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2.8. Architectural Representation and Digital Tools (REP)
Architectural Representation and Digital Tools covers the visual and computational languages through which architects conceive, develop, and communicate spatial ideas. It spans traditional orthographic drawing, 3D modeling, parametric design, simulation, extended reality, and generative AI. Students develop fluency in a range of media and learn to select the appropriate representation tool for each design phase and audience. BIM authoring and execution planning are covered in depth in the dedicated BIM knowledge area (see BIM Fundamentals and Authoring , BIM Execution Planning and Standards ).
2.8.1. REP/Orthographic Drawing and Conventions (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the conventions of orthographic, paraline, and perspective architectural drawing: plans, sections, elevations, axonometrics, isometric projections, and one/two/three-point perspective; freehand sketching and diagrammatic schemas as an interpretive counterpart to measured hard-line drawing; line weights, graphic scales, annotation, and drawing organization for communication.
Topics:
Core
- Orthographic projections: plan (cut plane at typical eye level or 1.5 m), section (cut through building, showing structure and spatial relationship), elevation (external
- Paraline drawings: isometric (equal angles, true scale), axonometric (plan oblique, elevation oblique), and their use in showing spatial depth without perspective distortion
- Perspective (conic projection) drawing: one-, two-, and three-point perspective construction, vanishing points, horizon line, and station point – the convergent-projection family used for experiential and presentation views, as distinct from the parallel-projection conventions of orthographic and paraline drawing
- Freehand architectural sketching and schematic diagrams: quick observational sketches and on-site architectural studies ("apuntes") to record buildings and spaces, line quality and proportion by eye, light tonal shading, and parti, bubble, and concept diagrams as a loose, interpretive mode of representation distinct from measured hard-line drawing
- Line weight conventions: hierarchy of outline, section cut, foreground, middle ground, background, and hidden lines
- Drawing set organization: title block, sheet numbering, drawing index; relationship between plans (architectural, structural, MEP, reflected ceiling), elevations, sections,
- Dimensioning and annotation: string dimensions, overall dimensions, grid lines, spot elevations, section marks, finish labels, door and window tags
- Normalization of plan representation: ISO 128 (general principles) and ISO 5455 (scales) as international references; national drawing-set and plan-presentation requirements for permit submission (e.g. Peru's Reglamento Nacional de Edificaciones under Ley 29090)
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Identify the standard orthographic, paraline, and perspective drawing types - plan, section, elevation, axonometric, isometric, one/two/three-point perspective - as well as freehand architectural sketching and diagrammatic schemas, and describe their respective uses [Familiarity]
- Produce a set of orthographic drawings (plan, section, elevation) for a small building that consistently applies line weight conventions, dimensioning, [Usage]
- Evaluate a set of architectural drawings for clarity, completeness, and adherence to graphic standards, identifying missing dimensions, inconsistent line weights, [Assessment]
2.8.2. REP/Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the digital production of 2D architectural drawings in CAD software, as distinct from the hand-drafting and freehand techniques of analog representation.
Topics:
Core
- Digital 2D drafting in CAD software: layer organization and naming conventions (AIA CAD Layer Guidelines, US National CAD Standard), line types and line weights managed by layer, blocks and symbols as reusable CAD objects, external references (Xrefs) for coordinating consultant drawings, and plotting and sheet setup
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Identify the core conventions of digital 2D CAD drafting - layer organization, line types, blocks, and external references - and describe how they differ from hand-drafting conventions [Familiarity]
- Produce a set of 2D CAD drawings for a small building using organized layers, blocks, and a consistent plotting and sheet setup [Usage]
- Evaluate a set of CAD drawings for layer organization, line-type consistency, and block usage, identifying errors that would complicate plotting or consultant coordination [Assessment]
2.8.3. REP/Graphic Symbols and Drafting Conventions (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the standardized graphic vocabulary used within architectural drawings: symbols, hatching, and line conventions for architectural elements, furniture and fixtures, building systems (MEP), site/landscape features, signage, and structural components.
Topics:
Core
- Architectural element symbols: door swing and window types in plan, wall representation and hatching by material (concrete, masonry, drywall, wood), and stair/ramp conventions (up/down arrows, break lines, nosing)
- Furniture and fixed-equipment symbols: furniture blocks (seating, tables, beds), kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and standard clearances shown in plan
- Building-systems symbol libraries: electrical symbols (outlets, switches, lighting fixtures, panels) and plumbing/sanitary symbols (fixtures, supply and drainage lines)
- Material hatching and texture conventions in plan and section: concrete, earth, insulation, wood, and stone, and their standard graphic representation
- Landscape and site symbols: planting symbols by canopy size and species type, paving and hardscape textures, and vehicle/parking symbols for site plans
- Signage and wayfinding symbols: accessibility pictograms, means-of-egress and exit signage, and room-numbering conventions
- Structural drawing conventions: column/structural grid notation, beam and slab representation, and reinforcement symbols in structural drawings
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Identify the standard graphic symbols for architectural elements, furniture, building systems (MEP), site/landscape features, signage, and structural components [Familiarity]
- Apply standard symbol and hatching conventions consistently across a set of architectural drawings, including furniture, MEP, landscape, and structural symbols [Usage]
- Evaluate a set of architectural drawings for correct and consistent use of graphic symbols and conventions, identifying non-standard or ambiguous symbol use [Assessment]
2.8.4. REP/Three-Dimensional Modeling (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers techniques for creating, editing, and visualizing three-dimensional digital models of buildings and components: solid modeling, surface modeling, and mesh modeling for design exploration and presentation.
Topics:
Core
- Geometric modeling types: solid modeling (extrude, loft, revolve, boolean operations), surface modeling (NURBS, patches), mesh modeling (subdivision)
- Modeling workflows: massing model (initial concept), schematic model (rooms, openings), detailed model (materials, joinery, fixtures),
- 3D rendering for presentation: material assignment (diffuse, roughness, metallic, transparency), lighting setup (directional, point, ambient, HDRI), camera settings (focal length
- UV mapping and texturing: UV coordinates for applying 2D images to 3D surfaces, texture mapping (diffuse, bump, normal, displacement), and avoiding texture stretching and seams
- Interoperability between modeling tools: file formats (OBJ, FBX, STEP, STL, 3MF) and common translation issues (lost geometry, material mapping
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the differences between solid, surface, and mesh modeling and identify the appropriate modeling technique for a given architectural task (massing, detailed component [Familiarity]
- Create a detailed 3D model of a building component (window, stair, facade panel) using solid modeling operations, then generate a rendered view with materials and lighting [Usage]
- Evaluate the quality of a 3D model for a specific use (rendering, 3D printing, BIM integration), assessing geometric accuracy, topology cleanliness, and resolution appropriateness [Assessment]
2.8.5. REP/Architectural Communication and Presentation (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the effective presentation of architectural ideas to diverse audiences: design boards, slide presentations, portfolios, physical models, and verbal and written communication.
Topics:
Core
- Design boards and panels: composition principles (grid, hierarchy, contrast, white space), integrating drawings (plan, section, elevation, axonometric, perspective), renderings
- Architectural portfolio design: project selection (range of scales, stages, typologies), portfolio structure, narrative, captioning,
- Physical model presentation: material choices (cardboard, foam, acrylic, 3D-printed, laser-cut), scale selection, level of detail, lighting
- Verbal presentation of design: structuring a 5-10 minute design pitch (problem, concept, proposal, testing, conclusion), visual aids, responding to critique,
- Architectural diagramming: circulation, program, structure, environmental performance, form generation, process
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the key elements of effective architectural communication: narrative structure, visual hierarchy, appropriate level of detail, [Familiarity]
- Produce a design presentation board (single panel) for an architectural project that integrates orthographic drawings, rendered views, diagrams, [Usage]
- Evaluate a design portfolio or presentation for its communicative effectiveness, identifying strengths in narrative and visual clarity [Assessment]
2.8.6. REP/Parametric Design and Visual Programming (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the use of visual programming environments (Grasshopper, Dynamo) to create parametric models: associative geometry, data flows, iterative variation, and the integration of parametric design into architectural workflows.
Topics:
Core
- Associative (parametric) modeling: defining geometry through relationships and rules rather than fixed coordinates; data flow graphs (inputs, components, outputs)
- Data types in parametric models: numbers (integers, floats), points, vectors, curves, surfaces, breps, lists, data trees (graft, flatten, simplify),
- Attractors and fields: using point attractors, curve attractors, or image sampling to modulate geometric parameters (size, rotation, density, offset) across a field
- Parametric design families: creating a parameterized component (window, shading louver, structural node) whose geometry updates when driving dimensions or external data changes
- Integrating external data: reading data from CSV/Excel files to drive geometry (site sun hours, program areas, cost data)
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the principles of associative parametric modeling and explain the role of data trees, attractors, and external data in generating geometric variation [Familiarity]
- Develop a parametric definition for a building facade panel system or structural grid that varies by orientation or solar exposure [Usage]
- Evaluate a parametric definition for efficiency and clarity, identifying unnecessary components, redundant data structures, and opportunities for simplification or documentation [Assessment]
2.8.7. REP/Simulation and Performance Analysis (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the use of simulation tools integrated with architectural modeling to evaluate environmental performance: daylight, energy, thermal comfort, solar radiation, and airflow.
Topics:
Core
- Daylight simulation workflows: importing geometry into Radiance-based tools (DIVA, ClimateStudio), setting materials (reflectance, transmittance), defining sky models (overcast
- Energy modeling workflows: setting up geometry in OpenStudio/EnergyPlus or IES VE, defining construction assemblies (U-value, SHGC), schedules, internal loads, HVAC systems,
- Solar radiation analysis: calculating incident solar radiation on building surfaces (facade, roof, ground) using Ladybug or ClimateStudio
- Thermal comfort simulation: PMV (predicted mean vote) and adaptive comfort models in EnergyPlus; natural ventilation modeling
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for architecture: simplified (zonal) vs. detailed (RANS, LES) airflow simulation
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the main simulation types - daylight, energy, solar radiation, thermal comfort, and airflow - [Familiarity]
- Perform a daylight simulation for a building facade using a climate-based model, interpreting sDA and ASE results to adjust aperture size, WWR, or shading [Usage]
- Evaluate a simulation report for a building design, identifying unrealistic inputs (e.g., overly optimistic plug loads, missing shading) [Assessment]
2.8.8. REP/Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality (XR) ↑ Back to top
Covers the use of extended reality technologies in architecture: virtual reality (VR) for design immersion and review, augmented reality (AR) for on-site overlay, and mixed reality (MR) for collaborative design.
Topics:
Non Core
- Virtual reality for architectural design: immersive walkthroughs, scale verification, lighting and material perception, and the use of VR for client presentations
- Augmented reality for construction and on-site coordination: overlaying BIM models onto physical construction via tablets or AR glasses (HoloLens)
- Mixed reality for collaborative design: multi-user shared virtual environments, real-time sketching and model manipulation across remote locations,
- XR workflow integration: exporting models from Revit, Rhino, or SketchUp to VR platforms (Enscape, Twinmotion, Unreal Engine), optimization for real-time performance (LOD
- Usability and ethical considerations in XR for architecture: cybersickness, accessibility for users with disabilities, data privacy in shared virtual spaces,
Learning Outcomes:
NonCore:
- Describe the differences between virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), [Familiarity]
- Set up a VR walkthrough of an architectural model using a real-time rendering engine, optimizing the model for performance and evaluating the design at 1:1 scale in immersive mode [Usage]
- Evaluate the usability of an AR or VR application for a specific architectural task (client presentation, design review, construction QA), identifying technical limitations [Assessment]
2.8.9. REP/Generative AI for Architectural Design (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the use of generative AI (text-to-image, image-to-image, and text-to-3D) in architectural design ideation, concept development, and visual communication.
Topics:
Core
- Text-to-image generation for design ideation: prompt engineering (style descriptors, architectural typologies, atmospheric qualities), iterative refinement,
- Image-to-image and inpainting: using sketches or massing models as input for AI refinement (style transfer, detail generation)
- Emerging text-to-3D generation: generating 3D models (mesh, point cloud, NeRF) from text or image prompts
- Integrating generative AI into architectural workflows: early concept generation, client mood boards, presentation image enhancement (style transfer, background replacement
- Limitations and risks of generative AI in architecture: lack of dimensional accuracy, non-constructible details, copyright
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the capabilities and limitations of generative AI (text-to-image, image-to-image, text-to-3D) for architectural design ideation and visual communication [Familiarity]
- Use a text-to-image AI tool to generate a set of conceptual design variations for an architectural project, then refine the best variation through image-to-image inpainting [Usage]
- Evaluate AI-generated design images for their applicability to a real design problem, distinguishing inspirational material from constructible design content, [Assessment]
2.8.10. REP/Digital Fabrication Output and CNC Toolpaths ↑ Back to top
Covers the translation of digital models to physical artifacts: generating toolpaths for CNC routers, laser cutters, 3D printers, and robotic arms; material constraints; and post-processing.
Topics:
Non Core
- CNC milling workflow: generating toolpaths from 3D models (roughing and finishing passes), selecting bits (end mill, ball nose), setting feeds and speeds, workpiece fixturing,
- Laser cutting workflow: preparing vector files (DXF, AI), setting cut vs. etch parameters by material type (plywood, acrylic, cardboard), kerf compensation,
- 3D printing workflow: STL/3MF file preparation, orientation for minimal supports, layer height, infill density, print bed adhesion,
- Robotic fabrication basics: 6-axis robotic arm kinematics, toolpath generation (KUKA|prc, HAL for Grasshopper), end-effector design (spindle, extruder, gripper),
- Post-processing of digitally fabricated parts: removing supports, sanding, painting, assembly of modular components, and the relationship between fabrication tolerances
Learning Outcomes:
NonCore:
- Describe the workflows for CNC milling, laser cutting, and 3D printing in architectural model-making and prototyping, including file preparation, machine parameter selection, [Familiarity]
- Generate toolpaths for a laser cutter or CNC router from a 3D model or 2D vector file, fabricate a physical prototype, and document the process [Usage]
- Evaluate the suitability of a digital fabrication method (CNC, laser, 3D print) for a specific architectural component or model, considering material, resolution, cost, [Assessment]