STUDIO Drawing Architecture
Master Thesis Studio 2025-26 Brussels
Supervisor Prof. Dr. Arch. Riet Eeckhout
STUDIO Drawing Architecture
Aesthetics beyond representational imperatives
Drawing Architecture refers to an action in the present progressive, architectural research through drawing, driving the unravelling process of spatial speculation. Beyond the usual representational imperatives of architectural drawing, in this studio we consider, discuss, and use the architectural drawing as a site of emergence and imagination.
Drawing Architecture Studio adopts a broad view towards architectural design and drawing, embracing diverse forms of spatial practice to explore and materialize architectural concepts. In our studio, the architectural thesis project unfolds through instrumental use of multimedia, including drawings, films, writing and models. These serve not only as creative outputs, but also as sites where architectural space and related subject-matter can emerge and evolve over time. We methodically enable the agency and capacity of multi-media in the production of space and thoughts.
The studio’s perspective on architecture emphasizes the relational nature of space, moving beyond an object and component directed perception of space—digital or analogous—, filmmaking, and model making are not mere tools of representation; these media are methodically employed to delve into the relational aspects of temporal, intentional, and material dimensions of architecture, to respond to varied and individual understandings of spatial experience.
While students drive and calibrate their individual inquiries in subject-matter in the iterative process between tactile exploration and critical inquiry, our studio provides a structured framework comprising two main phases:
Phase One, sem1: The Spatial Event
Phase Two, sem2: The Material Condition
- Phase One, sem1: The Spatial Event
During the initial phase, students explore and define their areas of interest through manual or digital collage of material information. These collages, encompassing a variety of visual and textual elements, serve as snapshots of spatial-temporal constructs, offering insights into spatial atmospheres and narratives of interest. This documentation process sets the stage for a focused and articulated thesis stance.
The collection of information phase includes temporal constructs including visual triggers, spatial atmospheres, film fragments and textual articulations, resulting in an opulent exploration of the spatial event. This initial document gradually gives resolution, direction, and articulation to a developing thesis stance.
- Phase Two, sem2: The Material Condition
In the second phase, the students develop the depth, potential and richness of the architectural event into a thesis proposal and the annotated book of Drawings. Finding the means and methods to unveil the potential of the architectural event, producing design drawings, models and other relevant artefacts.
This studio can be taken in combination with Drawing Architecture Master studios (sem3 March) with Prof. Riet Eeckhout