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 Communications V module provides specialist knowledge across a variety of areas related to Computer Aided Architectural Design (CAAD), specifically Building Information Modelling (BIM) and allied digital techniques. It brings a comprehensive view of the technology and provides the learner with an understanding of how these tools are transforming the practice of design and the environments they create. The aim of the module is to provide tools and techniques for using data generated by computer simulations, or gathered from sensors and other sources, for informing design development and decisions.
The learner will analyse and synthetize this information by means of digital software, with an aim to understand the effects of using digital tools within a design process. The module further enhances the learner’s ability for developing and communicating architectural designs digitally.
Indicative assignments for the Visual Communications II module:
1. Model 2 - advanced 3D CAD model of a building.
Theory:
- types of 3D CAD geometries: surface (NURBS), solid, and mesh objects.
Practice:
- 3D CAD modelling, including surface modelling.
2. Model 3 – a simple BIM site and massing model.
Theory:
- introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM),
- introduction to environmental analysis.
Practice:
- BIM modelling – creating massing and site model,
- BIM analysis.
3. Model 4 – a BIM model of a building.
Theory:
- BIM in architecture,
- BIM maturity levels.
Practice:
- BIM modelling – creating building components,
- BIM - adding quantitative information to a model.
4. Analysis 3 – visualisation of environmental analysis, e.g. solar radiation, overshadowing, airflow patterns, or sound, in order to assess the fulfilment of indoor and outdoor comfort requirements, and compare digital models with sensory data.
Theory:
- environmental analysis and design,
- sensing, recording, and mapping environmental data,
- methods of visualisation of environmental analyses.
Practice:
- BIM modelling, using sensors to measure environmental data (luxometer, sound level meter, etc.)
- environmental analysis software.
5. Analysis 4 – visualisation of immaterial and dynamic information:
Theory:
- dynamic relations and design,
- big and live data and design,
- visualisation of dynamic and immaterial information.
Practice:
- BIM modelling,
- computational design techniques,
- accessing and visualising big and live data.
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 |