ARCH 1303: This class is offered through the Architectural and Engineering Computer Aided Design Department of Austin Community College.  As a required course for all workforce AAS degree candidates, the class provides a project-based exploration of architectural design that will aid in the understanding of and participation in the process of architecture design in practice.  The course designation ARCH 1303 uses the Texas Common Course Numbering (TCCN) System to facilitate transfer to a Texas public university. 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is taught online in a lecture/laboratory format. The lecture videos will introduce concepts and skills, which will then be developed and applied by students during the distance-learning laboratory time.

Graded assignements will include:

• Drawing Exercises
• Modeling Exercises (real and virtual)
• Design Exercises
• Final Portfolio
• Class Participation

Required weekly reading assignments will be posted on Blackboard and will be assigned out of the two required textbooks listed below.  Other non-textbook readings may be assigned throughout the semester and will be posted as course links in Blackboard.  Students are expected to keep up with daily reading assignments as assigned.

TEXTBOOK 1:  101 Things I Learned in Architecture School by Matthew Frederick, ISBN: 978-0-262-06266-4 / 0-262-06266-6

An introductory studio providing foundation in the conceptual, perceptual, and manual skills necessary for 2D and 3D design. Course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria:

A.1 Professional Communication Skills

Ability to write and speak effectively and use representational media appropriate for both within the profession and with the general public.

A.2 Design Thinking Skills

Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test alternative outcomes against relevant criteria and standards.

A.4 Architectural Design Skills

Ability to effectively use basic formal, organizational and environmental principles and the capacity of each to inform two- and three-dimensional design.

A.5 Ordering Systems

Ability to apply the fundamentals of both natural and formal ordering systems and the capacity of each to inform two- and three-dimensional design.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1.   Use abstract concepts and ideas in design projects.

2.   Use two-dimensional and three-dimensional media effectively.

3.   Employ sensitivity to the “craft” of making.

4.   Use critical and iterative design processes.

5.   Participate and share ideas in a common dialogue.

6.   Apply organizational skills and time management.

7.   Develop cognitive strategies for analysis and implementation of design ideas.