Communication and Professionalism
Professionalism ARCH 10.docx
Effective communication is paramount to any professional career. We communicate in-person through our clothing choices, demeanor, eye contact and expressions, as well as our words. In this course we will practice communicating our design ideas in-person through presentations and informal desk critiques and group shares. This is a great opportunity to get tips, suggestions, and feedback about your communication style. While it can be uncomfortable at first, my goal is to create a safe, tolerant and accepting classroom environment where all students can feel confident in practicing their communication skills.
In addition, as we move to a more digital-based workplace, it is essential that you learn to communicate in a professional manner online. One advantage of using Canvas is that it can be a great way to brush up on your professional writing skills bit by bit.
Your ability to write and communicate clearly is an essential skill as a student and as a designer. Some of your assignments in this course will have a writing component to them. It is expected that students will carefully proofread their work for spelling and grammatical errors prior to submitting.
Tools for Writing Online:
- Write your text in Microsoft Word or Word Processing software in order to take advantage of the embedded spellcheck and grammar check options. Then, cut and paste into your online assignments.
- Use a free browser plugin like Grammarly or Ginger . These programs work within the browser, can be toggled on and off and are a great way to remind you to spell check and grammar check your work. They can also help you become a better writer by suggesting better phrasing and syntax.
- Unfortunately, I have found some bugs with the auto spell check in Canvas. If it does give you a squiggly red line under a misspelled word, you can sometimes highlight the word and right click on it to replace it with a correctly spelled word. However, I find that it misses many errors and is generally unreliable.
One of the main goals in this course is to introduce students to the language of architecture. Like any profession, there are a number of unique meanings and terms that are specific to the world of architecture and design. You should not feel embarrassed or ashamed for not knowing what these mean. In fact, one of the main points of formal schooling is to have the opportunity to learn and practice using these words in context. Below are links to help develop your vocabulary and professional skills.
Additional Resources and Readings:
M0 READING 1 - M0-Ching_SummaryofDesignTerms.pdf
Tools and Technique
Here are the slides from the mini-lecture on Tools: M0-Ching-Archgraphics-Ch1_DrawingTools-1.PDF
In order to be successful in this course, you will need to purchase a number of analog supplies and have access to a computer. We will be using a variety of analog (hand-based) and digital (computer-based) tools to learn and create content. I will provide links to tutorials in order to aid students in learning new digital software. We will be having workshops in class to help you with your analog tools. All tools require practice. This course facilitates your practice, and with patience, you will have mastered many of these tools by the end of the semester.
Digital Supplies (required)
- Access to a computer that can operate the free browser version of SketchUP, a keyboard and mouse. NOTE- we will only be spending a few weeks getting introduced to SketchUp. You can use Campus Computer Labs to access SketchUp and print in order to complete your assignments.
- Access to a computer and internet browser that can load Canvas in order to complete readings. A large monitor is suggested.
Digital Supplies (recommended in the event of absence)
- If you are planning on purchasing a new computer, please reference this document outlining the Department's computer recommendations BEFORE you make any purchases Computer and Software Recommendations
- Access to Internet connection with a bandwidth that can handle online meetings and software.
- Access to a Camera and Microphone for use in online meetings.
- Access to a Digital Camera (a phone is sufficient)
Analog Supplies (required) (All analog supplies can all be found at the Hornet Bookstore, local art stores & online)
- A quiet space to work. You will need a clean flat tabletop or floor. Create this space at home or plan to work in studio outside of classroom hours. Remember: It is expected that you complete about 4 hours of homework per week.
- Small Sketchbook- Blank, graph or dot ONLY. Minimum 75 pages. Lay Flat style. Recommended size: 5x9 or larger ($15)
- Architect’s Scale ($10)
- Small or tiny bottle of Elmer's Glue ($3) (refill glue will be provided)
- A set of 3-8 Micron Felt Tip Pens (Must include a .005 pen) ($15-20)
- Snap off Blade Multi-Purpose Craft Knife (Olfa Brand recommended) ($10)
- HB pencil, sharpener, and eraser ($8)
Analog Supplies (recommended)
- Medium Size Cutting Mat- great for working at home
- Pencils ranging in softness from about 2H to B- nice sets are about $12
- A box or supply bag for storing and transporting tools and materials
- Other miscellaneous supplies: white glue, scissors, erasers, white cardstock, drawing and cutting templates, etc.
Textbooks Recommended (especially if you are an interior architecture student)
- Ching FDK. Architecture: Form, Space & Order / Francis D.K. Ching, (any edition)
- Di Mari A, Yoo N. Operative design : a catalogue of spatial verbs / Anthoni Di Mari, Nora Yoo. Seventh printing. BIS Publishers; 2018.
- Ching FDK. Architectural Graphics / Francis D.K. Ching. (any edition)
Additional Resources and Readings:
This is a chapter out of a book on creating models by hand M0-Schilling_Modelbuilding_exerpt.pdf
Here is a resource outlining tools used by architects to create drawings M0-Ching-Archgraphics-Ch1_DrawingTools.PDF
This is a quick checklist best practices guide for hand drawing and modeling M0-Model and Draw TIPS.pdf