“Handmade Perspectives: Of pre-computer Era” is an initiative floated by architect Sarbjit Bahga for the resurrection of the drawings, illustrations, and graphics of the pre-digitalization era of visualizing architectural spaces and the built environment. The curation in the form of a book will be published through White Falcon Publishing, Chandigarh.

Before the Computer Era, people used to prepare perspective drawings by hand on large elephant-size drawing boards. After preparing the rough drawing with a pencil, one used to render it in black ink with Rotring Rapidographs. According to Bahga, Sometimes the clues from the book "Rendering in Pen and Ink" by Arthur Leighton Guptill which was very popular at that time were sought. One large size perspective drawing was usually prepared in 15 days. The experience of working on these drawings was highly enjoyable. On completion of the drawing, the feeling of satisfaction and happiness was beyond explanation. Those who have worked on such graphics can only understand this feeling.

Here are some of the perspectives prepared by Sarbjit Bahga himself just to rewind the old times of manually drafted drawings. Senior veteran architecture friends shall be able to appreciate and relate to this method. Youngsters may take inspiration from them.

Call for Entries:  One may contribute their drawings (handmade/rendered perspectives, freehand sketches, isometrics, axonometric, etc.), preferably of modern architecture. These should be in the form of scanned high-resolution photos (preferably png), along with caption and year. Also, kindly send your photo and resume (not more than 300 words). The book is not country-specific; the contributions are welcomed from all across the world.

The above contributions need to be sent via email at [email protected]

All Images © Sarbjit Bahga

> via White Falcon Publishing, Chandigarh