How to build a portfolio...?

[mitchrichie]

I'm not an architect and I have little experience in architectural matters. However I have interest in developing my arch-viz skills as a hobby and possible side job. I'm trying to develop a portfolio... Where should I get architectural reference from? One of my first learning projects I learned a great deal by re-creating an image made by a professional. But I don't feel comfortable using something like that in my own portfolio... What do you guys think?

[JamesTaylor]

there is no problem, in my eyes anyway, in showing an image which you have re-created from a reference piece as long you the appropriate credits are given to the original artist.

 

in terms of getting architectural reference, if you mean specific building details you need to be looking around you at all times, noticing and remembering the way details of buildings work as you walk past them each day. Also having a reference to refer back to is helpful, for example you could go round and photograph a few new build housing estates, many details will be similar across the board but its useful to look at the images when your not sure about a detail in similar type of image

 

i'm sure there will also be books of standard details which others may be able point you towards.

 

If you mean inspiration for images, how about recreating scenes from photos you have taken, or taking sections from a few photos and recreating an elements from each one into a scene. Look thro magazines for interiors to reference or again pick elements from a variety of images.

 

finally you could approach local architects and explain you position, that you require work to practice on... some, not all, may be willing to let you have current / old drawings for schemes to work from - you may even make some good contacts along the way.

[mitchrichie]

Great Ideas... I like the one about asking local architects.

[Guest nazcaLine]

in another thread in this forum they advised learning architectural plans reading, which i completely agree. if you don't have an architectural backgriound, then it is a must. only after that you can start exploring your 3d capabilities, lighting, materials, etc. another thing to consider is looking carefully architectural photographs and magazines. usually the pictures there are very well done, including all the things you should look after: composition, lighting, materials, mood, etc.

good luck.

 

Eduardo

[Frosty]

1) Focus of the classics and master pieces. Farnsworth House, Villa Savoye, Falling Water, the Bauhaus, Hancock Tower etc. These are very well documented and published buildings that EVERY architect knows and will appreciate.

 

2) Recreate photos from any contemporary glossy architecture magazine. Architecture, Architectural Record and Dwell are good places to start. Many photo books can be aquired from your local library/book store. Architectural Digest doesn't count and will get you laughed at.

 

3) If you are not architecturally trained, DO NOT design your own buildings. Your undeveloped sense of scale, structure, detail, siting, and materials will turn off any architect. They will ignore your important work of trying to visualize and will instead focus on the mistakes you didn't know your were making.

[aaron-cds]

3) If you are not architecturally trained, DO NOT design your own buildings. Your undeveloped sense of scale, structure, detail, siting, and materials will turn off any architect. They will ignore your important work of trying to visualize and will instead focus on the mistakes you didn't know your were making.

 

Excellent advice.