Effective communication is crucial in any profession, but it is especially important in the field of architecture. Architecture permeates our daily lives, shaping the places where we live, work, and take our ease.
At its best, it can ennoble our existence and convey our highest values across time. Therefore, anyone who makes, produces, promotes, or teaches architecture must depend on accurate analysis and lucid explication to encourage design that makes the world a better place.
However, writing about architecture can be a challenging task.
The subject matter is complex and often requires understanding technical terms and concepts. In addition, architecture is a highly visual field, and writers must find ways to convey the experience of a building or design through language.
These challenges can be particularly daunting for both architects and students, who may not have received formal training in writing and may be more comfortable expressing ideas visually rather than through language.
Despite these challenges, it is essential for architects to be able to write clearly and effectively about their work.
Why is writing an important architectural skill?
There has been a well-documented decline in writing skills among students in recent years. This trend is especially concerning in the field of architecture, where technology and construction methods are becoming increasingly complex.
In a professional environment, poor writing skills can have negative consequences such as misunderstandings or ambiguities in written communication that can have serious implications in the construction industry.
For example, unclear specifications about the environmental impact of a building can have toxic results, and ambiguity about the load-bearing capacity of a structural beam can have fatal consequences. It is essential for architects to be able to clearly and accurately convey technical information in their written communication.
Partners in several of the country’s leading architecture firms have even admitted to spending a significant portion of their time rewriting or correcting what their staff has written. This suggests that writing skills may not be a priority in the field, and that architects are not receiving adequate training in how to effectively communicate their ideas through language.
One veteran practitioner and dean of a leading architecture school even went so far as to say, “Architects who can’t write are professional toast!” This highlights the importance of good writing skills for architects’ professional success and credibility.
In an increasingly complex and technical industry, it is more important than ever for architects to have strong writing skills. Clear and accurate written communication is essential for the smooth functioning of a project and the safety of those involved.
Misunderstandings or ambiguities in written communication can lead to delays, cost overruns, and even accidents on the construction site.
By taking the time to improve their writing skills and effectively convey their ideas through language, architects can make a positive impact on the built environment and enhance the quality of our daily lives.
Resources and strategies for better architectural writing skills
While writing about architecture can be a challenging task, there are many resources available to help architects improve their writing skills and effectively convey their ideas through language.
Some of these resources include books on writing, writing courses and workshops, along with writing groups. Practicing writing and seeking out these resources can help architects develop their skills and become more confident and effective writers.
For example, The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White is a small classic that provides guidance on the principles of clear and effective writing. On Writing Well by William Zinsser is another helpful resource that offers practical advice on how to write with clarity and simplicity.
…and of course “writing about architecture” by Alexandra Lange, The Built Environment Review provides an excellent breakdown and summary of this book, where they highlight Lange’s ability to explain complex architectural concepts in simple terms, making them accessible to students and beginners.
In addition to these books, there are also writing courses and workshops available that can help architects hone their writing skills. Participating in a writing group or workshop can provide a supportive environment for practicing and improving writing, as well as receiving feedback from peers and instructors.
There are also strategies that architects can use to improve their writing about architecture. One important strategy is to focus on clarity and simplicity. It is important to use concrete language and specific examples to help the reader understand the ideas being presented.
Avoid using jargon or overly technical language that may be confusing or off-putting to the reader. Instead, try to use language that is straightforward and easy to understand.
It is also important to consider the audience and tailor the writing to their level of understanding and interests. For example, a technical specification document for a construction project will likely have a different audience and purpose than an article in an architectural magazine.
Understanding the audience and purpose of the writing can help guide the style and content of the piece.
Examples of successful architectural writing that utilizes these strategies can be found in various sources, such as architectural magazines, journals, and websites. Reading these examples can provide inspiration and guidance for aspiring architectural writers.
Some examples of well-written architectural pieces include Robert Campbell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture criticism for the Boston Globe and Shumon Basar’s writing on the work of OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen in Phaidon’s 10x10_3 book.
These pieces showcase the use of clear and engaging language to convey the ideas and experiences of architecture.
In addition to seeking out resources and implementing effective strategies, it is also valuable for architects to seek feedback and editing from others to improve their writing skills.
Receiving feedback from peers, professors, or professional editors can help architects identify areas for improvement and strengthen their writing abilities.
This can be done through formal writing workshops or by simply asking colleagues or mentors to review a piece of writing and provide constructive feedback.
10 Tips to improve your writing about architecture
Particularly when writing pieces for the public domain, it can be difficult to get those outside of the field to understand the subject, as for many people, researching and familiarizing themselves with architectural terms may not be a priority.
This has led to architects and architectural writers struggling to find ways to convey their ideas about architecture, and face a challenge of how to best and effectively communicate their ideas.
In light of this, we have compiled a list of 10 techniques for architectural writing that will capture the reader’s attention and keep them engaged.
01 – Personal perspective
Use first-person perspective and confront your own biases to bring a unique and personal touch to your writing. This can help to add depth and credibility to your project descriptions and make your writing more engaging for the reader.
Personal perspectives and thoughts on the subject can add a unique and relatable element to your writing. However, it is important to ensure that your thoughts are well-researched and supported by facts, while also being consistent and well-organized throughout the paper to avoid confusion for the reader.
02 – Start with a quote
By opening with a quote from the architect or relevant figure for example, you can immediately provide context and insight into the their thoughts, goals and style, making the writing more engaging and meaningful for readers.
Additionally, it highlights the significance of understanding cultural, social and historical background that can shape an architect’s work, however, this technique should be used sparingly so as not to lose its effectiveness.
03 – Evocative language
Evocative language can create emotive imagery and draw readers into the sensory experience of architecture, and bring the architecture to life in the reader’s imagination. This can help to convey the philosophies and intentions behind the design and create a sense of immersion and connection with the reader.
04 – Imaginative language
Use imaginative language and playful adjectives to add depth and drama to your writing. This can give the architecture human-like qualities, and convey the building’s unique atmosphere and character. Furthermore, playful idioms and alliterations can add a layer of literary flair to your writing, making it more engaging and memorable for the reader.
This is an effective way to convey the drama and tension of a building and make it come alive in the mind of the reader.
05 – Research, research, research
When writing about architecture, it is important to display a thorough understanding of the subject to establish credibility with your audience. Prior to beginning the writing process, conduct extensive research on the topic to gather relevant facts and information that will support your arguments.
It’s also important to make use of deep factual contrasts, which provide comparisons between two things and help to highlight the strengths of your architectural project by contrasting it with others.
By presenting clear and factual information, readers will be able to clearly see your point and understand the unique qualities of your project.
06 – Context
To fully capture the essence of an architectural project, it is important to consider its surrounding context. One effective way to do this is by providing a carefully crafted description of the area in which the building is located.
This creates a clear image in the reader’s mind of the location and provides a contrast to the building’s “material versatility and civic countenance” that he goes on to describe, giving it extra resonance and meaning.
07 – Rhetorical questions
Use rhetorical questions to strengthen arguments and make a point without the need for a direct answer.
The question itself can be a powerful tool for drawing attention to a particular aspect of the architecture or the firm being discussed, and can be used to provide context for the following analysis.
08 – Metaphorical language
Use metaphorical language and comparisons to help readers understand and envision the unique qualities of a building. This kind of language can help to make architecture more relatable and memorable for readers by giving them a tangible image to hold on to.
Furthermore, by connecting the spaces and features of the building to familiar objects or actions, it can be more easily understood and appreciated by a wider audience.
09 – Imagery
To make the built environment accessible to a general audience, imagery is a highly effective writing technique, as it allows readers to visualize and experience what you’re describing through your words alone.
Like other techniques that can aid in understanding architecture, imagery is particularly powerful in evoking vivid mental images of the subject.
An example of effective imagery would be one that focuses on the small, specific details of a scene and makes the reader feel as if they’re right there with you, observing the scene.
To effectively use imagery in your writing, you should strive to elevate your descriptive writing skills and narrate in a dramatic and lyrical style that brings the picture to life.
10 – Personification
We share many commonalities with other humans, and it’s often easier for us to understand something when it is described in human terms. Many writers have used personification to make complex ideas more relatable, and through this writers can improve their skills and more effectively communicate the value and meaning of their work to a wider audience.
FAQ’s about writing about architecture
How do you describe architecture in writing?
Architecture can be described in writing in several ways, depending on the purpose of the writing and the intended audience. Here are a few examples:
- Descriptive writing: This type of writing focuses on describing the physical features and characteristics of a building or architectural style. It can be used to convey the visual appearance and sensory experience of a structure, such as the materials used, the layout, the lighting, and the overall design aesthetic.
- Analytical writing: This type of writing involves analyzing and interpreting the design and construction of a building or architectural style. It can be used to discuss the architectural principles, the historical context, the cultural significance, and the functional aspects of a structure.
- Persuasive writing: This type of writing is used to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. It can be used to present a proposal or design, convince a client or funding agency to support a project, or advocate for a particular architectural philosophy or approach.
- Technical writing: This type of writing is used to provide detailed and accurate information about the technical aspects of building construction and design. It can be used to document building codes, regulations, and standards, provide specifications for materials and systems, and describe construction techniques and methods.
Regardless of the type of writing, it is important to use clear and concise language, providing enough detail to convey your ideas but avoiding overly technical language, which will make it difficult for the audience to understand.
Providing visual aid such as diagrams, blueprints, floor plans and photographs to complement the written work can also be quite helpful in conveying the ideas in an architecture.
It is also a good idea to use active voice and avoid passive voice and use technical terms only when required and when doing so, defining them to make sure it is clear to the audience what the term means.
How do you write an architecture essay?
Writing an architecture essay requires a combination of research, critical thinking, and clear writing skills. Here are a few steps you can follow to write an effective essay on architecture:
- Define your topic: Choose a specific area of architecture that you want to write about, such as a particular building, architectural style, or design movement. Make sure that the topic is focused and specific enough to be covered in the length of the essay you plan to write.
- Conduct research: Gather information on your topic from a variety of sources, such as books, articles, online resources, and primary sources like architectural drawings and photographs. Researching the historical context, cultural influences, and design principles of your topic is important, as these will help you to understand and interpret it.
- Formulate a thesis: State the main idea or argument that you want to make in your essay. The thesis should be specific and clear, and it should guide the structure and content of your essay.
- Organize your essay: Use a clear structure to organize your essay and make sure that it has a logical flow. The introduction should provide background information on your topic and state your thesis. The body of the essay should be divided into several paragraphs, each of which should focus on a specific aspect of the topic. The conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis.
- Use evidence and examples: Use specific examples from your research to support the claims you make in your essay. These examples could be the building or design you’re discussing, the historical context you’ve researched or the design principles you’re arguing about. Use evidence to back up your thesis and make sure that your examples are relevant and clearly linked to your thesis.
- Use proper formatting: Use proper formatting for your essay, such as clear headings and subheadings, and a consistent font and layout. It’s also important to follow the guidelines provided by your instructor or the publication that you’re submitting the essay to, if any.
- Proofread and revise: Proofread your essay carefully to ensure that it is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Revise your essay to improve its clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness.
It’s also important to think about your audience and how they will be approaching the essay. This will help you to choose the right tone and language to use. If the essay is a formal academic paper, using technical terms and being more formal would be better, if it’s a piece for a general audience, it’s better to use simpler language and avoid technical terms that the audience might not understand.
Lastly, it is important to remember that writing is a process and it requires time and effort. It is okay to need multiple revisions and to reach out to others such as professors or colleagues to get feedback on your work.Regenerate response
