Basic Architectural Design Course

Lesson 1 • Core Principles of Design

Introduces proportion, scale, rhythm, and hierarchy as universal design principles. Connects abstract theory to observable built examples.

Lesson 2 • Architecture as a Discipline

Defines architecture's scope across history, culture, and technology. Establishes the intellectual foundation for all subsequent design decisions.

Lesson 3 • Space, Form, and Function

Examines the relationship between spatial experience, geometric form, and programmatic function. Grounds students in the triad central to every design problem.

Lesson 1 • Manual Drafting Fundamentals

Covers line weights, drafting instruments, and orthographic projection conventions. Builds hand-eye coordination essential for spatial reasoning.

Lesson 2 • Digital Drawing and CAD Basics

Introduces computer-aided drafting workflows and file organisation. Bridges manual skills to digital production environments used in practice.

Lesson 3 • Plans, Sections, and Elevations

Teaches construction of the three primary architectural drawing types. Students understand how each view communicates different spatial information.

Lesson 4 • Graphic Communication and Presentation

Develops layout, typography, and graphic hierarchy for design presentations. Students assemble a coherent drawing set communicating a complete design idea.

Lesson 1 • Regulatory and Zoning Constraints

Introduces land-use regulations, height limits, and setback requirements as design parameters. Students learn to extract design opportunity from regulatory constraints.

Lesson 2 • Synthesising a Site Analysis Document

Guides students through compiling findings into a graphic site analysis document. The deliverable directly informs the design brief developed in the next chapter.

Lesson 3 • Understanding the Building Site

Defines site boundaries, topography, and orientation as primary design constraints. Establishes systematic observation as the starting point for contextual design.

Lesson 4 • Environmental and Climatic Analysis

Examines climate data, sun angles, and prevailing winds as drivers of building form. Connects environmental analysis to passive design strategies introduced later.

Lesson 1 • Functional and Performance Requirements

Defines acoustic, thermal, lighting, and accessibility requirements for each space. Links performance targets to design decisions made in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Writing the Architectural Design Brief

Structures all programming data into a formal brief document guiding the design process. Students learn to set measurable success criteria for design evaluation.

Lesson 3 • Space Programming and Area Calculations

Teaches quantitative methods for determining space types, areas, and adjacencies. Students build a room-by-room program with net and gross area calculations.

Lesson 1 • Organising Principles and Diagrams

Teaches use of parti diagrams, axes, grids, and geometries to organise spatial ideas. Connects abstract concepts to buildable spatial arrangements.

Lesson 2 • Concept Generation Techniques

Introduces sketching, precedent study, and analogical thinking as concept-generation tools. Builds fluency in producing multiple design ideas quickly.

Lesson 3 • Concept Evaluation and Selection

Applies criteria-based evaluation to select the strongest concept for development. Prepares students to defend design decisions with evidence from brief and site.

Lesson 4 • Iterative Design and Feedback Loops

Establishes iteration as a professional design habit through structured critique cycles. Students refine their selected concept using peer and instructor feedback.

Lesson 1 • Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems

Introduces HVAC, electrical distribution, and plumbing as space-consuming building systems. Students coordinate system zones with structural and architectural layouts.

Lesson 2 • Accessibility and Life Safety Systems

Covers egress design, fire suppression, and accessibility compliance as non-negotiable requirements. Integrates life safety into floor plan and section design.

Lesson 3 • Structural Systems Overview

Surveys load-bearing wall, frame, and long-span structural systems and their spatial implications. Enables architects to make informed structural choices during design.

Lesson 4 • Building Envelope and Materials

Examines wall assemblies, roofing systems, and glazing as thermal and weathering barriers. Connects material selection to performance, aesthetics, and constructability.

Lesson 1 • Permit and Regulatory Submission

Prepares students to assemble a permit submission package meeting regulatory requirements. Covers required drawing types, notes, and agency review processes.

Lesson 2 • From Schematic to Design Development

Defines the transition from concept to coordinated design and the decisions it requires. Students refine plans, sections, and elevations to construction-document quality.

Lesson 3 • Cost Estimation and Value Engineering

Introduces order-of-magnitude cost estimating and value engineering as design tools. Students evaluate design choices against budget constraints without sacrificing intent.

Lesson 4 • Construction Document Standards

Covers sheet numbering, drawing index, and cross-referencing conventions for a full document set. Ensures students produce documents meeting professional submission standards.

Lesson 1 • Submittals, RFIs, and Change Orders

Manages the flow of shop drawings, requests for information, and design changes during construction. Students process a simulated submittal log and change order scenario.

Lesson 2 • Project Closeout and Post-Occupancy

Covers punch list, certificate of occupancy, and post-occupancy evaluation as project closure steps. Students conduct a simulated post-occupancy evaluation against the original brief.

Lesson 3 • Project Delivery Methods

Compares design-bid-build, design-build, and construction management delivery models. Students select appropriate delivery methods based on project type and client goals.

Lesson 4 • Bidding and Contractor Selection

Covers bid package preparation, contractor prequalification, and bid evaluation. Students learn to identify the most qualified contractor beyond lowest price.