Architectural CAD Lab: ARCH 425 Overview

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Instructor:
Credit: 3 Hour
Prerequisite: ARCH 125 - Computer-Aided Design in Architecture

COURSE OBJECTIVE

To review 2D computer-aided drafting and design concepts as used in the practice of architectural design. The basic goal is to demonstrate, with extensive use of a PC CAD system, how emerging computer graphics technology can best used in architectural design and production. Implementation and management issues of CAD systems are also explored.

NAAB CRITERIA COVERED: 14,16,40,41,42,43,48,53

TEACHING METHOD

The course consists of a series of lectures and labs. The lectures cover basic 2D CAD concepts related to the exercises. The labs are used to work on the exercises. The exercises cover basic CAD use, how to organize drawing information, how CAD is used in an office environment, and extensions to CAD use, such as, databases, facilities management, and laser cutting.

All aspects of 2D CAD are demonstrated from design through working drawings, including some engineering applications. A number of CAD systems are discussed in class so students get a good overview of current CAD technology.

Each student is assigned a personal computer using AutoCAD software.

EVALUATION

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

TEXT

COURSE CONTENT

Week #1

CAD Graphics Overview	Course overview and requirements
	Overview of CAD graphics in architecture

Week #2

CAD Introduction	General graphic concepts in CAD
	Read Textbook Chapters 1 and 2.

Week #3

AutoCad 2D Exercise 1	Review of AutoCAD 2D concepts and menu structure
	Introduction to drawing with AutoCAD
	Review Draw, Properties and File commands
	Complete introductory and freehand drawing
	Read Textbook Chapters 3 and 4

Week #4

AutoCAD 2D Exercise 2	Review concepts for precision drafting
	Review File, Units, Snap Grid and Zoom commands
	Review Line, Text and Erase commands
	Complete Courts Exercise

Week #5

AutoCAD 2D Exercise 3	Review Snap Object commands
	Review Move commands
	Review Double Line and Polygon commands
	Complete Trusses Exercise
	Complete Inlays Exercise
	Complete Palladio Plan Exercise

Week #7

AutoCAD 2D Exercise 4	Review Circle, Arc and Spline commands
	Review change Properties, Mirror, Explode, Divide, Measure, Inquire commands
	Complete Spiral Exercise
	Complete Moldings Exercise
	Complete Symbols Exercise
	Complete Arches Exercise

Week #8

AutoCAD 2D Exercise 5	Review Copy, Rotate, Scale, Copy and modify text commands
	Review running snap option
	Complete Durand Plan Exercise
	Complete Circle/Square Exercise
	Complete Pentagon Exercise
	Complete Gothic Stone Marks Exercise

Week #9

AutoCAD 2D Exercise 6	Review Selection and Block commands
	Review Array copy options
	Complete the two Block Copy exercises
	Complete Snowflake Design Exercise
	Complete Paper Cut Design Exercise

Week #10

AutoCAD 2D Exercise 7	Review Break, Trim, Extend commands
	Complete the Extend/Trim Exercise
	Review Laser Cutting methods
	Complete Window Frame Design Exercise
	Complete Ribbon and Bands Design Exercise

Week #11

AutoCAD 2D Exercise 8	Review project organization
	Review layers, set and display
	Modular Housing Project Part 1

Week #12

Comprehensive Exercise	Review CAD management on group projects
	Review customization of CAD systems
	Review architectural standards
	Continue Modular Housing Project Part 1
	Modular Housing Project Part 2