In this class you will learn to integrate digital tools into your design process. We will use AutoCAD, Sketchup, Photoshop, VIZ, as well as analog rendering techniques to design and document your Advanced Design project.

This class is taught concurrently with your Advanced Design studio and I try to coordinate my assignments so they will correspond to your studio's subject matter. Having said that...the Advanced Design portion of the class changes each semester and although I am somewhat flexible there are times when I cannot conveniently mesh the focus of Tech Comm with the Advanced Studios.

During the first half of the semester we will move through a series of parallel exercises designed to work on both your technical and graphic computer skills.

1. A series of exercises introducing you to the organizing principles of AutoCAD including: profiles, templates, lineweight, plotting, blocking, x-refs, drawing standards and 3D CAD. This is technical information but if you learn it you will drastically reduce the time you spend dealing with tedious details during design, documentation, and output.
2. A series of correlating exercises base on digital representation issues including: scale, hybrid drawings, diagramming, and detailing. These exercises focus on the final graphic quality of the drawings. The technical expertise becomes second nature and the strength and character of the design become the main focus. You should be using the software to as an means to explore and test your design intentions.

During the second half of the semester we will work specifically on your projects from Advanced Design. We will produce layouts, have group pin-ups covering specific drawings including: diagrams, plan, section, elevation, and detail. These pin-ups will focus on the ability of the drawings to illustrate, focus, and clarify the design intent.

2D (AutoCAD or other applicable software)

Proficiency in AutoCAD is required to pass the course.

By the end of the semester you should be able to integrate AutoCAD with your own design processes and create drawings that are both technically efficient and graphically provocative.

Technical subject areas including:
Drawing Templates, Profiles, Draw Commands, Modify Commands, Layering (AIA Standard), Text, Dimensioning, Blocking, Layout Space, Plotting, 3D and Drawing Standards (Architect's Studio Handbook).

3D (AutoCAD, Sketchup, AutoDesk Viz, or other applicable software)

Proficiency in 3d is required to pass the course.

By the end of the semester you should be able to purposefully and efficiently: evaluate a design, build a model and render images or drawings that not only clarify your design intentions but are graphically provocative.

You may use the program of your choice to model your design. It is not necessary to render your design digitally to pass the course. You may and should use any technique to finish your images or drawings. One of the most powerful methods for using 3D is to model your design and then use analog techniques to explore variations.

In both cases I am looking for a critical attitude toward the design and the software.