Architectural Illustration

The Return of Architectural illustration

Architectural illustration has seen an insurgency in recent years.

Disciplines ranging from graphic design to digital artistry have seen an uptick in popularity. Most of the newfound popularity can be attributed to technological advancements. Digitizers and touchscreens have birthed whole new platforms for digital creatives to create upon.

And many of those designers and artists are now helping to popularize architectural illustrations.

A Bit of History on Architectural Illustration 

For the better part of the past few decades, architects and developers were boxed in by certain market necessities. For businesses and industries to thrive, they needed to focus on productive, cost-effective designs. And that alone left little in the way for creative design concepts.

There’s a reason why every building and structure appeared to look the same throughout the 80s and 90s.

Fast forward to the present, and we’re starting to see examples of just what architectural illustrations can help create. And unlike other vocations, there seems to be room for both digital and handmade skills, as well.

Giving Architectural Illustration a Human Touch

Because of the detail afforded by hand sketched renderings, architects are better able to convey specific information. And, thankfully, their clients seem to like them as well.

“Today, computer renderings have lost their impact,” says architect Jim Keen to Architects Newspaper. “[This has left] the client to obsess over carpet colours or door handles meanwhile losing sight of the overall design.”

Keen later adds the following:

“Hand drawings and sketches return the conversation to the design of space by focusing on architecture, form, and people.”

Where Software Meets Design

However, that’s not to say software companies can’t improve on their design products.

The recent popularization digitizers and tablet pens have given a whole new feel and texture to the digital design. Especially in regards to architectural illustration.

3D renderings have improved leaps and bounds over the past decade. Because of this, more detail can be seen by clients more than ever before. And software companies are only helping to add to that appeal.

Morpholio is a software company founded by designers. It’s used to create tools that bridge the gap between man and machine. By utilizing pen products and commercially available tablets, Mopholio’s software represents a considerable step forward in digital design.

Yes: There’s an App for that

There’s also development in the application world that’s helping architect illustration, too.

Apps like Trace Pro help to replicate the tactile feel of tracing lines on paper. This new style is helping clients better see what they want. And it’s also creating a new, comfortable creative space for architects too.

Keen goes on to further explain. 

“When I work through a design illustration with a client, I need software that ‘disappears’ and allows me to concentrate completely on the work.”

And it’s that new concentration is helping architects to reignite their passion for illustrating.

Have any questions for us on how architectural illustrations can help you see your next design project to tuition? Maybe you have another idea for a blog we should do. Either way, feel free to get in contact with us.