Starting Precedent Research
Before beginning your research, gather what you already know about your project, site, or building. These facts also serve as keywords that you can search when looking for books, articles, and images. Here are some basic facts you may want to list for yourself before you get started:
- Project/Site Name: Be sure to note alternate names for the project, including the name in another language. Searching these variant names may produce different results. Is the building or site part of a complex? Has it changed names over time? As you continue your research, you might expand this list.
- Architect or Landscape Architect: List both the firm name and the individual architects. If the firm's name is an acronym, you may find more results by searching for the long form of the name as well (for example, LTL Architects vs. Lewis Tsurumaki Lewis)
- Location: In what city and country is your precedent located?
- Other Associated People: These could be original owners, restoration architects, etc.
Why use precedents?
- They help you communicate an idea you are trying to achieve by finding an existing example
- They are useful references
- They can show you examples of how to solve problems in plan, section, detail, elevation It can teach you about the architecture of another place and help develop design ideas for your space
- Inspiration!
Finding Articles with Plans/Sections
The Avery Index is the fastest way to discover what articles have been published about a precedent. Avery allows you to search summaries of articles published in over 2,000 architecture journals at a time! For the best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Try variations of the name of your precedent if you don't find results right away
- If a search for the building or site name doesn't yield results, try the architect's name and look for articles published around the date of your project
- Use the advanced search feature at the bottom of the main page to limit to articles that include plans or sections. This option is under "Physical Description"
Find High-Res Images
Here are some places to find great images:
- ARTstor - A database with high-resoulution images. While not every building is in ARTstor, it is worth searching for yours!
- Google Images: Use the "Search Tools" button at the top of your image results to limit to "Large" files for higher resolution.
- Flickr: Crowdsourced images from users across the web. Sometimes you'll find a tourist's photo, sometimes a pro's!
- Scan your own! Sometimes the best images are in a book or article. The library has numerous scanners that you can use to make your own high-resolution files.
Remember, just like when you use a book or article, you need to cite your sources when you use an image! Remember to keep a note of the image's creator, title, date, where and when you found it, and any additional information you need to properly credit the source.
