Sections

A focus on drawing sections in AutoCAD, as seen in the image below:

Drawing sections of a design helps refine the final design and communicates how it should be constructed on site. The further use of varying line weights and hatching will aid its clarity and effectiveness as a communicative document.

AutoCAD Fonts

Using AutoCAD, I found that the default fonts available are fundamental and not visually appealing. This caused issues when compiling documents with Adobe Indesign as the fonts would always be difficult to match. However, after playing around with the program, I was able to find the Text Editor Formatting Panel. This allows me to choose from a variety of fonts that are readily available in other software, creating presentations with good flow and formatting. 

AutoCAD Fonts and Annotation

Over the past few weeks, I have been practising my AutoCAD skills to complete a Hardworks General Arrangement Plan.

Throughout this process, I have been learning how to use different tools in the program to make my drawings clearer and quicker to produce.

The image above was created with the Array and Offset tools. I used the Array tool to ensure equal spacing between the proposed trees and the offset tool to create various avenues that fit within the surrounding landscape.

AutoCAD Layouts

 Using AutoCAD to quickly create keys for hatched plans. Using the Array tool to ensure my boxes were equally spaced for a visually appealing and informative piece of work.

Other annotation was created using the Text, Polyline and Hatch tools.

 

AutoCAD Hatching

Developing AutoCAD skills:

I distinguished the varied materials and finishes within a development plan using black hatching. This exercise helped develop my ability to communicate specific design details in monochrome.

Design Progression

 After reworking landscape features using a combination of trace and AutoCAD.

The images below show the progression of a project proposal. From a general arrangement plan to a detailed and scaled master plan with spot heights and planting indicated.

Design Inspiration .2

 Research into Biophilia led me to various myths, folklore, and belief systems connected to the healing power of nature.

My latest find - Tree Wisdom by Jacqueline Memory Paterson. This book connects our current understanding of nature to ancient stories from Greek myths and Druid beliefs.

My Design Inspiration

My design inspiration mainly comes from Biophlic Design. The Biophilia hypothesis is that humans have an innate desire to be within nature. This hypothesis was popularised by Edward O. Wilson in the 1980's through his published work Biophilia.

Other inspirations come from working designs that I have seen on my travels, such as this pocket park found in Amsterdam, as seen below.

Through my designs, I hope to be able to create calming spaces in otherwise busy environments that enhance people's physical and mental well-being.

Spring Bulbs .2

 Over the winter, I prepared a bulb lasagna. We saw the crocuses bloom in March; now we're in April, and the tulips are well underway. 

I love this planting style as it is low maintenance, gives a lasting season of interest and can be utilised in any space, no matter how small.