This is a sketch I did showing multiple layout and design views of a single structure that is comprised of four structures resembling typical skyscrapers. There is a pool at the bottom, in the middle, where multiple waterfalls from each building converge after falling and passing through different interconnecting levels and walkways. An additional feature is illustrated at lower left. It is basically a building inside another structure, with segments of the outer structure being thin and filled with water, acting as an aquarium. The top-down view at the lower left, in blue, illustrates this concept. This sketch continues the flora integration seen in my skyscraper sketch. The upper right part of the sketch roughly shows the general layout of the entire complex from an isometric perpsective and orthographic views.
I make sketches like these to help plan how I might use paths exported from Illustrator to extrude in CG apps like 3ds max and Maya. I do this a lot. While it is possible to do a to lot without drawings, creating sketches allows you to not only visualize your project, but also develop an idea of how you will create it in CG.
Eric Chamberlain 