Why do Architects Sketch with Wavy Lines?

A sketch is a first idea, not a final idea. Two primary reasons architects sketch this way: 1) It's faster. 2) Because it's less precise, we can focus on ideas rather than making a perfect drawing. Sketching is how we work through ideas in physical form rather than a precision line drawing.
▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬
➕ Sketchbook in this video: thirtybyforty.com/trace-sketc...
➕ Favorite pencil: thirtybyforty.com/kuru-toga
➕ Copics in this video: thirtybyforty.com/copic-sketch
➕ All my sketching gear: thirtybyforty.com/kit

[@theAwkwardAvocado]

I’ve always loved the wavering pattern, makes sketches seem more sketchy/architectural

[@30by40]

Completely agree!

[@Lisa_Fernandezhomeandlifestyle]

I love the wavy lines, I'm doing an interior design degree, and find that these little sketches are everything. I'm not a strong rough sketcher, as I only seem to draw things exactly as they are which gives little or zero freedom. So this is amazing way to break out of that perfectionism. Thank you Eric for these videos.

[@30by40]

Appreciate the kind words + support! Insightful analysis. I can sometimes fall into this pattern when I'm sketching too, but I've found that it's the weird accidents that tend to yield the most interesting results and push the design forward. Making physical models is like this for me too. Wishing you good luck with your studies and thanks for watching my vids! -Eric

[@varshajohn]

Same i'm an interior design undergraduate too. In my case i holds my pens and pencils very lightly. And i used to do pencil portraits when i was younger so mine are straight and light. 😅

[@jonathannjembe7788]

My dad ls an architect and he always told me that for him sketching is not about being précise but it's wheither or not how you are able to apply a construct, a building, a structure and how well you can visualise it...i think every architect at some point might this way... But the most impressive thing is how they are able to transform this 2d ideas to tangible structures... Awesome.

[@ValentinaRodriguez-zj4bg]

As an architecture student, I find your sketching style inspiring.

[@30by40]

appreciate that! cheers...

[@SeasideGuitars]

Personally these are my favourite architectural drawings to look at and study when done well like yours. It feels way more lifelike and less sterile compared to AutoCAD.

[@StormBen]

I think you might have just elevated my sketching method and even maybe given me an answer to what I want to do in the future. Thank you for that. Great sketch.

[@30by40]

Cheers, mate...

[@sireko]

It's just a manner of drawing, outputting your mind. Same as writing, it comes naturally but it also can be learned. I personally find sketching to be a raw expression of an idea so it's freeing not to have to think about academically or perfectly representing something, no matter how you draw.

[@DoubleOhSilver]

The lack of precision to avoid perfectionism is exactly why I started doing this. I can draw really straight lines but that just leads me to get distracted by any imperfections. Wavering my hand let's me stay focused on the actual artwork.

[@YVaio7]

not only that, but also it helps make the line "generally" straight. From certain angles, if you try to make it straight, you will fail easier than "freeing" your hand by wavering. So, I think it's also practical. Hope this makes sense!

[@frobbit30]

Excellent explanation, conceptualizing over technical accuracy.

[@ltandrepants]

it’s like vibrato in music

[@leonunez2964]

I will never get tired of music analogies in architecture, haha

[@30by40]

well played...

[@drawforge3920]

Well damn​@@30by40

[@lorgar87]

Yes! And I also recommend starting with a thick felt pen 😊

[@SledDog5678]

Waver is beautiful!!!!

[@holohulolo]

Like all drawings and sketching the biggest hurdle is usually that desire to make everything you do perfect, even sketches when theyre supposed to be quick and just to visualise your idea on paper. But if what you strive is a cleaner and precise line, if you leep practicing without the fear of your sketches not looking perfect at all, you will get there.

[@ricedonut6567]

Wavy lines also adds a cool effect and really speaks out “SKETCH” Straight lines are just too perfect.

[@christoferhakansson5972]

I think the wavy lines also give it a more "organic" feel and the drawing feels less stiff.

[@urbsurbisf]

Well, when some students from Slovenia came to study in France, Le Corbusier learned of the dessinateur a la main tremblane ❤ It was Jože Plečnik, so yes unnecessary stories aside your sketching gives me goosebumps.

[@briannadoyleart]

I love this idea so much I never knew architects even did this!

[@ivonekowalczyk5823]

I agree. I'm an artist and your thoughts make perfect sense .

[@Zsknz]

I love the style ❤ I’ve tried sketching like this and strangely it’s not a headache to get straighter lines! I am going to adopt it.

[@JSMdesignstudioza]

Exactly how I do my concept drawings. It's all about putting the idea on paper✒️

[@30by40]

first idea, not final idea...totally agree

[@Jamie_kemp]

I'm a product design student and feel like you could achieve a straight-lined style just as quickly using the fluid strokes used in design sketching without sacrificing the 'sketchy' quality - but I suppose that's what differentiates the styles. Anyway, I don't mind the waver, it has its advantages as you say

[@arch-x]

Even if it doesn't it just looks amazing atleast to me I love the style

[@user-wz3oc8zo9i]

Yeah the “takes less time” isn’t really a good excuse for it to be fair. If you practiced drawing in straight lines, you can draw just as fast, or even faster like you said. I think it became a signature style among architect to draw in wavy lines so that anyone comes to learning the technique of architectural drawings they were just taught to adapt that kind of style. I don’t think it has any practical values over straight line drawing they are just purely stylistic differences. That being said his drawings are absolutely gorgeous.

[@palanikrishnan2129]

Excellent explanation

[@30by40]

Glad you liked it

[@GrooDWanderer]

I have always liked your wavy lines.

[@30by40]

🙏🙏

[@dominickmay7440]

It looks great and does seem more maliable than those hard straight lines. Would you consider doing a CAD time lapse video, please? I often watch your videos to motivate myself to start the intimidating task of designing a new build.

[@christophermoody1448]

Very nice!

[@gmactivelife4949]

Hi,Eric.Your work is just marvellous. You are amazing Artist. I love the craft that you showcase. I have recently been to the similar artist channel @30SecIdeas who is very creative like you.Keep up the good work,🌄 Kudos! 👏

[@JKP836]

Finally, I have the answer! Thanks! Was asking this many times in comments :>

[@achmaddejan255]

Why didn't i found this concept sooner, im too perfectionist with how unperfect i am

[@moodyandmelancholic]

it’s an “architect thing”, not everyone gets it 😌. you sketch beautifully and your videos are super inspirational!

[@30by40]

🙏

[@elemonade8830]

Great reason for using it, but it makes my skin crawl as well

[@30by40]

kzbin.infokYv_lPdY9Es?feature=share

[@s1ngularities]

the reasonings actually makes kinda sense

[@potatoo213]

What strand you pick when your still senior high?

[@luizclaudioluz9111]

Drawing knowledge are so important to make sketches.If the architect or architect student don't know the drawing art never learn to make sketches.

[@Elijah-sEmpireFx]

I love the way you sketch, which pens do you use?

[@30by40]

Thanks! More info on tools here: thirtybyforty.com/drawing

[@bashoquendo9156]

what pencil do you use for this? its excellent!

[@glynnL]

It was recommended to me to use a larger nib marker, or even a crayon, to concentrate on developing the idea rather than on drawing a realistic representation. It really takes your mind off design if you are focused on perfection.

[@TheRDchannel]

Are using isometric pen ?

[@demsyciu]

I've never knew that wavery sketch is a thing among architect.. But i do often seeing these wavy lines in architect sketches.. Maybe that's what differ sketches between illustrator and architect.. I think a style that could be considered by an illustrator too

[@MrRickkramer]

I wonder why in architecture the outside seems to be the focus…I would design a house around me, from the inside to the outside and how it looks on the outside would be of less concern.

[@30by40]

Have you seen this? Interior Design with an Architect's Eye: Here's my Process kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4S8cmhrpcuDedU

[@MrRickkramer]

@@30by40 thanks, that was interesting and informative 🙏🏻

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

My first lesson in technical drawing was “how to draw a line without a ruler” I guess imperfect lines are the goal 📏

[@Sarina_xo]

My lines, no matter if soft or hard pressure, are always so straight, and I hate it! Everyone is saying my hand is ruler... more I draw more gets straightened 🤦🏻‍♀️😢 I really like to have this type of drawing lines like a real architect

[@educortazarc]

First time I witnessed wavy line drawing was with a very old first semester teacher. I just thought he had arthritis or something

[@anthonywu8257]

what markers do you use?

[@30by40]

Details here: thirtybyforty.com/blog/sketching-details-for-a-house

[@Robert-un1gm]

Anyone catch the program names he mentioned for design?

[@30by40]

Revit + AutoCAD (which I prefer)...more details here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5y3l4ecnbx8d7s

[@archlab007]

All that energy put into being wavy That's too much work for my sketching style (burning lines into the paper with my lasers. I mean 'eyes').. Anyway the real truth is that we make things wavy because archi-torture makes us drink.🙃

[@alancarbajalaguilar]

what pencil are you using to draw

[@30by40]

Check the bottom of this post for my EDC (pencil is #5): thirtybyforty.com/blog/whats-in-my-bag-architect-essentials

[@alancarbajalaguilar]

and what kind of pencil leads you would recommend me to use ?

[@alancarbajalaguilar]

I love your sketch style

[@30by40]

I typically sketch with HB, a medium weight that doesn't tear the page

[@vrijbuiterspartei2715]

I am studying Anton Pieck... He draws the same lines.

[@SamuelSchehrer]

Definitely not my cup of tea

[@30by40]

\m/