Figure 1. Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown

Figure 2. The picture by Rober Venturi and Denise Scott Brown

Figure 3. Maps of Las Vegas strip from Leaning from Las Vegas

Figure 4. A distribution map comparing the activity patterns of main street from Learning from Las Vegas

Figire 5. Detailed Las Vegas strip map from Learning from Las Vegas

Robert Venturi and his wife Denise Scott Brown（see figure 1）were a famous couple of architects. They are not only pioneers in American architecture, but also famous writers and theorists. At the same time, they are widely credited with helping to build the postmodern movement. In 1968, Robert venturi and Denise Scott Brown set out to define a new form of urban sprawl that was emerging in the United States and Europe. They crossed highway 91（see figure 2）in the Las Vegas strip and carefully recorded and analyzed its physical form. The most indispensable fundamental factor of architectural practice was design research, and the key driving force for its generation and dissemination was careful observation and application of knowledge (Tough, 2008).

In learning from Las Vegas, I selected three drawings to study and analyze. The first drawing was maps of Las Vegas strip (see figure 3). They used analogies, symbols and images to describe the original structure of the Las Vegas strip, such as these simple architectural symbols.

 

The second drawing I chose was a distribution map comparing the activity patterns of main street and its branches in Las Vegas (see figure 4). It shows the distribution of churches, wedding churches, grocery stores and car rental stations. This comparison of activity patterns describes the intensity and diversity of use. According to Venturi ,Scott Brown and Izenour(1972, p. 19),the authors designed this one based on a cross-sectional strip system mapped from aerial photographs, to get a sense of where areas were, where private areas were, even undeveloped land, buildings. Therefore, the street map of Las Vegas showing the main and branch streets.

 

The third research work I chose was the detailed Las Vegas strip (see figure 5). This design was recorded by the author through the street scene, and every word displayed on the street was drawn in this map.

Figure 6. Referenced Venturi's works: a distribution map comparing activity patterns on his Las Vegas strip

Figure 7. Referenced the detailed map of the Las Vegas strip

Figure 8. Exercise in framing

Figure 9. Exercise in framing

Figure 10. One point perspective

Figure 11. Two point perspective

Figure 12. A rough map construction

Figure 13. Preliminary thoughts and ideas

Figure 14. A restaurant-focused map of Quey st.

In this study, there were a total of five different exercises to develop, expanded my innovative thinking ability and exercised my painting and design ability. The first exercise was to study, analyze and study the work of designers. Through studying the creative thinking, drawing methods, values and works of Venturi and Scott Brown, I have a deeper understanding of how they succeeded. They have made great contributions to the modernist style through constant exploration, research and experiment in architecture and design. It makes me understand that a meaningful and valuable work not only needs high-level painting and design ability, but also needs to be improved through continuous research and practice. The second exercise was to analyze the works of Venturi and Scott Brown and try to draw streets near UTS (see figure 6,7) in the same way, so as to improve my painting foundation and ability, and at the same time develop my innovative thinking, ideas and design ability. The third exercise was he framework. Used hands to frame the scene and then drew the basic structure. The second step was to express light and shadow. Then selected different components to draw in the same scenario (see figure 8). Finally, used my favorite drawing method to create a postcard-sized sketch (see figure 9). Through this exercise, I improved my painting foundation and painting expression ability. Fourth, I did some perspective drawing exercises, such as one-point perspective and two-point perspective (see figure 10,11), which strengthened my drawing skills and observation ability. The fifth exercise was to show my ideas to my classmates. Through a simple speech and the teacher's feedback, I know where my ideas need to be adjusted and improved. Through the teacher's feedback and suggestions，I got the idea of the final work and drew it (see figure 14). Finally, I chose to draw bars around UTS with a focus on restaurants. For me, the most anticipated part of the day is the meal time after school. There are many kinds of restaurants near UTS. I am a person who has a passion for food, which is why I choose this topic to draw maps. Through this study and research, my painting ability, design ideas and observation and research ability have been greatly helped, laying a foundation for my future university study.

 

Tough，L. (ed.) 2008，Las Vegas studio : images from the archives of Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown，English ed，Scheidegger & Spiess，Zürich，Switzerland.

 

Venturi, R., Scott Brown, D. & Izenour, S. 1972, Learning from Las Vegas, The MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass.