Design, drawing and the teaching of architecture through corporeality

Abstract

This article reflects upon the teaching of architectural drawing and design. It describes the reality of ocularcentrism and the almost total annulment of the other sensory channels, including haptic vision, in both professional architectural practice and in the academic domain. It presents data from the cognitive sciences concerning the importance of mirror neurons in this matter, which question this reality and support the thesis subsequently presented. The theoretical corpus addresses matters relating to man’s existence in the world, his relationship with space and his perception, revealing corporeality and the inseparable duality of body and space in his existence. It emphasises the need to transit between conscious and unconscious states in the creative process upon which architectural design depends, while at the same time revealing the fundamental role played by drawing and design in this universe. The article therefore stimulates a reflection upon architectural drawing and design, and specifically about the teaching of this profession, which at present scarcely considers the deep questions of being and existing in their bodily aspects. It also presents exercises carried out based on this theoretical corpus.

Keywords: drawing, design, architectural project, corporeality, haptic vision, mirror neurons, teaching.