We Build Drawings

Book excerpt: A collection of sketches and watercolours by Mikkel Frost, co-founder of Danish architecture firm CEBRA, champions drawing as a communication tool. ‘Architects do not actually build buildings,’ says Frost. ‘What we build is an idea. To visualize it, we build drawings.’ The evolutionary process of how aphorisms develop into precise architectural concepts is illustrated through a collection of Frost’s sketches and watercolours. Over 200 drawings are organized into 20 sections, each relating to one of CEBRA’s projects. An index containing colour photographs and renders of their works further illuminates how the drawings are translated into reality. Introducing the book, a written version of Frost’s TEDx talk Let your fingers do the talking elaborates on the book’s impetus: to bring a spotlight to the craft of drawing as a powerful tool for creation and communication. Features • A collection of 200+ sketches and watercolours by Danish architect Mikkel Frost. • A curated selection of drawings is organized into 20 sections, each referring to one of the projects by internationally recognized architecture firm CEBRA. • The book provides insight into the architect’s creative process, illustrating how an idea develops into a well-defined concept. • In a compact and handy format, the book champions drawing as a powerful and important communication tool for everyone.