Parti diagrams
Concepts are dynamic, and the clearest forms of conceptual
design will be simple and informative. A ‘parti’ diagram
(the term is derived from the French verb ‘prendre parti’,
which means to make a choice) is very helpful in this respect.
Popularised during the nineteenth century in the École des
Beaux-Arts in Paris, these drawings are reductive and
transform the concept into a few simple lines, which explain
complex ideas and motifs in clear and simple terms.
Parti diagrams are abstract sketches that are loaded with
architectural meaning and intent, and can be referred to at
all stages of the design project.
Reductive parti drawings are simple in their execution,
but require a great deal of consideration as they are often
underpinned by quite complex thought processes. As such
they convey a meaning that goes beyond the line on the
paper, and will usually need to be fully described by
accompanying text.
The concept sketch may also require descriptive text
or commentary alongside the drawing in order to strongly
associate the drawing with its architectural intention.