A clear and concise representation of an idea is fundamental to architecture. The axonometric drawing, a parallel projection composed in isometric, dimetric, or trimetric projections, is perhaps the most widely used form of three-dimensional visualization. Rules for isometric drawings were established by William Farish in the 18th century to accurately represent scale without completely distorting an object’s dimensions.
Employed in architecture and industrial design, the axonometric drawing is a universally applied device for rendering architectural and design ideas. The axonometric is one of the modern architecture’s preferred tools depicting the components, elements and mechanical imagery of the machine age. It also symbolised a break with more classic illustration. The axonometric is suited to monolithic, planar or assembled objects and a favoured illustration method for sharing instructions of all forms of predesigned productions.
Particularly well-suited for explaining systems, elements and identifying the varied components needed to edify a work, the axonometric democratizes design for the masses. As shown in the Seco building system catalogue (illustrated below), these types of axonometric drawings intertwined with the very concept of prefabricated building and design for assembly. Associated with a kit-of-parts approach, the axonometric not only defines lines, edges and descriptive geometry but it showcases a total understanding of the built-form; Unlike plans and sections, this 3d representation requires the additional feature of juxtaposing various faces and defining their assembly and joinery and what, if any, folding or unfolding exists along an object’s axis.
A variation of the axonometric drawing, the exploded axonometric has evolved into a device for architects or designers to depict the layering of a coherent thought process. The Diogene Retreat designed by Renzo Piano, illustrated in the image below famously represents this type of view and its use in architecture. Displaying parts, pieces, components and their relationship to the whole this design tool fits nicely in the contemporary idea of architecture as a comprehensive discipline. More-over architects like Piano use the exploded axonometric to portray their understanding of how every part is interrelated and to demonstrate their capacity to organize, compose, distribute, regulate and synthesize a complex architectural mandate into a succinct architectural view.
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| Left - page from the Seco building system catalogue Right - Exploded axonometric diagram for the Diogene retreat. |
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