The final assignment of the course was to observe and sketch a building, and I chose Rathaus Potsdam.
Initially, I aimed to draw the correct proportions, using windows as a basic scale. However, through continuous observation and drawing, I found that the proportions of Rathaus Potsdam couldn’t be determined solely by one window—some walls followed different design principles than others. During this process, my patience wore thin. Eventually, I decided to let go of the obsession with exact proportions and instead focus on studying the space.
Next, I illustrated the route from entering the door to reaching the resting area:
Entering through the main door
The light coming in through the door and windows on both sides illuminated a signboard on the central wall, directing attention there.
Lights on the second floor, visible through glass doors and windows, guided visitors towards their next destination.
Moving to the second floor
- The first thing noticed was a painting at the end of the corridor—spherical lights forming a line on the ceiling directed the visual flow.
Turning left into the resting area
- Dark stone pillars directed the gaze towards the deep green door at the end of the corridor, with spherical lights hanging from the ceiling behind the door serving as the final eye-catcher.
Conclusion
I am very grateful for Professor Nan-Ching Tai's enthusiastic, serious, and patient guidance, which I found very helpful in many aspects, such as: how to approach drawing/designing for specific angles of architecture/spaces, how the sequence of drawing/observing can aid further in the process, and which factors in a space contribute to different interactions. I hope to apply what I’ve learned in future projects to better think about how to design spatial interactions.
Font in the cover:
Flama
Designed by Mario Feliciano. From Feliciano Type.
