From a reflection on the importance of visual thinking (VP) and critical observation in the architect's education, this paper investigates mapping as a mechanism of graphic facilitation that allows an approach to the architectural context with a look filtered by the previous inquiry and guided in two main stages. A divergent stage, in which different elements of the context are explored and a convergent stage, in which critical observations are focused to generate a project purpose. The mapping experience developed in the Project Workshop, its foundations, methodology and results over several years of implementation are described. The methodology is based on seven criteria: Study, Contextualization, Verification, Co-construction, Concretion, Planning and Proposal, seeks to enhance the PV as a fundamental tool of the architect and shows how to generate elements of collective work that integrate diverse views on the living environment.