Photography and Architectural Design Communication I

Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S

Cycles of Study/Courses

Teaching language

Objectives

Learning outcomes and competences

Learning Objectives of the Course FCPA I

1. To deepen the development of theoretical and practical bases in computer programmes for Image synthesis, Photography and Graphic Design applied to the Communication and Representation of Architectural Projects (PA).
2. Combine the analogue and digital worlds as complementary project communication vehicles.
3. Promote the communication of ideas and formal and structural aspects of the project.
4. Encourage and explore the use of different media, images and instruments of representation, with a particular focus on photography, photomontage and the production of a photobook.

Programme contents

1. Development of Project Communication Exercises and Architectural Photography

o Consistency with objectives: Allows students to apply and deepen their knowledge of image synthesis, photography and graphic design software, fulfilling objective 1. By working on individual and collective projects, students combine the analogue and digital worlds (objective 2) and promote the communication of ideas (objective 3).

2. Use of Computerised Image Synthesis, Photography and Graphic Design Tools to Communicate and Represent the Architecture Project

o Consistency with objectives: This content is directly related to the deepening of theoretical and practical bases (objective 1) and the combination of analogue and digital methods (objective 2).

3. Exploring Spatial Properties and Attributes

o Consistency with Objectives: The exploitation of these properties contributes to the effective communication of the formal and structural aspects of the project (objective 3).

4. Production of Synthesis Images Integrating Various Representation Methods

o Consistency with the Objectives: Producing synthesis images that integrate different methods is crucial for using different media and representation tools (objective 4) and for communicating ideas and formal aspects (objective 3).5.     Developing Communication Skills Through Diagrammatic Language and Infographics

o Consistency with the Objectives: This content is essential for promoting the communication of architectural project ideas (objective 3) and combines the use of infographics to represent projects (objective 1).

6. Perception of the Diagram's Function and Importance

o Consistency with Objectives: Understanding the function of diagrams helps to create an identity language for communicating projects (objective 3).7.                 Developing the Capacity to Communicate and Articulate Different Types of Information

o Consistency with Objectives: This content contributes directly to the effective communication of ideas and formal and structural aspects (objective 3), articulating textual, visual and diagrammatic information.

8. Incorporating Graphic Identity and Coherence o Coherence with Objectives: Graphic identity and coherence are fundamental for project communication (objective 3) and for the effective use of different media and representation tools (objective 4).

9. Awareness of the Imagetic ‘Text’ and Coherence in Project Communicationo Coherence with Objectives: This content finalises the understanding of the articulation of different types of information, which is essential for communicating architectural projects (objective 3).

10. Building a Visual Narrative Through a Photobooko Consistency with objectives: The construction of a photobook integrates the use of photography and photomontage, significantly exploiting these media (objective 4). This exercise combines the analogue and digital worlds (objective 2) and promotes the communication of ideas and formal and structural aspects of the project (objective 3).

The programme contents of FPCA I are carefully aligned with the learning objectives. Each piece of content covered in practical and theoretical classes contributes to:

- Deepening the theoretical and practical foundations of computer programmes (Objective 1)         - Combining analogue and digital methods for communicating projects (Objective 2)

- Promote the communication of ideas and formal and structural aspects of the project (Objective 3)

- Encourage and explore the use of different media, with a focus on photography and photomontage (Objective 4)

This coherence ensures that students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use digital and analogue tools in the communication and representation of architectural projects, thus fulfilling the learning objectives of the FCPA I course.

Working method

Program

The working strategy adopted in practical classes guides students to develop in parallel individual and collective communication exercises of design communication and photography, being their object of study the territory where their proposed design should be implemented, sometimes this territory can be the same to Projecto 3, which is the main architectural design curriculum of the third year.

Develop expertise on the use of software related to Image synthesis, Photography and Graphic Design for Communicating the design proposal at the early stages of the design process (PA) and the territory.

Explore and be aware of certain properties and spatial attributes connected to how their proposed design can be perceived.

Produce images that are synthesis and integrate or combine diverse representation methods and media used during the design process.

Develop the communication skills of architectural design through the use of diagrammatic language and explore various software used to communicate architectural design ideas.

Realize the function and importance of the diagram in architectural design communication, as well as the need to communicate a design identity.

Develop communication skills and the ability to articulate and combine different types of information.

Adopt identity and graphic coherence, promote the use of graphical elements like typography and colour.

Be aware of the imagery and its consistency for the design communication and know how to articulate different types of information (text, drawings, diagrams, 3D images, etc.) and graphical elements like typography and color.

Mandatory literature

Teaching methods and learning activities

FCPA I is developed through two parallel vectors, one practical and the other theoretical-practical. The theoretical and practical classes aim to give students the knowledge necessary for them to be able to (i) question and discuss the potential of the digital universe, with special focus on the use of photography combined with other media, for the representation and communication of space, (ii) to creatively combine traditional methods of representation with digital media and (iii) to develop the exercise of architectural design communication proposed to them. The theoretical lectures, which develop throughout the semester, intended to provide theoretical basis necessary for the development of architectural design communication and critical analysis of the territory.

Software

keywords

Evaluation Type

Assessment Components

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Eligibility for exams

It is considered that a student obtains frequency to a UC when, having been regularly enrolled, does not exceed the limit number of absences corresponding to 25% of the classes predicted.

Calculation formula of final grade

Type of evaluation: Avaliação distribuída sem exame final

Terms of frequency: 

It is considered that a student obtains frequency to a UC when, having been regularly enrolled, does not exceed the limit number of absences corresponding to 25% of the classes predicted.

Classification improvement

Observations