The aim of the Visual Communications course is to give students insights into the principles of broadly considered architectural visualisation, augmenting their conceptual, analytical, and presentational skills. These skills build upon their prior knowledge, and will be further tested and improved in the Architectural Design Studio.
The Visual Communication III focuses on the use of digital software to create architectural representations. The module introduces 2D CAD drafting and 3D CAD modelling as a means of architectural representation and analysis. The module provides a foundation to enable the learner to develop their digital drawing and representational skills in order to produce a document of professional quality and design excellence. The module introduces the learner to graphic quality control standards in design software for documentation and publication.
Indicative assignments for the Visual Communications II module:
- Drawing 3 - 2D CAD drawing of plans, sections, elevations of a building.
Theory:
introduction to CAD,
conventions of architectural representation.
Techniques:
2D CAD drafting.
- Drawing 4 - 2D CAD drawing 2 – recording a building or component survey with CAD.
Theory:
conventions of architectural representation at different scales,
Techniques:
measuring and surveying,
2D CAD drafting,
printing.
- Model 1 – simple 3D CAD model of a building.
Theory:
types of 3D CAD geometries.
Techniques:
3D CAD modelling.
- Analysis 2 – spatial analysis of connectivity between buildings or their parts.
Theory:
- 3D diagramming in visual communication and architectural representation,
- combining quantitative and qualitative information in drawing,
- combining vector and raster graphics.
Techniques:
3D CAD modelling,
applying raster textures to 3D drawings.
- Rendered image 3 – a visualisation of the architectural qualities of a project based on a 3D CAD model.
Theory:
architectural computer generated imagery (CGI),
rendering techniques for architectural representation.
Techniques:
rendering software,
applying raster textures to 3D drawings.
In addition, during the semester all participants prepare a digital portfolio including all the work produced for the Module. This portfolio hinges on the key concepts and techniques of desktop publishing (DTP) including interactive presentation techniques.
The method through which the learners gain insights into the principles of architectural representation, analysis, and visualisation is based on thoroughly investigating one problem within the thematic field. This problem can be investigated through an individual assignment, or can become a theme for one semester, investigated through more or all the assignments. Investigating one problem thoroughly will equip the learner with the methodical approach necessary to investigate another.
The module consists of a few short assignments. The lectures, tutorials, and presentations relate to the assignments’ themes. The participants are required to work under the supervision of the tutors during the designated hours as well autonomously outside the contact hours. Attendance is critical to following the module and completing the assignments therefore attendance records are taken on regular basis.
Each assignment is reviewed, and feedback is provided to the participants.
At the end of the semester, all the assignments are presented as a single portfolio. This portfolio is the basis for the assessment.
Further to the themed lectures, tutorials, and presentations a few workshops can be carried out during the module, at the discretion of the module coordinator. These workshops may be aimed at collaboration with another module, or address an issue resulting from the year’s curriculum.
Other involved learning at teaching methods include:
- demonstrations,
- project work,
- peer group presentations,
- guest lectures,
- video (film),
- readings,
- group critiques,
- group discussions,
- working in small teams.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |