Content of Learning Activity

AA CONTENT
Description and Instructional Coherence

This course alternates between theoretical content, guided demonstrations, and practical exercises to introduce students to the tools and logic of graphic representation in an architectural context. Each session offers a clear theme, accompanied by practical exercises directly related to architectural design. The content is based on the progressive learning of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign software, linked to photographic practice and project presentation.
SESSIONS WITH SUBMISSION ARE CONSIDERED AS LABORATORY WORK AND THEREFORE MANDATORY
The course structure is as follows:
The sessions can take several hours of class time:
Session 1: Introduction to Architectural Computer Graphics
• Presentation of the course objectives, tools used, and general organization.
• Fundamentals of computer graphics applied to architecture.
• Introduction to the interface and basic features of Adobe Illustrator and InDesign.

Session 2: Principles of Graphic Design
• Exploration of visual principles (typography, hierarchy, composition).
• Advanced use of Illustrator for creating graphic compositions.
• Typographic work based on a visual poetry exercise.

Session 3: Layout and Graphic Storytelling
• Application of layout principles to architectural documents.
• Creation of graphic boards, lettering, logos, or illustrations related to the project.
• Introduction to graphic storytelling in project presentations.

Session 4: Presenting an Architectural Project
• Construction of a coherent and attractive demonstration portfolio incorporating the work from the first year of high school (BE Bac 1 and Bac 2) and will be continued in the third year (BA 3).
• Application of graphic charters, color, transparencies, and object management.
• Creation of a visual communication medium adaptable to a workshop project (campaign, mock-ups).

Session 5: Practical Work – Graphic Design
• Practical exercise session focused on the design of an architectural elevation.
• Mandatory submission of work at the end of the session.
• Preparation of the final presentation.

Session 6: Final Presentation and Continuous Assessment
• Presentation of final work.
• Assessment of technical and artistic skills.
• Writing of a project abstract to be submitted on the day of the jury meeting.

Session 7: Conclusion and Outlook
• Reflective review of the learning path.
• Advice on integrating the skills acquired into future projects.
• Creation of a summary leaflet summarizing the work completed during the semester (Q1–Q2).

This learning plan allows students to develop a coherent progression, combining graphic design techniques, digital tools, and architectural communication strategies. It promotes the direct integration of know-how in relation to architectural design, while developing autonomy, critical thinking and the visual quality of productions

Required Learning Resources/Tools

Not applicable

Recommended Learning Resources/Tools

Sans objet

Other Recommended Reading

Recommended Books:

Computer Graphics and Graphic Design:
1. “Graphic Design School: The Principles and Practice of Graphic Design” by David Dabner, Sandra Stewart, and Eric Zempol
• This book covers the fundamentals of graphic design, including typography, layout, and composition.
2. “Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book” by Brian Wood
• A comprehensive and practical guide to learning Adobe Illustrator, suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
3. “InDesign CC: Visual QuickStart Guide” by Sandee Cohen
• An excellent book for mastering InDesign, ideal for laying out complex documents such as portfolios or presentations.
4. “Type on Screen: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Developers, and Students” by Harry Blatter and Georgianna Oliver
• For a deeper dive into typography, which is essential for computer graphics.

Online Tutorials and Digital Resources:

Graphic Design and Graphic Design:
1. Adobe Tutorials (https://helpx.adobe.com/learn.html)
• Adobe offers a wide variety of free tutorials for Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and more, ranging from basics to advanced techniques.
2. Envato Tuts+ (https://tutsplus.com/)
• A platform with thousands of tutorials on graphic design, photography, and much more. There are specific tutorials for Adobe Suite tools.
3. Canva Design School (https://www.canva.com/learn/design-school/)
• While Canva is more accessible, they also offer resources on graphic design basics, typography, and visual composition.

Mode of delivery

• Hybrid

Type of Teaching Activity/Activities

• Cours magistraux
• Conférences
• Exercices dirigés
• Utilisation de logiciels
• Démonstrations

Evaluations

The assessment methods of the Learning Activity (AA) are specified in the course description of the corresponding Educational Component (UE)