Design Communication: Traditional Representation Methods and Computer Visualization

Different representation methods show or describe different aspects of the place or the urban object being “modelled”. The two ways of perceiving and representing space—central projection and perspective or scale models—have been evolving since the first cities/settlements took place long ago in Asia. This article points out how different societies, schools of thought, or individual creators have preferred or emphasized the use of a certain type(s) of representation method to communicate architecture or urban design. It then acknowledges the potentialities and imitations of traditional representation methods, the digital platform and computer visualization for communicating design, especially to the general public. Among other things, the article concludes that the potential of computers for creating engaging mediated environments that simulate design have to be used in a balanced way in order to achieve effective design communication, especially with the general public. This is so because computer visualization and imagery can catch the attention of the viewers, making them more interested in the narrative and engaged with the visual elements, but does not necessarily enhance their critical awareness. This is to say, among other things, that design communication should not be just a matter of the appearance of the built environment. Finally, the article presents a set of guidelines that may help in deciding when and how to use different representation methods and techniques for visualizing images more effectively when communicating design to the general public.