Mapping exercise

Photograph this mapping of the existing situation. Pin a site plan on the wall and plot all of the observations on to it using pins, string, thread, found objects and cut-out representations of the elements observed. Mapping this information enables the architect to find connections between significant elements of the project and deepen their understanding of the place. Architects’ observations of a site need to be a more analytical and heightened version of the way that the inhabitants of the place naturally absorb its qualities every day. To retain legibility, a map also excludes data considered to be irrelevant for its purpose. 2 Infrastructure or other evidence of a process relevant to the function of the project. 3 What if the location of the elements were altered? To get the most out of a site visit the architect must plan ahead: what type of information is needed, what questions need to be answered? Maps represent particular types of data such as spot heights, landmarks or road types in relationship to each other at the same scale, normally in plan view. For example:
1 What if the event happened every month? The graphical language and techniques of maps are of particular interest to architects wishing to understand and represent data gathered on site. 2 What if the infrastructure was removed? Visit the site. In the area around the project site, record the location and appearance of:
1 An event that happens once at random during the site visit.