drawing Japan

Abstract

Students from Unitec's landscape and architecture programmes visited Japan in September 2018. Architecture lecturer Jeanette Budgett and teamed up with Hikoi Garden Tours (Penny Cliffin and Ian Henderson) to offer an immersive cultural experience during,. what turned out to be, Japan's "extreme weather" month of the year ...

Drawing at every site/sight, students were eventually drawn into a critical engagement with the Japanese built environment. They encountered architecture and urbanism, studied landscape and delighted in exquisite gardens. Through drawing in a variety of projections students developed field study skills for more structured observations and critical reflection. Great natural ability in drawing wasn't necessary to participate. Drawing can be learned - it is a skill - and a valuable form of extended observation. Spatial and visual analysis was sharpened and expanded by this close observation.