This course provides an overview of the methods and applications of digital representation in contemporary architectural design. Emphasis will be placed on using 3d digital tools to create 2d drawings that creatively and precisely visualize complex spatial relationships. Three pedagogical objectives guide our exploration:

Awareness of context
An understanding of the diversity of approaches to digital architectural representation
Proficiency in technical canon
A fluency in the digital methods typically employed in design practice
Capacity for appropriate application
A mature and controlled relationship with a range of digital forms and formats.

Course Themes

The course is organized into two thematic areas, presented in both lecture and workshop formats, and framed as a drawing practice appropriate for situations students are likely to encounter as practicing architects. The exact exercises and workflows are subject to change dependent upon the skill level of the enrolled students. Opportunities for group work would be greatly considered.

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Advanced Geometric Description - 4 weeks
Covering advanced 3d techniques of describing architectural form using the geometric elements of point, line, curve, surface, and solids. Emphasis will be placed on the utility of moving between drawings of limited-dimensionality (such as between plans, sections, and 3d models). Representation standards will be reviewed and challenged by complex drawing techniques that involve overlaying, collage and composition.


Project 01: Next Top Model

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Advanced Visualization and Representation - 4 weeks
Emphasis will be placed on both accurately representing the phenomenological experience of architecture while incorporating style and creativity, challenging the traditional methods of orthographic and perspectival representation. Students will be continuing to work between 3d models as well as 2d drawings to best describe their creative ideas and concepts.


Project 02: Case-Study ReImagined

Each 3.5 hour session will consist of the following:

Exercise Pin-up ~ 45 minutes
Students will present their work from the previous assignment and/or exercise to promote a discussion consisting both of technical skills and design development.
Precedent Lecture + Digital Workflow ~ 75 minutes
A brief overview of representational skills developed and explored by previous architects will situate each lecture that will end with a workflow that exhibits a range of specific skills and tools.
Lab Assignment + Review ~ 90 minutes
Working from the in-class example, students will begin working on the weekly assignment. The assignment will be reviewed during the later part of the class so that homework time can be spent fulfilling the group exercises.

Course Outline

Weeks 1 - 4: Advanced Geometric Modeling

Week 1 - Introduction to the course, 2d Drafting tips + tricks
This class will serve as an introduction to the course, with a description of course goals, objectives and student introductions. There will be a tour of the program Rhino and Illustrator along with the first workflow, tracing a 2d drawing, which caters closely to the first assignment.
Week 2 - Advanced 2d Drafting + Preview to 3d Modeling
This class will review the lessons learned the first week surrounding 2d drafting with emphasis on skills that enhance efficiency and precision. The in-class workflow will emphasize organization and practice the exporting process to Illustrator. The last hour will be spent previewing the 3d modeling commands in Rhino for the homework.
Week 3 - Advanced 3d Modeling
After practicing 3d modeling for homework, this class will focus on some of the more advanced 3d modeling tools that ensure precision and water-tightness. An overview of 3d modeling skills will showcase some of the different purposes such as 3d printing/modeling, BIM, visualizations/renderings, and of course advanced drafting. The workflow will use an existing 3d model to create a drawing using Make2d.
Note: Section Two does not meet this week due to 4th of July. Workflow and exercise will be posted in this section in the absence of class. Students are welcome to join Section One in class on Monday, July 2nd 9-12:30 pm.
Week 4 - Case Study Digital Models Due
Drawing from 3d Models, Standards + Style
Working from the previous class, this class will go further into the editing process of making a drawing from an existing 3d model. We will review techniques and skills that help produce clean and detailed 2d drawings, clarifying what linework can be produced from 3d models and what can be produced later via blocks, fills, line styles, and other additional details.

Weeks 5 - 8: Case Study ReImagined

Week 5 - Advanced Orthographic Representation
The lecture will preview three-dimensional drawing skills such as perspectives, axonometrics and exploded drawings. Emphasis on drawing standards and technique. In-class workflow will review making an axonometric drawing using the SHEAR command.
Week 6 - Additional Programs + Style
This class will show some of the additional programs helpful in creating final boards and presentation drawings. The workflow will show how to make a Section Perspective drawing.
Week 7 - Final Presentation + Introduction to AutoCAD
Working with the final set of drawings, this class will focus on preparing a group of working drawings for presentation. This last class will also go over the basics of drawing in AutoCAD in comparison to Rhino. Drafting, importing, layout and plotting will be reviewed.
Week 8 - Final Review
Students will present their final work for visiting faculty. Click on session page for more review requirements.
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