11214 Architectural Design: Architectural Communications

Students of architecture must acquire a set of techniques that enable the use of representational modes and tools both as an integral part of the design process and in the clear communication of architectural ideas. This subject has been designed to equip students with a range of basic techniques and tools that enables the generation and the dissemination of the thinking underpinning an architectural proposition. The subject, typically delivered in two sessions per week, is comprised of four components, as follows:

Architectural Model-making

This component introduces students to elementary physical model-making as a tool to aid design thinking and communication of a final design proposition. Various techniques, from the quick card study model to the professional presentation model are reviewed.

Technical Illustration

This component is an introduction to a variety of architectural projections and rendering techniques. Subject matter reviewed includes measurement, scale and design drawing conventions, sciagraphy, visual survey, architectural rendering and orthographic, paraline and perspective projections.

Freehand Drawing

The architect requires a level of skill in the production of quick sketches over the full range of representational types. Via the examination of an existing building, students undertake a set of exercises that require the use of specific freehand drawing technique to either record and document existing form or to diagram a set of conceptual and abstract relationships.

Digital Interface

The use of the computer is studied in this component as both a generative tool and an aid to the effective communication of design thinking. Students engage with a range of digital interface as aimed at the production or illustration of a design proposition. The component covers the following topics: basic image manipulation and data extraction (Photoshop and Illustrator, or equivalent), three-dimensional digital modelling (3D CAM software such as SketchUp, or equivalent), and basic two-dimensional digital illustration and rendering (2D CAD software such as ArchiCAD, or equivalent).

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus