Drawing Bicycles for Engineers

Student drawings....

If you would have asked me 35 years ago if this was something I’d be teaching, I would have asked, “well how did I get there?”

But here I am…….

In hand Drawing Bicycles for Engineers the course begins with exercises in basic drawing, including mechanical drawing concepts. Over the years when teaching bicycle frame building on the one hand, and then working on the programing for VAB with the architects, I needed to use isometric projection to build out, as it were, a specific visualization of something, in the moment. And then there is the reality that learning digital tools, from drafting to CNC, is greatly enhanced by performing the analogue version.

Learning isometric projection by hand really does enhance proficiency in parametric software. It fosters a deeper understanding of three-dimensional space and object relationships. Isometric drawings provide a unique way of visualization that allows designers to visualize complex geometries without the constraints of traditional orthographic projections on the one hand and then the ability to depict depth while maintaining undistorted dimensions allows for an accurate portrayal of the object's main features. It’s foundational skill that enables students to develop spatial awareness, which is crucial when manipulating objects within parametric environments. My observation is that mastering hand-drawn isometric techniques cultivates critical problem-solving skills and creativity in design thinking. In essence, the cognitive skills developed through hand-drawing enhance one's ability to navigate and utilize parametric software efficiently.