03 / Learning Outcomes / What You Will Learn
WHAT WILL
YOU LEARN?
The goal is not simply to produce
better drawings.
This course develops a set of visual,
analytical and representational abilities
that students can immediately use in
their Semester 1 design work.
By the end of the semester, students
should be able to move from observation
to architectural understanding and
from architectural understanding to
design.
Seven Learning Outcomes
LO / 01
SEE
Observe architectural objects,
spaces and environments through
proportion, scale, material,
light and human activity.
Observation
LO / 02
SKETCH
Produce rapid freehand sketches
to record architectural observations
and ideas.
Freehand
LO / 03
REPRESENT
Communicate architectural ideas
through plans, sections, elevations,
perspectives and axonometric drawings.
Representation
LO / 04
TRANSFORM
Translate three-dimensional
observations into two-dimensional
and digital representations.
Translation
LO / 05
THINK
Use drawing as a method for analyzing
architectural form, space, movement,
scale and relationships.
Visual Thinking
LO / 06
DESIGN
Use drawing and observation to
support architectural design
development.
Design Support
LO / 07
CURATE
Develop a personal architectural
drawing portfolio that demonstrates
growth throughout the semester.
Portfolio
COURSE / CORE
MEMORY
Build lasting visual memories of
architecture through direct observation,
field sketching and reflection.
Experience
COURSE / FINAL
CONNECT
Connect observation, representation
and visual thinking with the wider
architectural design studio.
Integration
Core Competency
FROM
OBSERVATION
TO
DESIGN.
The course is designed as a progression.
Students begin with direct observation
and gradually develop the ability to
communicate and interpret what they see.
The final stage is not drawing itself.
The final stage is the ability to use
drawing to support architectural
decision-making.
Skill System
01
Observational Drawing
Proportion, scale, contour, rhythm,
material, light, shadow and human activity.
02
Spatial Drawing
Plan, section, elevation, perspective,
axonometric and spatial sequence.
03
Analytical Drawing
Circulation, hierarchy, solid / void,
public / private, light and spatial relationships.
04
Digital Drawing
Basic digital drafting, reconstruction,
diagramming, editing and presentation.
05
Design Sketching
Rapid alternatives, form studies,
spatial ideas and design iterations.
Expected Development
You may begin the semester
not knowing how to draw.
That is okay.
The objective is to finish the semester
seeing differently.
Progress is measured not only through
drawing accuracy, but through observation,
process, experimentation, reflection,
communication and integration with design.
How Will We Know?
01
Sketchbook
Continuous evidence of observation,
experimentation and visual development.
02
Field Studies
Direct observations from real
architectural environments.
03
Drawing Sets
Plans, sections, perspectives,
diagrams and digital drawings.
04
Portfolio
A curated visual narrative showing
the student's journey throughout
the semester.
The final achievement is not
drawing perfectly.
It is learning to use drawing
as a way to understand
architecture.