Architectural CAD Lab: ARCH 125 Overview

Semester: Fall
Instructor: Robert J. Krawczyk
Credit: 3 Hour
Prerequisite: None

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Introduction to PC computing in architecture; covering basic concepts in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and business graphics and their use in architectural and engineering design; history and overview of computer use in a design office; introduction to computer programming using the BASIC language covering basic graphic concepts; and the use of the library and telecommunication facilities available on campus; including E-Mail, CD ROM, and Internet access.

TEACHING METHOD:

The course consists of a series of lectures and labs. The lectures cover basic computer applications and concepts related to the exercises. The labs are used to work on the exercises.

Each student is assigned a personal computer using the related application and programming software

EVALUATION:

Students are evaluated by 20 drawing exercises and 1 individual project. Work is evaluated according to:

COURSE CONTENT:

Week #1

Introduction	Course overview and requirements
	Discussion of the range of computer applications in architectural design and engineering
	History of computer applications in architecture

Week #2

PC Hardware and Software	Basic system components, CPUs, displays, storage devices, range of input and output devices
	Common PC terms to describe PC components; CPUs, memory, storage, displays, output devices
	Purpose and type of operating systems
	Purpose and types of programming languages
	Purpose and types of application software

Week #3

General Computer Tools	Introduction to word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and business graphics
	Conceptual structure for each of these; how each manages and manipulates data; when each is used
	Extension to desktop publishing, relational databases, graphics software
	Basic file handling concepts
	Exercises in Word Processing and Spreadsheets

Week #4

General Computer Tools	Discussion of structure of word processing and spreadsheets
	Exercise in Spreadsheets
	Discussion of the range of graphic applications in architecture
	Exercise in Business Graphics

Week #5

Information Resources	Introduction to information access in the library, CD-ROMs, and the Internet and World Wide Web
	Introduction to communications using E-mail
	Scheduling of IIT Library and GRC tour and exercise

Week #6

General Computer Tools	Discussion of database systems in architecture
	Exercise in databases
	Exercise in composing a document; word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics

Week #7

Programming using MicroSoft QuickBASIC	Purpose of programing; abstract modeling, simulation
	Description of a programming environment
	Program structure
	Introductory exercises

Week #8

Week #9

Week #10

Making Decisions and Loops	How to make decisions and repeating operations
	Exercises

Week #11

Introduction to Graphics and Basic Drawing	Vector representation
	Coordinate systems; absolute, relative, polar
	Screen as drawing window
	Drawing of lines and basic shapes
	Introductory exercises

Week #12

Drawing of Advanced Objects	Creation of advanced object; circles, ellipses, polygons, arcs, spirals, etc.
	Exercises
	Demonstration of morphing

Week #13

Creation of Objects	Object concept in graphics
	Concepts in parametric design
	Assembling a drawing from objects
	Operations on objects; scaling, mirror, rotation
	Exercises
	Demonstration of animation

Week #14

Basic CAD Concepts	DRAW2D program introduction
	Concepts of grid, units, snap, placement of objects, screen window
	Concepts of drawing environment and management
	Creation of basic objects
	Four introductory exercises