Overview
There are two traditional methods of constructing perspectives in common use today. Both originated in Renaissance and both provide reasonably accurate perspectives. The first is what’s come to be called the “Point Cloud” method. The second is what’s called the “Scaffold” method.
The “Point Cloud” method converts locational data from scaled, two dimensional drawings into a three dimensional point cloud in perspective space (actually a jumble of intersecting lines). Within the jumble of lines, key intersections are identified and linked together to form object edges and surfaces. The “Scaffold” method uses cleverly placed diagonal lines to construct a proportionally accurate two or three dimensional scaffold into which can be placed any object, building or interior space.
Under the “Point Cloud” system, Vanishing Points and Horizon Lines are procedurally determined. Under the “Scaffold” system, the location of Vanishing Points and Horizon Lines are left to the discretion of the artist.
The Point Cloud Technique
The Point Cloud method is most often used by architects, interior designers, city planners and landscape architects. It requires that the size and shape of the objects you wish to draw in perspective be already known – even if the design is schematic or preliminary and is likely to change in the future. In practical terms, it means that you have a scaled plan or top view as well as a similarly scaled elevation or side view for all the objects you intend to draw in perspective before you start.
The Scaffold Technique
The Scaffold method is widely used by industrial designers and artists. They find it a bit more intuitive and improvisational than the Point Cloud method. That’s because the “Scaffold” system, doesn’t need pre-existing measured drawings to construct a perspective. You’re free to design directly within the scaffold you’ve established. There’s no direct transfer of information between pre-existing drawings and the perspective you’re creating.
Despite being a perfectly good method of drawing perspectives, the Scaffold technique is deceptively hard to master – a feature that’s especially relevant to educators. In contrast, the Point Cloud system, being more procedurally based, lends itself to teaching and easy mastery. You don’t need to be an accomplished artist to master the Point Cloud technique. In fact, you needn’t have any special knowledge about art at all. That’s the reason we’ve chosen to feature it here in this Guide to the exclusion of the Scaffold system.