ARCH5131B

Topical Studies in Design Theory - Framing Architecture

Target Students BSSc 2, BSSc 3, BSSc 4, MArch 1, MArch 2

Course Term 1

Course Type Elective

Teacher(s) XU, Liang

Over the past two decades, there has been a surge in publishing architectural projects on digital media as design studios recognise the efficiency of information dissemination and the opportunity to reach a wider global audience. Visual communication through photography has become a preferred mode of representation. However, the challenge lies in curating and sequencing project photographs effectively. Architects must not only select appealing views but also ensure that the chosen images collectively capture the different aspects of a design, guiding the viewer's perception and interpretation. This elective course seeks to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this shift in the architectural representation landscape.

This elective course explores the relationship between architecture, visual perception, and representation. It focuses on the study of photography and other tools for representing virtual reality. Architectural photography has often been viewed primarily as a representational tool for documentation. This course, however, takes the stance that it involves a more nuanced process of investigation and analysis. By focusing on how we see and perceive the built environment, the course aims to equip students with the skills to create, select, and organise visual materials to communicate design ideas and navigate spatial cognition more effectively.

Students should have already developed a fluent competence in using Rhino, the primary digital modelling software used in this elective.

This course on architectural photography and representation has strong synergies with the core design studio courses in architectural programs. While design studios focus on the primary act of conceptualising and generating architectural proposals, this elective course provides students with crucial skills and perspectives to document, communicate, and ultimately drive the design process.