Ali AbdullateefDesigner · Professor Subscribe
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Architecture · ARCH 325

Architectural Digital Design and Communication I

A studio course that uses the computer for visual communication and exploring architectural design. You’ll learn the principles, methods and skills of digital drawing (orthographic, axonometric, oblique and linear perspective) and presentation, so you can represent design ideas, objects and environments effectively. Alongside digital work, the course covers freehand sketching, lettering and drawing conventions, and uses SketchUp to build architectural project models. It complements ARCH 320, using projects from that course as the basis for class activities.

3 unitsTransfers to CSULecture + labSketchUp

What you’ll learn

Learning outcomes

  1. SLO 01

    Specify tools and drawing conventions to complete standardized freehand and manual architectural drawings and sketches.

  2. SLO 02

    Use the two types of freehand lettering styles used in architectural drawings and sketches.

  3. SLO 03

    Identify the hardware and software elements of a surface, parametric, modeler and computer-aided drawing/design (CADD) workstation.

  4. SLO 04

    Appraise, select and apply the various paraline pictorial drawings used in architectural drawings and sketches.

  5. SLO 05

    Identify and diagram two architectural types of section drawings.

  6. SLO 06

    Illustrate the major elements required to draw plot, site and landscape plans.

Course content

What we’ll cover

Drawing instruments, line types and line weightsArchitectural letteringFreehand sketching and visual notesOrthographic projectionParaline and perspective drawingsSection drawingsFloor plans, elevations and symbolsSite, plot and landscape plans

+ 3 more topics covered in class.

Together

Student expectations

  • Attendance is taken at every lecture and lab; show up on time, prepared, and let Professor Abdullateef know if you’ll be late or absent.
  • Plan ahead so your materials and equipment are ready at every class, and complete readings before class.
  • Late work is accepted up to two weeks after the due date, at 10% off per week; nothing is accepted after the last day of the course.
  • If you’re struggling, facing extenuating circumstances or need more time, reach out to Professor Abdullateef right away to find a solution together.
  • Be honest and original: plagiarism and cheating aren’t tolerated, in line with the CRC Honor Code.
  • AI can support your learning, but it can’t replace your own design thinking: submitting AI-generated models, renderings, drawings or boards as your own work is an academic integrity violation (F on the assignment the first time, F in the course the second).
  • Not sure whether a particular use of AI is OK for an assignment? Ask Professor Abdullateef before you submit.
  • Keep a sketchbook for drawing, design thinking and visual notes: it builds a habit of lifelong learning.

The studio list

News, openings & first access

For students, alumni and anyone who loves architecture: news from Ali’s classes, events, job and internship openings, and first access to the shop and tutorials.

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