WRITING ARCHITECTURE: A Design Approach - REGULAR

WRITING ARCHITECTURE: A Design Approach

This webinar is part of the RAIC 2022 Virtual Conference on Architecture, now available to stream!

Topics: Design

Length: 1.5 hours | What's Included: Video, Quiz, and Certificate of Completion 

“I have no need whatsoever to draw my designs. Good architecture, how something is built, can be written. One can write the Parthenon.” – Adolf Loos, 1924 It’s a growing professional concern that we architects don’t write – or don’t write enough. “Writing Architecture,” i.e., writing by architects (but not necessarily for architects), has never been more important than it is now. Architects who write have a better shot at selling their design ideas, raising their professional profile, furthering their careers, and attracting the right clients. But just as important, it can help to give our profession the boost it badly needs. This seminar will look at several forms of non-technical architectural writing, with a focus on the target audience, structure, functionality, style, approach, and detail. We will build on the theory that architects are naturally good writers, with the potential to be excellent writers, once they learn to harness the skills that they already have.

Learning Objectives:

By the completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Construct their prose as a design exercise, making the writing process feel more natural and enjoyable.
• Identify an “entry point” into almost any topic that will allow them to draw on their existing interests, knowledge, and experience.
• Recognize and describe their writing objectives and their intended audience.
• Be confident and enthusiastic about the process of architectural writing.

Subject Matter Expert:

As an architectural communicator for over 40 years, Gordon’s professional activities have included illustration, writing, speaking and editing. He has presented seminars on architectural writing, drawing and communication at professional conferences around the world and has edited more than three-dozen books on architecture and design. Gordon’s essays have appeared in books and periodicals in Canada, the US and the UK. From 1996 to 2017, as editor of the quarterly journal OAA Perspectives Gordon had the privilege of publishing the thoughts and reflections of hundreds of architects in Ontario and beyond. IN this role, he had the opportunity to develop a deep appreciation of architects’ natural writing skills and to help them develop these skills. He continues this pursuit as editor of The Right Angle Journal. During the past three years, Gordon has expanded his interests to include architects’ professional concerns, as a communications consultant to Pro-Demnity Insurance Company and editor of their quarterly newsletter The Straight Line. Gordon is a member of the RAIC College of Fellows and the Massey College Quadrangle Society. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Architectural illustrators, and the Medal of the Order of da Vinci from the Ontario Association of Architects. Gordon's office is in Toronto, where he lives with his family and his small but eloquent dog Oscar.