The Napkin Sketch carries a powerful narrative in modern architecture. Consisting of a few fluid strokes of the pen, it embodies the myth of capturing the essence of an elegant idea, quickly distilling complex spatial and formal relationships onto a humble scrap of paper. It conjures a captivating image: a brilliant visionary, likely male, sitting at a bar with a martini or bourbon in hand, effortlessly sketching as he casually jots down brilliant ideas. In a singular moment of transcendent creative clairvoyance, he—entirely on his own—conjures the Big Idea that sets the course for the entire project.

A Wobbling Myth

But let’s be honest: Enticing as it may be, the Napkin Sketch is pure fantasy. Anyone familiar with the architectural design process knows that great architects don’t simply conjure ideas in isolation. Instead, we navigate a complex web of interconnected issues, making thoughtful decisions through a rigorous, methodical process in collaboration with our clients and community. Good design isn’t a spontaneous stroke of genius; it’s the careful synthesis of site conditions, function, materiality, technical constraints, and artistic vision. 

Once Upon a Time …

For centuries, traditional architectural design was bound by an understanding of what was possible with the technology at hand, resulting in aspirational designs composed of fundamentally practical forms. Buildings would respond to the inherent properties of their construction materials and the particulars of the site—sun, wind, and light—to create spaces that address basic human needs and, if you stuck the landing, might even elevate the human experience.

Enter the Machine Age

As technology advanced in the 20th century, the constraints of the natural world were mitigated by unprecedented opportunities made possible through new and innovative technology and systems. Air conditioning, glass curtain walls, cold-rolled steel, and post-tensioned concrete—all of these carbon-intensive technologies freed the architect, leading to a revolutionary paradigm shift in architecture where aesthetics and form dominated and became the zeitgeist.

Some New (and Largely Overlooked) Questions

A quarter of the way into the 21st century, we now need to ask ourselves a series of different questions: What do we really want (and need) from our buildings? Can the revolution be decarbonized? How can the Big Idea that we bring to the table as architects and designers still inspire, while delivering on values of healthy and equitable spaces in a thriving world? Both outcomes are possible if we reframe the napkin sketch as a pursuit of simplicity, embracing a “less is more” mindset.

Replacing “I” With “We”

The first thing that needs to go is the idea of the lone genius. Just as our understanding of environmental sustainability has evolved, so has our thinking around the design process. If we’re truly committed to internalizing the values of equity and inclusion in an authentic way, the singular vision of a “Capital D” Designer must be replaced by a culture of collective collaboration.

A More Prosaic Sketch

So how do we update the concept of the Napkin Sketch to serve our needs in the 21st century? More than ever, our architecture is in need of clarity, inspiration, and beauty. Particularly in a way that centers climate, health, and equity as the cornerstones of responsible contemporary practice. As a thought exercise, let’s move through each of these values individually and unpack how a beautiful sketch can deliver the right outcomes and avoid all-too-common ugly consequences.

Relics

Regarding climate, here’s a simple rule of thumb: If your sketch conveys a form or expression that could be built in 1900, before the fossil fuel era, it will also likely perform well on carbon reduction. Otherwise, it’s worth taking a hard look at the Big Move and being honest about the resources required to turn that often arbitrary—but seemingly cool—gesture into reality. This means cantilevers, long spans, and anything else that unnecessarily picks a fight with gravity. 

More Relics

The second rule of thumb: Be wary of the blue marker. All-glass facades are a relic of the fossil fuels era—an outdated indulgence that designers must move beyond. Under the fallacy of transparency, they offer little to no tangible benefits for people or the planet, instead contributing to glare and excessive heat gain. As enticing as it can be aesthetically, at this point in our climate crisis it is virtually indefensible.

Who Lives in a Sketch?

Regarding health: It’s important to remember that buildings are for people, and nobody will benefit from spending 40 hours a week in a napkin sketch that ignores their basic needs. People require quality daylight, decent views, and a comfortable place to spend their day. Thermal and visual comfort can be easily compromised with the stroke of that same blue marker—inviting excessive glare and triggering the use of inefficient and potentially less healthy mechanical systems solutions.

Equity as a Working Premise

Regarding equity: For meaningful community collaboration to truly shape the outcomes of a project, we need to factor time into the equation. Through this lens, the focus shifts from what the Napkin Sketch represents to whether it brings tangible value and aligns with the community’s aspirations. Rather than design beginning with a sketch, it should be reframed as a core concept that evolves over time through meaningful, relationship-based interactions with the community it serves.

Telling New Stories

So what happens to the Napkin Sketch when we incorporate all the important design considerations of the 21st century? It can still be a provocative and useful tool for distilling an informed and considered design solution. Because, in the end, the Napkin Sketch isn’t about a building, but more about a feeling. It’s about how we tell the stories of the inspiring places in the diverse communities that we call home. As architects, we have a responsibility to be telling a better story. 

All sketches by the author.