Architectural Representation II (M.Arch 3)

3 units

The course examines the history/theory and practice of representation, specifically the systems of drawing used in architecture. The objective is to develop the requisite discipline, accuracy, and visual intelligence to conceptualize and generate a relationship between space and form. The course focuses on two concurrent tasks: first to outline and analyze the historical development of representational logics and their impact on architectural ideation, and second to explain the codification and usage of specific geometries, including orthographic and isometric projection, central and parallel perspective, and architectural axonometric. We will see that, rather than a translation of reality, representation operates between perception and cognition as a transcription of reality and is a powerful instrument in the design and making of architecture. The relationship between the drawing forms and the tools used to produce them are brought into focus as manual, digital, photographic and physical applications driven by drawing intentions. This course is organized as a lecture/lab with emphasis on the practice of digital media and physical modeling. Emphasis is on participation and excessive absences will be noted. PLEASE NOTE: The second half of the semester will focus on computing, for which each student is required to have a laptop computer.