In the learning process of observation drawing, contour is one of the drawing modes that most develops the ability to be attentive. This process was introduced in a pedagogical context by Nikolaides and is one of the modes considered in the methodological conception developed by Vieira. The practice of contour drawing in a training and learning context promotes the discipline of perception, requiring on the part of the performer a persistent and continuous visual concentration, as well as maintaining the focus of attention on specific areas of the subject. This process gives responsibility to the act of drawing and contributes to keeping attention levels high, as perception is fixed on every particular aspect of the surface, thus disregarding information related to light incidence or colour. Attention represents one of the most important mental functions of the human being and it is the subject of research by numerous scholars. According to Posner and Gilbert, it is possible to distinguish between different types of attention. In making a contour drawing, the type of attention in question is referred to as "explicit attention", since the focus coincides with the visual fixation on the contour of the shapes and every subtle change in the surface. Folds, protrusions or joints are observed, memorised and translated into graphic elements that the student makes on paper. In order to understand how these skills are important for the beginner designer, several contour drawings made by students in their early learning process were analysed. This analysis showed that most of the assignments carried out have a great vocation to describe plastically and materially the elements that make up the spaces whilst conveying the identity of a place. Contour drawing constitutes a mode of drawing that offers advantages in terms of the articulated and comprehensive development of attention, as well as regarding the perception and the cognition of shape and space, fundamental to students and future architects.
