Learning Through Drawing 2015

Drawing is a fundamental communication tool and also the way in which an idea is developed and explored. Being able to make a mark on a piece of paper or the back of an envelope is often the starting point and an aid to discussion.
An architectural student is taught how to draw but are they taught to “think through the pencil” and explore ideas and solve design issues through drawing and re draw to refine an outcome?
As studio tutors we raised several questions:
1. At what point do architecture students realise the number and types of drawings made, from concept design through to completion?
2. When did we, as architects, first become aware of the complete design journey, resulting in the finished building?
3. Would exposure to the whole body of drawings made for a single case study give the student a greater insight into the methodology of working and thinking more thoroughly, reflectively and critically?
4. Would it allow a student to apply this method to the way they explore their design projects and give them confidence in the process before reaching the real world scenario?