A influência do croqui e dos modelos fotorrealísticos na comunicação e decisão em diferentes etapas do processo de projeto arquitetônico

Abstract

Graphic representation plays a fundamental role in the architectural design process, acting as a mediator between conception, communication, and decision-making. This dissertation investigates the influence of sketching and photorealistic models on the reading, interpretation, and understanding of architectural proposals by two distinct audiences: professionals in the fields of Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), and individuals without technical training. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a narrative literature review with an empirical experiment in which participants were exposed to a sketch and a photorealistic rendering of the same environment, both developed specifically for this study. A sample of twenty participants, equally divided between professionals and non-professionals, responded to structured questionnaires composed of Likert-scale items and open-ended questions. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results indicate that sketches retain high conceptual and exploratory value among professionals, supporting the understanding of design intent and spatial relationships. However, sketches presented significant limitations for non-professional participants, particularly due to the absence of visual precision and the greater reliance on interpretive repertoire. Photorealistic models, in contrast, demonstrated strong communicative effectiveness for bothgroups, offering clarity, realism, and confidence in decision-making, especially among non-professionals. The comparative analysis reveals that sketches and photorealistic representations are not substitutes but complementary tools: sketches communicate design intention and support conceptual reasoning, while photorealistic images enhance validation, anticipation of the final result, and client decision-making. The study concludes that the choice of representational method must consider both the project stage and the profile of the interlocutor to avoid misunderstandings in architectural communication. As final contributions, the research highlights the strategic value of combining multiple visual languages in professional practice, discusses the limits and strengths of each form of representation, and suggests further studies involving new technologies and diverse project typologies.