Drawing architecture in an Australian setting means architecture resides in landscape for so many situations. Australia is highly urbanised and the regional distribution of settlements invariably means a landscape component of importance is part of many architectural settings. When this is combined with the bright and sometimes harsh Australian sun, the role of light and shade, climate responsiveness and protection is clearly seen and felt when drawing the place.
I have been a late convert to drawing in Australia — having largely sketched when I travelled rather than at home. The impact of the Covid-19 lockdowns and the increased time spent at home prompted me to commence some serious exploration of my immediate settings of Paddington in Brisbane. Paddington is an inner-city suburb with low density subtropical houses of humble materiality sitting in a dramatic landscape of a confident, newly developing urban centre and inner-city frame.
