Architect Peter Cook on the Benefits of Drawing by Hand | Louisiana Channel

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“Screw you; it can be built." Meet British architect Sir Peter Cook who talks about the possible benefits of drawing by hand and explains why he disagrees with critics calling his architectural ideas utopian.
“By the critics and the regular people saying it’s utopian, you put it into a pigeonhole that says: ‘Oh, those sorts of architects are utopian, but we are normal architects.’ So, the delight I get out of doing buildings is to say: Screw you, it can be built.”
Peter Cook (b. 1936) grew up in the city of Lester in the latter part of the second world war. The town had a lot of cultural activities, and he accompanied his mother, a frustrated artist, to galleries, operas, and symphony concerts from a very young age. Around the age of eleven, he started reading books about architecture and was already fascinated by the modern by then. When he began studying architecture at art school, he was both intrigued and challenged by the practice of drawing.
“Because I was not a natural drawer, I realised that I was determined to communicate ideas. I was arrogant enough to say: ‘I’m sorry, I’m not just going to sit at the back of the process and specify door handles; I’m going to be a creative architect.’ And so, you just bloody well had to do it like an artisan.”
As a founding member of the avant-garde neo-futuristic group Archigram in the early 1960s, Cook helped project radically new architecture possibilities. He has been a pivotal figure in the global architectural world for over half a century. One of the most significant works from his time with Archigram, The Plug-In City, still holds the potential to invoke debates on technology and society to this day. His more recent works, including the Kunsthaus in Graz, Austria, has brought his ideas to a broader audience.
Marc-Christoph Wagner interviewed Peter Cook at his studio in London in January 2022, just before the opening of Peter Cook’s exhibition City Landscapes at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, Denmark.
Camera: Kyle Stevenson
Edited by Jarl Therkelsen Kaldan
Produced by Marc-Christoph Wagner
Copyright: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2021
Louisiana Channel is supported by Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond, Ny Carlsbergfondet, C.L. Davids Fond og Samling and Fritz Hansen.
Dreyers Fond supports Louisiana Channel’s videos on architecture.
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[@joelness]

I think it's important to go back and forth between hand drawing and digital tools. The skills and lessons learned from one medium enhances one's abilities and sensibilities in the other.

[@MrModel--CAPTURED-ON-FILM]

I've needed to be in hospital a lot lately due to friends and family who are ill. I've personally witnessed doctors and nurses who have incredible machines to help them, but they don't seem to know how the machines actually work. They can 'turn them on', but wouldn't know how to repair one "if their lives depended on it". I also observe that these same incredible machines have caused both doctors and nurses to give up what were once "practical skills". It makes me worry that should there by a massive power outage, will there even be a doctor who can perform a surgery these days? I compare that to architects who profess their love and loyalty to computers 'uber alles' . Computers are 'a tool', a great tool. But if you let a computer guide your design process you are probably going to find yourself limited to only what a computer can do - rigidity and not free thought or free hand.

[@XTSu-sl1bb]

Agree completely

[@christiananderson4909]

Exactly. I currently can't afford the tools that would help me to sufficiently make the leap into the digital medium, but I know that, whenever I'm ready, the traditional skills will translate, more or less instantly.

[@engchronicles7871]

@@MrModel--CAPTURED-ON-FILM most of the physical infrastructure we see around us now would have been impossible to achieve without computer simulation. there are so many life saving procedures in hospitals today that would also been impossible without the "machines" available to health care professionals. modern designers go through 100s if not 1000s of iterations to achieve efficient/sustainable designs. it would take forever for an individual to go through all of that by themselves. as far as i am aware it is impossible to slice a piece of bread cleanly without an appropriate knife... you can break with your fingers but it is not going to be a clean cut.

[@MrModel--CAPTURED-ON-FILM]

@@engchronicles7871 It is an interesting and challenging position you are taking : "man" vs "the machine". When "The Terminator" wars happen I think I know who's side you will be on . . . (lol)

[@woolypuffin392]

Draughtswoman here, technology made some things easier, but what is highly problematic is the attitude change in many architects. They demand dozens of variations and never really think things through anymore, going with the flow and seeing what will happen. When you draw plans by hand, you cant just move a wall 20cm to the left, you have to think about how to do it right the first time, not the 15th.

[@ptahpwi1865]

@Toghrul Ahmadzade Hear Hear!

[@cspo]

@Toghrul Ahmadzade not just architects.

[@cspo]

@@HoszHosz You should read Lawson's "How Designers Think". It will help you understand the comment.

[@rucinter]

Yes. I've heard this same argument in filmmaking. When a team films in celluloid, the attention is greater because everybody knows that film cost money and can´t be misused.

[@evilsdexter5261]

@@HoszHosz I guess one of the benefits of drawing by hand on "traditional" media are the so called happy accidents... otherwise, you are right, you CAN think before you do something no matter the chosen media

[@kevincuevast]

Peter Cook's work is fascinating and still not so explored. To watch him drawing is quite an experience. I admire him so much. Thank you for doing this interview.

[@FairPlay0007]

I'm an architecture student. And recently, our professor assigned all of us a different architect to research and read about. I was lucky enough to be assigned to Sir Peter Cook. His projects with Archigram, the "Friendly Alien" that is Kunsthaus Graz, Plug-in-City... They all amazed me and gave me inspiration about my future job. Such a humble, talented person.

[@munmyungpark8877]

Peter Cook, One of the greatest architects who inspires me.

[@ryanv2023]

Always glad that I learned how to draw well in architecture school by hand. This skill really helps me over the years as far as the ability to convey an idea by being able to quickly sketch something. I carry this skill till today even in aerospace engineering.

[@massive_walnut4602]

Can i ask how you went from architecture to aerospace engineering? Sounds like an interesting story:)

[@NA-ij5jy]

It helps to know I’m not the only one who struggle with the computer culture and imposition.

[@huatongleong3674]

Great thought! Glad to find this video! During the last 50 over years of my architectural practice ,all my design and detail study presentations are all hand drawn. They were by construction of probably millions of point 1 pen lines. Looks at my past works now, after 10 years of retirement, I am amused how I have the patience to express my designs in compositions of hand drawn line works. Guess, it must be from my brain . That's what the computer can not do : The First Thought ! And, all I carried around was only one pen !

[@urbancolab]

I've seen peter cook lecture a few times in my life and always left inspired. He has a special way if connecting with people on a level that is like equals rather than talking down to people.

[@ujulspins]

Such a nice warm person, it was very nice to listen to him

[@mattcastellanos2178]

Excellent point regarding the scenario vignettes inside his structures, brings function up to form.

[@YussifMusah]

he has great insight about drawing and I love his approach and ideas about architecture... ❤

[@jabnewmedia]

This was excellent. My first introduction to the Louisiana Channel and to Peter Cook.

[@thelouisianachannel]

Thank you!

[@mikebaginy8731]

A truly fascinating film. I understand Peter Cook so well - I miss drawing/drafting by hand.

[@rickjones4114]

Very cool video, what an honest and thoughtful description of his process!

[@douglaswittnebel]

This was a delight to see and especially to see the close up actions of drawing and the stories of his mother and father and growing up…

[@markmannes4248]

I love his perspective. His drawings tell meny stories

[@omstygomsty]

What a humble and pleasant fella, clearly fiercely passionate about his craft

[@danielamacoszkova2549]

I really love.. how he doesnt need many tools to make beautiful pieces of art

[@MaxPhotoGraphic]

Completely agree

[@patriciajrs46]

I am sure that drawing by hand is just as pleasurable for him as writing by hand is for any writer. Math on paper, worked out with only mind calculations and writing, to the mathematician. Soothing, exprrssive, and splendid.

[@bield7]

Wonderful. When I worked in planning, it was great to get well crafted, hand drawn plans rather than the lifeless digitised stuff. Of course it made no difference to the acceptability (or otherwise) of the scheme, but made the task altogether more enjoyable

[@renebecerra7402]

Epale! este arquitecto es una inspiracio'n y el video es bello. Cuando puedo soy urban sketcher mi linea es a mano alzada con acuerla este maestro lo hace todo con regla pero tiene una imaginacion drsbordante que crea ciudades utopicad! Muchas gracias a Luisians Chanel.

[@dingdongrocket]

Thanks Mr Cook for the insights - also, the production value is really good, at 14:07 I love the framing and the light bouncing off the background. Its a risky shot to pull off, take bravery to point a camera toward windows on a sunny day,

[@atlanta2076]

This cat is 85! Bright mind and interesting and fun to listen to!

[@joepalooka2145]

Great video, nice to see. Architects who draw by hand nowadays like Peter Cook are a thing of the past. It's virtually all computer graphics nowadays. But if you have looked at original drawings by great architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and others, they are works of art in their own right. Peter Cook's drawings are definitely in that category.

[@TriAngles3D]

Started using CAD early 90s then went back to pencil and paper after a couple of years. Then later I would only used CAD at the final stage when I had worked out the essential expression. The CAD tools made things so much more easy but the interaction somehow inhibited the creative process as well. You were stuck in this perfect world. Similar situation when writing code.

[@Driftedfuel]

During my schooling, I was opened up to the story of Marion Mahony Griffin, a lady who worked at the Frank Lloyd Wright office. The most beautiful work, in my opinion, that came from the Frank Lloyd Wright office was done by her hand!

[@williamcunhapupe2703]

Really.The architect Peter Cook,is very smart men.He use your brain all time.The pencil,colors,special paper,all drawings hand-made by him, I agree because,all work was made with strong hability,passion,hearth bit,the light throuw the window is used,each time,each second,with your hands and heart.Until today,I draw my studies,and layouts by hand first.After goes to CAD.My best wishes and health,for my friend Arch.Mr.Peter Cook.Today I live and work,in South of America South.The city is Porto Alegre.RS/Brazil.Bye.Thanks a lot.William Cunha Pupe.

[@UpperLevelFitness]

Hence the lack of true craftmanship, look at the architecture of old homes with carved banisters, intricate wood work, stained glass, etc...we will never see such beauty like that again and I find that a discredit to the art on many levels. Take japanese architecture and wood and stone work..it is still done by hand and some of the most stunning works of art. That is my opinion of course.

[@javierpacheco8234]

@@UpperLevelFitness no this is not opinion, people built more beautiful back then, you shouldn't feel bad because it is true. Yeah I'm 21 and I too see that architecture was better back then. The modern movement of the 1950's is what caused all this bad architecture.

[@hugger1ify]

I still remember the pen that he used when I was a graphic designer

[@tamemkhuram]

he is a legend and love his work, I was inspired by his hand drawings while in architecture school.

[@V4D2]

this guy has always been one of my heroes.. and these are fantastic 15mins. Thanks SO much for the video/feature/interview. “Screw you. I’m not interested in Utopia. I am interested in Architecture!” Outstanding! Just sublime. So subtle, and so in your face, at the same time.. :) PS: i believe i haven’t watched anything on the Louisiana Channel that i thought to being just meh….or ordinary.. So congrats!! once again, u pulled it out. cheers from Portugal

[@thelouisianachannel]

Thanks for watching :)

[@orlandow1723]

I appreciate the wealth of knowledge...

[@steelstone4039]

I still draw by hand. It's a gift the universe gave me as a tool.

[@rabbit719]

great honest, the profound idea on architecture and drawing builds his belief.

[@ooDirtyMickoo]

He builds 1/100000000 of his utopian drawings. What he does is niche starchitecture. He is the exception. Kunsthaus Graz is an exception not the rule for architecture.

[@terrigelbaum8066]

My dear, these are lovely.............

[@simgrmemaj8075]

Always a pleasure to see Sir Peter Cook. Dreams, anecdotes, and those drawings- are beautiful. No more utopia. Down with utopia. He’s the real deal, dealing with the real.

[@snejok888]

that's an awesome studio ! 😍

[@Ice-fg9jc]

Your channel is very informative

[@leonardovaleri3488]

Does anybody know what song this is they used in the video. Very beautiful- would like to listen to it on it's own.

[@rizalukman7982]

When I was in Australia studying in university I meet 2 engineer student but I never meet an architect student.Glad now I find an English architect

[@miha3847]

Ahhhhhhhh what an inspiration Sr !!!!!!!!!

[@Alexanderlongoria]

The mind of a artist is unmatched

[@77Gabilan]

Great video😃

[@giulias.5104]

I love his enthusiasm and his love for teaching (I believe he is a good teacher, because dreamers usually are!), yet his aesthetic in architecture is not my cup of tea. Interesting sharing though!

[@phoffidelrio]

Very inspired by this Experienced and great Human

[@pgroove163]

Old school.. beautiful

[@SicilianStealth]

I worked for Cosentini Engineering Associates at 2 Penn Plaza. Truly an art form.

[@georgeclayton7466]

A lovely video! does anybody know what make his glasses are haha, I want them!

[@eye1726]

These glasses are marvelous

[@forbesartworks5427]

Most people thing a drawing got be a drawing but I feel like he definitely take his way of draws into another world and his own experience

[@kurtcleary6794]

You don't know what you're talking about, do you?

[@KikaJ]

I like his case for hand drawing.

[@verapaganini2960]

maravilhoso!!!

[@Deutschland8894]

Don’t like the Output, but like the will! Not giving up!

[@letitbe2037]

Beautiful paintings ~ ^^

[@XTSu-sl1bb]

But terrible architecture. My thoughts exactly

[@JUST_OBEY]

3:45 "i'm still not fluent" and comes up with this 🖤

[@neutralmultiverse8589]

wow his drawings are gorgeous

[@MrModel--CAPTURED-ON-FILM]

My father was a rather successful architect, a good friend of Frank Lloyd Wright 'back in the day'. I have many of my father's personal drawings and renderings. They are so beautiful. I've framed them, and placed them on a wall where I admire them daily. I'm not certain one can say that about computer drawings.

[@davidkim2132]

Is he Apple CEO, Tim Cook's long lost talented brother in UK??? They look very similar to me. Great video by the way.

[@colecancillaartist]

What time of day was this interview filmed? I’m taking a guess at Morning ☀️

[@sebluketravis2438]

It would have been hard to argue that final point if the Graz building hadn't been built. Form follows function - The Bauhaus

[@melparadise7378]

I'm doing zen doodles as I listen to this. drawing lots of lines feels good man. the brain craves symmetries :9

[@christianaaronmendoza9579]

Awesome Video ✌👓

[@josephhuether1184]

Cook was one of a generation of British architects who were phenomenal and imaginative draftsmen. Like some of his other colleagues in Archigram…wanted to be an artist but was urged to pursue something more nominally “practical”. LOL…of course many of his generation who actually went to art school ended up becoming rock and roll stars.

[@teriyakov]

I too would love to see a variably translucent structure before my passing. I'm begining to see the benefit of adding more fun to function when designing/building new projects. Not an architect or artist in the slightest. Just a fan of the built environment and art in general.

[@DAKESIS17]

Sir Cook is well connected to Arts University Bournemouth. Alma Mater represent!:)

[@LordZontar]

Architectural drawing is Sir Peter's medium. It's how he communicates his artistic ideas to the world, regardless of whether he's a "natural drawer" or not. What he does is brilliant. BTW, the city Sir Peter grew up in is "Leicster", not "Lester".

[@Kopfhoerer93]

these drawings are great

[@yildizcelik46]

💯❤

[@H_Oscarsson]

Awesome! You wish more architects and other people involved in our surroundings would think like Peter. The world would be a much more nicer place to live...

[@holdmyhand9573]

Well, ...at least your honest. Thank you.

[@btd3375]

Hand lettering makes a good drawing look great. Too bad that some schools no longer teach lettering.

[@franzdanielcasildogallardo5886]

This is be architec, the draw is the Best comunication

[@jennypage7991]

who(what artist) is the music in this video, please?

[@frankwc0o]

Love the pencils. What are those called?

[@alpafus5655]

Rapidographs

[@frankwc0o]

@@alpafus5655 thank you. They look like very nice devices to write with.

[@rjtiman]

Prismacolor.

[@FrankRomerophoto]

@@rjtiman I'm guessing it's a pen then. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6TYpqV9mNVreKs

[@tonylamothe1395]

What's the music in this?

[@AngelBien]

Very beautiful images but I always ask how these conceptual drawings translate to the real world.

[@XTSu-sl1bb]

They only did once and it was a disaster of architecture :)

[@AngelBien]

@@XTSu-sl1bb can you tell me what that one time was?

[@hayrettinbuyukeren]

Wow rest of my mind is gone! Thank you 😊

[@hayrettinbuyukeren]

Believing fully minimalist and simple but stunning idea comes with storm 💥

[@ooDirtyMickoo]

His projects cost millions and have highly specialized construction and complex curves. That's probably what people mean by "it isn't realistic architecture." Not every building can feasibly be a peter cook drawing.

[@tomstopper5281]

Good man. Let’s keep utopia! ❤

[@sayloreal]

👍👍👍

[@YesBruv66]

So Im busy studying architecture in my 1st year and before that I did my draughting 1 year diploma and they taught me ALL of autodesks software and today i can work on everything from archicad right through to plant3d so i dont need to have someone created my models or anything because i know how to

[@aleisterdenven]

Only Drawing and Drawing Only!!!

[@noelfeltzin7824]

Anyone know what tanke that is?

[@MrKubahades]

I mean if ur an designer you gotta put in the time to learn how to draw. I mostly use 3d programs these days but it begins with many sketches

[@XanBos]

It has always been said that you don’t need every tool imaginable to create something. Here is proof. Do I toss out digital architectural work because it’s not personal? No. It too has its place. BUT having architect done by hand allows for the nuance to show through. The artist’s hand is seen. The very fact that the architect’s room was bare except for sawhorses and a platform for his desk, shows him unencumbered and letting his work shine. I sometimes wish I could go back to that kind of work.

[@foeniculum2819]

2:10 looks like a Super Mario Level Map :D

[@nawamatra7592]

👍

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

He's missing a Panasonic electric color pencil sharpener. If you use Prismacolor, you need a long sharp point with lots of thin lead showing, not a short sharp blunt point. You can't beat pen and ink (or fountain pen sketches) with Prismacolor. But you need that sharp point, you need the Panasonic sharpener. If you can quickly sketch in front of your client, ooooooo do clients fall in love with you❤👍

[@mohamedzakyzanaty1855]

احنا شغالين بالكاتسولة هههههه ماركة رترونج أجمل كتسولة فى العالم تحياتى ظروف وتخلص

[@TheArtArq]

he drawing with the scalimeter hurts me so much! hahahha there was a legend in my school. that if you trace with the scalimeter you return automatic to the first grade XD

[@classicaldeb]

It can be build? It can be built!

[@rinaldodelucca8073]

"An unfortunate outcome of our computer system of design education has been our students' under-education in design drawing fundamentals: perspective, line quality, the effective use of line weight, shade, and shadow; and illumination. (...) They struggle to sketch an idea convincingly and are often embarrassed by the results. Consequently, many default entirely to the computer at an inappropriate point in the process - not to leverage skills, but to cover for their absence". - Michael E. Doyle

[@pablohorn6648]

ag cook brought me here

[@unclemonty9506]

beautiful art but damn...I'd hate to be the construction company

[@linnh940]

Plus it's peaceful :)

[@fuckbankers]

Stephen Wiltshire manages very well.

[@Running1446]

I'm at my desk drawing as I write this (not an architect) but how on earth can he draw with the sun/shadows hitting his drawing surface? Those windows have no shade! There is no way I could draw like this without it disrupting my lines or tones on my drawing.

[@MithutheBakra]

Some people like me like sunlight, it feels close to naure and peace, away from the noisy world. Its fine to have preferences but i thought id speak up for my fellow sunlight lovers. (If there are any)

[@stevethomas7463]

Not a click, drag and press print guy.👍

[@justthink5854]

with cad it's mostly cut and paste.

[@somegirl558]

The thumbnail shows my approach to literaly anything I draw: "OH MY... THIS IS NOT PERFECT ENOUGH... I NEED TO GO BACK UP MY MOTHER'S WOMB, GET REBORN AND RE-LEARN STUFF" .. 😶

[@MrAmazingChris]

What are the benefits of drawing by foot?

[@--Sama-]

I've tried many times to draw in digital but I don't like it. Is not only about the painting itself, for me, part of the experience is about the physical interaction with the tools.

[@pallade]

I still do all my drawings by hand