![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FPerfect-Scale_fig30.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=283&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=370b31e4b6e01391851d52bb729c37ce 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FPerfect-Scale_fig30.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=566&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=abd2bb1c20b8ff0057e7366a463d0f2b 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FPerfect-Scale_fig30.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1035&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=dc15cf14f0974a3e62417581837428dd 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FPerfect-Scale_fig30.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1379&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=a38ed36c3e7ba50c4b1cfc54efe73c1f 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FPerfect-Scale_fig30.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1886&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=705739aeb6c6d132ae3288ae19787745 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FPerfect-Scale_fig30.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2155&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=06d8938c8f085de610090035ce7a0a6e 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FPerfect-Scale_fig30.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2586&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=d02807cd502bcce13470f692bf8701f1 1920w)
Observing the line widths and distances used for certain scales in the printed version of such plans is one way towards a more artful approach to managing the data-laden drawings. The other is organising individual components in a strategic manner that does away with anything superfluous.
This does not only apply to content, but also unnecessary graphic elements. And so, even plans with technically complex information can become small works of art.
As a counterpoint to this, it is interesting to see how the explanatory detailed drawings of many Japanese architects show remarkable artistic qualities. Among some of them, a special form of representation has developed that deliberately dispenses with the exciting contrast between light and dark surfaces, and instead covers the entire sheet with thin lines, usually of the same width, and over the entire surface. This is a highly poetic way of drawing that matches their designs. The fact that the details of small Japanese buildings in are often less complex is of course a key factor in facilitating this approach to representation.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDetail.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=262&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=83dccb74789fc1d4569ea3db6144e1cf 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDetail.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=524&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=ed23fb6ae5890a4fe4b95499048813f6 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDetail.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=958&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=12a6ee42f3df5050594872140c6a8814 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDetail.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1277&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=28b82494356c09553d575caebdef81e0 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDetail.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1746&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=378d92ccbd6e80d1ce6cb9a424caf8da 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDetail.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1996&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=3f2b81f2587418690c53e1c14e9e0196 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDetail.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2395&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=1aab9ec12c70a7f93ee4241a994b64e4 1920w)
Nevertheless, the examples mentioned here cannot hide the fact that the passion of many young architects for details is diminishing. This starts with teaching at universities, where design is usually given more attention than construction, and continues in practice when the architect increasingly loses influence in the execution process. Under these circumstances, it is especially welcome news that The Architecture Drawing Prize has extended its entry categories to include that of Working Details.
This post forms part of our series on The Architecture Drawing Prize: an open drawing competition curated by Make, WAF and Sir John Soane’s Museum to highlight the importance of drawing in architecture. Entries for 2019 close 27 September. Sponsored by William Hare Group.