OVERVIEW

The course consists of two modules: FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN and FUNDAMENTALS OF DIGITAL DRAWING, and includes theoretical lessons on the principles and new digital graphic experimentation for design through an understanding of the fundamentals of new telematic languages and new methods of representation. It covers the evolution of the principles of representation and communication in the digital age.

Practical exercises on computer workstations will focus on architectural drawing representation techniques: SketchUp, AutoCAD 2D, Adobe Photoshop, and photogrammetry. The course aims to provide an overview of the basic tools for communicating ideas and projects, enabling interaction with the world of automation and offering the tools and methods needed to organize, store, and process two- and three-dimensional graphic data.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main purpose of the theoretical component of the course is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of digital representation.

Through theoretical lessons and practical exercises on computer workstations, the course aims to equip students with the knowledge to use 2D and 3D digital drawing software for the development of architectural projects.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and active participation in the proposed learning activities, along with individual study, will enable students to:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the main topics related to digital architectural drawing;
• Apply 2D and 3D graphic rendering techniques;
• Understand the key theoretical concepts and content of the course;
• Be able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired during the lessons;
• To fully grasp the topic and achieve the course objectives, students are required to complete intermediate tests.

PREREQUISITES

none

TEACHING METHODS

The course is structured with theoretical and practical lessons on the management of 2D and 3D software commands. The lessons on computer workstations will take place at the Department's Digital Lab, with the support of academic tutoring. In their personal work, students are expected to acquire the knowledge and concepts underlying the practice of digital drawing.

The course requires mandatory attendance to the lessons and related laboratory activities for 70% of the total 80 hours.

The final exam consists of an individual open-ended test and the submission of graphic works in AutoCAD 2D and Photoshop.
Students can access materials available on the [Aulaweb] website.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The theoretical lessons include the following PC applications:

• Introduction to vector digital drawing. 2D drawing with SketchUp: interference and groups.
• Introduction to 3D modeling for facades. 3D drawing with SketchUp: groups and layers.
• SketchUp vs AutoCAD vs Rhinoceros vs Solidworks vs Maya. 3D drawing with SketchUp: modeling curved surfaces.
• Introduction to complex 3D modeling. 3D drawing with SketchUp: Boolean operations and double-curvature surfaces.
• Introduction to non-photorealistic rendering. 3D drawing with SketchUp: materials and components.
• Non-photorealistic rendering. 3D drawing with SketchUp: shadows and geolocation.
• Non-photorealistic rendering. 3D drawing with SketchUp: photomatch.
• Non-photorealistic rendering, resolution, and introduction to file exchange formats: preparing export to Photoshop.
• Modeling for simple volumes vs. detailed modeling, optimization strategies for 3D models. 3D drawing with SketchUp.
• Architectural drawing: from analog drawing to digital drawing. Representation standards. Project drawing.
• Introduction to AutoCAD drawing: interface and main commands.
• Layer management techniques – pens and printing.
• Architectural drawing: layout composition, first AutoCAD 2D submission.
• The image processing system.
• Introduction to Photoshop: interface and main commands.
• Tools and image management: filters, resolution, pixels-cm.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Siti

https://help.sketchup.com/it/sketchup/getting-started-sketchup#learn-tools

https://helpx.adobe.com/it/photoshop/user-guide.html

https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2023/ITA/?guid=GUID-37463F74-0B06-46E2-8791-6C5B852A069D

Testi
C. Gambaro, Architettura al calcolatore, Ed.Città Studi, 2008.

C. Mancosu, L. Zevi, e al., Il nuovissimo manuale dell'architetto, 2019.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANDREA VIAN (President)

CARLO MARINO

GIULIA PELLEGRI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a test and the submission of individual graphic works.
The test will assess theoretical knowledge (grades range from 18 to 30L).
The graphic works include 4 boards: AutoCAD 2D and Photoshop, non-photorealistic rendering (daytime and nighttime) (grades range from 18 to 30L). The final evaluation will be the average of the individual assessments.
To participate in the written exam, students must register at least two days before the exam date on the following website:
https://servizionline.unige.it/studenti/esami/prenotazione

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The details on how to prepare for the exam and the depth of each topic will also be provided during the lessons.
The test will assess the student's actual acquisition of basic knowledge. Open-ended questions will evaluate the ability to apply the knowledge in practical situations. The student must be able to connect and integrate the knowledge learned during the laboratory activities with that provided during the theoretical lessons.
Presentation of graphic works: The graphic works must adhere to the standards for representing an architectural complex at different scales: 1:500, 1:200, 1:100.

Exam schedule