the first purpose built public art gallery in England constructed in 1817. From outside the building you can instantly recognise John Soane’s style of architecture as the walls are enclosed with window openings filled with bricks. Like the majority of his outer buildings the inside space is open with natural light shining throughout the rooms due to windows being placed on the roof. The building consists of five rooms that are connected by a series of arches that create an endless sense of space. Due to using a natural top light this was ideal for viewing paintings and maximised the wall space for hanging artwork. Many art galleries have since have been influenced by the designs used in the Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Pitzhanger Manor

This House & Gallery is a major cultural venue in West London, and was once owned by Sir John Soane. The House shows many features associated with Soane’s architectural style that where influenced from his tour of Italy including the Columns, Statues and decorative features on the walls. Pitzhanger Manor has many similarities to the Soane’s Bank of England building, although windows have been placed on the front facing wall. Inside the manor is a series of very decorative rooms some with curved ceilings with unique designs and patterns. Soane’s idea of using natural light to illuminate the building has been used again within this piece of architecture.

After looking into the life work of Sir John Soane and his neo-classical style of architecture, I have come to appreciate his methods of design. I am interested in the way that he makes the most use of natural light by careful positioning of windows, to allow the sunlight to filter throughout the building. From the outside you get the impression that his buildings are dark and cold due to his use of materials and the use of the enclosed wall, which then creates a pleasant surprise when you see the inside and are greeted with large, open, bright grand spaces. 

Fig.1 - Sir John Soane

Fig.2 - Bank of England

Fig.3 - Dulwich Picture Gallery

Fig.4 - Pitzhanger Manor

Other examples of Sir John Soane's work:

Fig. 5 - Sir John Soane's Museum (1813)

Fig.6 - Piercefield House (1792)

Fig.7 - Tyringham Hall (1792)