Diagrams as Design Tools

‘Diagram’ is one of the most used tools in architecture. diagrams are used to explain and deliver the core ideas of a project, on the formal, programmatic and systematic level. 

diagram= visual tool that conveys compressed information.

There are two main types of diagrams that i like to call: 

analytical (diagrams analysing a finished project) and 

strategic ( diagrams paving the way for a project to take form). 

In this assignment, you will do both: you will produce analytical diagrams for the case study & the spatial/organization research, and strategic diagrams for your program and manifesto.

Poche and Partis Diagrams are one example for analytical diagrams: these diagrams analyze mostly form and building systems. below there is one spread of the architectural drawings, and immediately below them, the poche & partis diagrams. each drawing show a type of information: structure, relationship of plan to section, geometry, hierarchy. Analytical diagrams in that case are abstracted versions of the architectural drawings.
 

On the other hand, strategic diagrams are used for brainstorming core ideas of a design process, and later conveying those ideas to clients. They are powerful elements of design: the strategic content of diagrams will later translate into the formal approach.  As we have seen yesterday, Rem Koolhaas’ Seattle Library’s massing derived from the diagram which reinterpreted the program. Joshua Prince-Ramus, labels their process as ‘hyperrationalist’ – which implies a process of organization – both spatial and programmatic.
 

More examples of programmatic diagrams on another project by REX NY, the kortrijk-lllibrary.
visit their website for more examples of diagramming. 

and other random examples of good representation.