In the ever-evolving world of architecture, a silent revolution is taking place, one that is reshaping how some of the most influential studios bring their visions to life. At the heart of this transformation is a humble yet powerful tool: the diagram. Virginia De Jorge Huertas, in her insightful article published in ‘VLC Arquitectura’ (translated as ‘Valencia Architecture’), explores how studios like OMA, SANAA, Tschumi, and Eisenman are leveraging diagrams to redefine architectural ideation and representation.
De Jorge Huertas’ research delves into the nuanced ways these studios employ diagrams, each with its unique approach. For OMA, diagrams serve as a blueprint for their architectural programs, a crucial step in their design process. “The diagram becomes a tool for programming, a way to distill complex ideas into a visual language that guides the architecture,” explains De Jorge Huertas.
Meanwhile, SANAA’s use of diagrams is deeply intertwined with their spatial resolution, with their architecture often being described as diagrammatic. “Their work is a testament to the power of diagrams in shaping space, creating a seamless blend of concept and reality,” says De Jorge Huertas.
Tschumi and Eisenman, on the other hand, use diagrams as a theoretical foundation and formal development tool. Tschumi’s ‘The Manhattan Transcripts’ and ‘Notations. Diagrams & Sequences’, along with Eisenman’s ‘Diagram Diaries’ and ‘Feints’, are prime examples of this approach. “For them, the diagram is not just a tool, but a philosophical underpinning, a way to explore and express the essence of their architectural ideas,” De Jorge Huertas notes.
The commercial implications of this research are significant, particularly for the energy sector. As buildings become more energy-efficient and sustainable, the ability to visualize and optimize spatial and programmatic relationships through diagrams could lead to innovative designs that minimize energy consumption and maximize efficiency.
Moreover, the comparative analysis of diagrams as a methodology not only reveals a relationship between these studios but also establishes categories for rethinking this system of representation and graphic strategy in contemporary architecture. This could pave the way for new design methodologies that are more intuitive, efficient, and adaptable to the evolving needs of the built environment.
As the architectural world continues to grapple with the challenges of the 21st century, the insights from De Jorge Huertas’ research offer a glimpse into a future where diagrams are not just tools, but partners in the creative process, shaping the buildings and cities of tomorrow.