Architecture 207a

Intent: provide students with a background in a range of computer programs that can be used in an architecture office while also emphasizing commonalties of tools that transcend specific hardware platforms and software programs

Architecture 207a is a survey course in the applications of computers in the architecture profession. Although generally taken by first or second year students, it is not uncommon to have a range of students from first year to graduate students, especially foreign graduate students who may have missed the computer revolution. Some students place out of the course and take Architecture 207b immediately.

The course is in two parts, a weekly lecture and a weekly hands-on laboratory section, and the class lasts 7 1/2 weeks. It is stressed in the class that this is not a training course although students do gain a degree of competency in the programs taught. The emphasis of the course is on learning a range of programs that are available for the architect and understanding how those programs work.

The contents of the lectures vary from year to year, but common topics include the following: hardware and software; geometric modeling (three dimensional) and rendering; two dimensional graphics (paint, draw, and CAD); analytical modeling, spreadsheets, and computer-aided project management; scanning and three dimensional digitizing; the history of computing devices, and resources on the Internet. A project management assignment is also sometimes given. The final exam (short answer and essay) tests the students' conceptual understanding of the topics presented.

The weekly homework assignments promote an understanding of the architecture profession, historical buildings in Los Angeles (often the subject of inquiry), and technical expertise. Typically, the assignments follow a single project, for example a famous building in Los Angeles (other semesters have studied Frank Lloyd Wright, missions of California, architects of the Pacific Rim, well-known houses, furniture design, Palladian villas, etc.). On the Macintosh, the student will do a series of exercises designed to learn more about the building and the specific application program: Word, form¥Z (a 3D modeling program), SuperPaint, Excel, and Pagemaker. A student will write a paper about his/her building and architecture firm (Word); build a three dimensional massing model of the building (form.Z); add people, trees, cars, etc., to the massing model (SuperPaint); calculate solar angles (Excel); and produce a final report on his/her building.

Most of the students continue with Architecture 207b for the second half of the semester.