How to Design in Section: Drawing in Architecture

Follow along as I sketch and develop architectural sections, using trace to iterate, test, and refine key design decisions.

This video focuses on section drawing as a design tool: working through vertical relationships, structure, light, and material to move from early ideas toward a more resolved architectural proposal.

Rather than treating sections as final drawings, this approach uses sketching to explore and challenge the design, revealing spatial qualities and tectonic relationships that aren’t visible in plan.

Throughout the video, I cover key principles including:

Reading the section: understanding cut vs beyond and identifying key moments
Iteration through trace: refining heights, proportions, and spatial relationships
Designing in section: resolving structure, openings, and vertical connections
Light + space: exploring how light enters and defines the section
Tectonics: how elements meet and connect
Lineweights + hierarchy: improving clarity within your drawing and communication
Knowing when to stop: focusing on legibility rather than over-detailing

This is the same process used throughout architecture school and practice to develop ideas and communicate them clearly through section.

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This is Volume 03 in the Drawing in Architecture series.
Volume 01 focused on axonometric sketching, and Volume 02 explored floor plans and spatial design.
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https://www.instagram.com/mckernarchitecture

Access my full course (Guide to Architecture School:
https://mckernarchitecture.podia.com/comprehensive-guide-to-architecture-school

or visit my website:
www.mckernarchitecture.com

Let me know what you'd like to see in the next volume.

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Gear I use:
Sketchbook + Trace Paper (Baking Paper)
Unipen Fineliners / Technical Pens
Graphite Pencils 2B-HB
Scale Ruler + Set Square