PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION

Please join the ICAA-NW for a presentation and discussion about the esquisse process, a system for tackling the early design process that was originally developed at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in the 17th century.

It was the belief of the instructors at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts that the early design process could be methodically systematized in such a way that would not only simplify the daunting task of starting a new design, but also yield excellent results. Students would participate in what was called an esquisse, where they would be given a project prompt and asked to quickly produce a series of graphic studies of potential solutions. These multiple studies would then be winnowed down to one selected scheme and eventually refined for final presentation.

John F. Harbeson outlined this method in his 1926 book “The Study of Architectural Design.” This course will center around a reading from this book. Participants will be asked to read this excerpt prior to our gathering. During the gathering, a short presentation will be given on the esquisse process, followed by a group discussion.

This course will complement a future esquisse design competition, hosted by the ICAA-NW, during which participants will be given a project prompt and be asked to complete a full esquisse. Entries will be judged by a panel of critics and a winner will be awarded. Participation in this initial event is encouraged but not required for participation in the esquisse design competition.

DATE: DECEMBER 12, 2024

TIME: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

FORMAT: ZOOM (link will be provided prior to event)

ADMISSION: FREE

REGISTRATION: PLEASE EMAIL meeghan@hartarchitects.com