ENROLLMENT RESTRICTIONS Students must be enrolled at the University of Florida with a major in Landscape Architecture

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1 LAA2376c Section 1817 Design Communications 1 College of Design Construction and Planning Department of Landscape Architecture Course Instructor: Meredith Leigh msleigh@ufl.edu Office: ARCH 440 Office Hours: Mondays, Per 6 (12:50 1:40) Wednesdays, Per 6-7 (12:50 2:45) Or by appointment MEETING TIMES AND PLACE MWF Period 4 & 5: 10:40am 11:35am ARCH 116 (CIRCA Teaching Lab) ENROLLMENT COREQUIREMENT (none at present) ENROLLMENT RESTRICTIONS Students must be enrolled at the University of Florida with a major in Landscape Architecture COURSE DESCRIPTION From catalog: Students are introduced to visualization techniques via a project-based studio, in landscape architectural design and planning. The course covers traditional drawing conventions, alternative methods of exploratory visualization and the techniques and processes used to produce these methods of communication. STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE Design Communications is a project-focused studio-based design course for students majoring in Landscape Architecture. Contents of the course are delivered during in-class lectures, demonstrations and discussions while the objectives of the course are met through exercises and projects undertaken both in-class and out-of-class. The objectives of this course are best met through a consistent and sustained commitment to practicing the techniques and exploring the ideas that are covered in class. By mastering the skills in Design Communications, students develop the confidence to express complex ideas clearly and efficiently. Once students are able to explore and communicate design ideas quickly, they are in a good position to become excellent designers. 1

2 Letter Grade Equivalents A 90 and above A B B B C C C D D D E 56 and below ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING The standard grading scale using percentage-point intervals (90 100% = A. etc.) will be used to assign course grades. A total of 1,270 points can be earned through the successful completion of the course assignments shown below. Pt Value Due Date Weekly Lettering Exercises 10 each Multiple. See Sakai for Due Sketchbook (24 10 pts each) Dates 240 points Complete Sketchbook due October 15 Graphic File 200 November 30 Semester Project Phase September 17 Semester Project Phase September 26 Semester Project Phase October 17 Semester Project Phase November 19 Semester Project Phase December 5 LATE SUBMISSIONS Late submissions are not encouraged. It is crucial that students manage their time and stay on schedule with the assigned due dates. I will try to be as understanding as possible, but outside of extreme emergencies, the following applies as the Late Submissions Policy: Late work will be accepted but penalties apply: Late submissions will be penalized 5 points for every business day past the due date. However, no credit will be given for work submitted later than 1 week of the original due date and time. 2

3 WEEKLY EXERCISES To help students hone and refine the techniques and skills they are introduced to in this course and to set the stage for life-long practices that lead to strength in design and success in practice, students enrolled in Design Communications are asked to faithfully and diligently undertake weekly exercises as part of the evaluation of the course. The weekly exercises for this course have been created to help students develop a range of skills and understanding specific to the practice of landscape architecture. They are meant to be developed independently by each student. The course instructor is available to offer advice or guidance on exercises and may ask to see interim progress throughout the semester. Assessment of this portion of the course will focus on thoroughness, completeness, evidence of the commitment of time required to achieve the objective and evidence of progressive improvement throughout the course. Weekly exercises for this course include the following: The Students Sketchbook Lettering Exercises Each period for the first eight (8) weeks of the semester will begin with a 10 minute quick sketch. Students are to bring their sketchbook, pens and/or pencils to each class to complete the exercise. The idea is to quickly sketch the image or drawing shown on the screen in class. Sketch quickly yet completely to develop your skill and confidence in quickly conveying ideas on the page. Additionally, students will be required to complete six (6) sketches outside of class reflecting landscape design, urban design, architectural detail or human interaction with the landscape. Sketchbooks will be collected once during the term and graded for degree of completion and effort. Each sketch is worth 10 points. Lettering exercises are due every Friday unless otherwise notified. Due dates will be posted on Sakai and students will scan and submit digital copies via the e-learning Sakai site set up for this course. Lettering sheets are to be submitted electronically and files named according to the department protocol. Students will receive a grade on the weekly exercises and this grade will form part of the total assessment of each student s performance for the course. 3

4 Feedback will be in the form of comments made during face-to-face meetings or during in-class discussions. Your Sketchbook Students should plan to spend at least 2 hours each week outside of class doing sketches in a professional sketchbook of their own choosing. Explore different sketchbook options: it is nice if you can find one style you can fall in love with and continue to use throughout your career as a landscape design professional. The subject matter of your sketches should have a landscape focus, be broad in scope and be varied in scale. Appropriate examples include: - A downtown sidewalk café - Streetscaping or intriguing site furniture - Interesting playground or park features - Varying texture studies in a botanical garden - Architectural detailing of a historic building Poor examples and sketches that will not receive full credit are: - A single tree or stone or leaf that conveys nothing of the landscape itself - An unfinished sketch or a simplistic series of stick figures you get the idea - Comic book, Disney or other cartoon characters, etc. Each week, students should strive to have at least 1 landscape scene that they focus sharp attention on. This focus can be on the form and detail of a space (in which case the student may be exploring multiple images (diagrams, plans, elevations, perspectives, details) to express an accurate representation of that space), or focused attention could mean that the student is working on developing their skills in a particular graphic technique (such as constructing an accurate perspective representation). The purpose for requiring sketches is that it is important that students develop skills at both ends of the time spectrum. They should be able to produce accurate, detailed graphics that express complex relationships and able to produce quick vignettes that assist them in communicating their design vision and intention. 4

5 Lettering These days, most lettering is done on computer. Nevertheless, hand lettering exercises are still one of the best ways to help young designers develop hand-eye coordination skills which are essential for developing competent hand graphic skills. In addition to developing skills in hand lettering, these weekly exercises will help strengthen sheet composition skills while introducing students to landscape terms they may not be familiar with. Each week students are required to submit 2 11 x17 layouts with the following requirements: - There should be about hand lettered words - Oriented horizontally - Hand lettered text on the left half - Images that support the text on the right half One inch margins all the way around. Each lettering exercise will begin by selecting a landscape term from the list provided (students need to remember to sign-up for a new term each week only one term at a time please). Students will need to research the term to find a definition (or multiple definitions) that can be used to define the term in words. Next, students will also need to find a few graphic examples that illustrate the term. Use the printed letters as a guide for spacing both between words and between letters. The font style can vary somewhat: students will eventually develop a personalized lettering style or styles. Search for and use only high-quality images. Generally speaking, a single graphic will suffice, however, in some cases students may wish to include multiple images. Sheet composition is important. Be thoughtful about how the graphics are laid-out on the sheet. A few quick hints on sheet composition: 5

6 - White space is your friend - Organize to a grid - Crop if necessary - When including multiple images label the images (i.e. Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3 ) and provide photo credit CLASS PARTICIPATION AND IN-CLASS EXERCISES 50 POINTS Much of the work in this course will be introduced through in-class exercises. Exercises are theme-focused and relate directly to specific objectives for the course. These exercises are an important part of the course. They enable students to follow-along with in-class discussions and to try their hand at the techniques discussed during class lectures. They also provide an opportunity for immediate feedback from the instructor during one-on-one exchanges during the scheduled class meeting times. In-class exercises are intended to help students comprehend the steps in a process towards an identified objective. As such, the emphasis is on experimentation and practice rather than achieving the desired outcome straight-off-the-bat. A student s skill will improve immeasurably if they repeat these exercises outside of our scheduled class meetings: even seasoned professionals will advance their graphics and writing through multiple iterations before achieving communicative eloquence. SEMESTER PROJECT The bulk of the semester grade will come from the semester project; the specifics will be disclosed in class. Because this scope of the course is to develop, through practical application, your skills in communication conventions and to whet your design chops, you will be asked to propose a design plan for a site in Gainesville. Because of the scope of the course your grade will be contingent upon the degree of thoroughness, completeness, graphic quality and finished presentation of your proposal. The Project is a semester-long project and will be completed and graded in phases. You will take your design proposal through the design process and work flow from site analysis, conceptual design, illustrative master plan, to layouts in AutoCAD. LAB RULES In addition to the rules established by the University for student usage of the computer lab (which are posted in each lab), the following class rules also apply: 6

7 Please do not talk during lab demonstrations, if you must talk please keep your voices down... the computer lab has terrible acoustics, and sounds are very distracting to other students and the instructor. The best way to learn about computers is to surf around and try new things. However, please do not surf the web or any other place on the computer during class demonstrations. It is distracting to your classmates and the instructor and you will likely miss something important that is being discussed. There is plenty of time to explore at the end of class and after class. FILE FORMAT AND NAMING PROTOCOL The Department of Landscape Architecture maintains an active archive of student work. This archive is required for institutional review and program accreditation. Files submitted MUST follow a precise format and naming protocol which is detailed below. File Format Most of our work this semester will be limited to just a few file types. These include PDF (portable document format), DOC or DOCX (word documents) and JPEG (image files) Unless otherwise noted, all image files are to be saved in JPEG format at original image size and a maximum of 200 dpi resolution. All images must be rotated to correct orientation and labeled consistent with the protocol detailed above. Naming Protocol The file MUST be named in a manner that complies with the following protocol: Last Name <underscore> First Initial <underscore> Project Name <underscore> Project Title Example: Johnson_J_DesignConcept_SleepThroughTheStatic POLICY ON LOST DATA All students are required to maintain an appropriate system for backing-up their work. Bizarre, unexpected and unfortunate events do happen and while we do not fault you for losing data, we will fault you for not having provisions in place for restoring that data. No accommodations can be made for lost data. 7

8 DEPARTMENT LAPTOP REQUIREMENTS Students enrolled in the Landscape Architecture major are required to own a laptop computer and a basic suite of applications. The minimum specifications for these requirements are detailed below and include recommendations for additional hardware and applications that will serve as a basic package for the curriculum. Windows Literacy The Landscape Architecture curriculum requires students to be proficient in Windows-based computer applications when starting the second year of the curriculum (first year for the graduate students). Although there may be some computer instruction available in the core construction and design courses, the focus of this instruction will be on specialized features of software such as AutoCAD, InDesign and Photoshop: not the basics of using Windows or Office Applications. Students must enter the second year of the curriculum (or first year of the graduate curriculum) with proficiency in the Windows operating system and Data Management and Security (file structure and organization, synchronization and back-ups, antivirus data file updates and system scans) and a working knowledge of standard Microsoft Office Applications (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint). It is also highly recommended that students start the curriculum with at least an introduction to AutoCAD. See the College website dcp.ufl.edu/arch for minimum laptop recommendations. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the Instructors when requesting accommodation. ACADEMIC HONESTY Students in the Department of Landscape Architecture are expected to adhere to all University of Florida academic honesty policies. Failure to do so will result in grade penalties and/or referral to the University Honor Court. Since the University s policies are necessarily generalized, the Department of Landscape Architecture further clarifies academic honesty within the specific setting of design education. The following acts are considered to be academically dishonesty: Plagiarism/misrepresentation 8

9 There shall be no question of what your work is and what someone else s is. This applies to all aspects of student performance, including but not limited to - CAD drawings and construction details - design guidelines (written and graphic) - design, planning, and management projects or portions of projects - class reports and papers (again, both written and graphic information) - any assignment where sole authorship is indicated, such as take-home tests, individual projects, etc. Examples of inappropriate activities include: - copying graphics for a report without crediting the original source - Representing someone else s work as your own (using existing CAD construction details, tracing drawings, etc.) - allowing someone else to represent your work as their own Given the collaborative nature of design studios, interaction between students is desirable, but the intention and degree of assistance must be appropriate. For example, it is appropriate to discuss the assignment/method/software program/course materials but it is not appropriate to solve or resolve a large portion of the project together. The importance of precedent and learning from past works is a necessary part of most design processes. Again, it is the intent and degree of borrowing ideas that is at question. Anything not original must be paraphrased and cited, or quoted; using accepted style formats such as APA, MLA, Chicago Manual of Style, etc. This includes information obtained from the Internet, public documents, graphics, and personal interviews as well as more traditional written sources. Proper crediting of all information that is not common knowledge is necessary for academic honesty as well as for professionalism. (For example, analysis drawings and/or text should cite the sources from which data was obtained so that if questions arise later, they can be quickly and accurately answered.) 9

10 Here is a rough outline of the semester. Of course some of it may be subject to change you will be notified. Also, due dates for homework and other assignments will be announced in class as they are assigned. Week 1 Introduction to course, required materials, graphic file Conventions of Landscape Architecture Lettering Techniques Week 2 Hand Graphics Techniques Site Analysis/Diagramming Plan View Graphics Week 3 Hand Graphics Techniques Plan View Graphics, vegetation No Class Monday 9/3 Labor Day Week 4 Hand Graphics Techniques Casting Shadow Color Theory Week 5 Hand Graphics Techniques Plan view rendering techniques with marker and pencil Working session 9/17: Project Phase 1 due Site Inventory/Analysis Week 6 Hand Graphics Techniques Cutting Sections Drawing Elevations Working Session 9/26: Project Phase 2 due: Conceptual diagram Week 7 Hand Graphics Techniques Drawing Sections, Perspectives, Axonometric Class Cancellation: Monday 10/1 Week 8 Hand Graphics Techniques Perspective drawing practice Class Cancellation: Monday 10/8 Week 9 Working Session 10/17: Project Phase 3 due Illustrative Master Plan 10

11 Week 10 - Computer Aided Drafting with AutoCAD 2013 Introduction to AutoCAD interface Paper vs. Model Space In-Class Exercise 1 and 2 Week 11 Working with AutoCAD 2013 AutoCAD techniques for landscape architects In and out of class tutorials Week 12 AutoCAD 2013 Working Sessions No Class: Friday 11/9 Homecoming Week 13 AutoCAD 2013 Working Sessions No Class: Monday 11/12 Veterans Day Week 14 AutoCAD /19: Project Phase 4 due No Class: Wednesday 11/21 & 11/23 Thanksgiving Holiday Week 15 AutoCAD 2013 Details with AutoCAD Creating CD layouts Working Sessions 11/30: Assignment due Completed Graphic File binder Week 16: Semester Wrap Up Working Session 12/5: Final project presentations 11

12 TEXTBOOKS, MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES Pens 2 each Paper Rolled trace paper (aka trash, or skinny also less appreciatively referred to as bumwad. ) 1 roll 12 wide white 1 roll 12 wide buff 1 roll 24 wide white Sharpie Ultra Fine Sharpie Extra Fine Pilot Razor Point or Ultra Point 2 packs - 5 x 7 Index Cards Pentel Sign Pen Ream of Regular Copy Paper 12

13 a fabric roller. Parallel Glider / Ruler Colored pencils 2 each Pencil Extender 1 Prismacolor Colored Pencils In colors: Olive Green Dark Green Apple Green Grass Green Cream, Jasmine Canary Yellow Dark Umber Burnt Ochre Peach Terra Cotta Violet Lilac Pink Orange Light Cerulean Blue Scarlet Lake Artist s pencil case with a capacity of 18 pencils +/- Non-Photo Blue Pencil 2 Canister Pencil Sharpener 1 A zipper-up leather case option, or. 13

14 Small Kneadable Grey Eraser -1 White vinyl Eraser -1 AC (plug-in) Electric Pencil Sharpener - 1 Designer s graphite pencil -1 and replacement leads (try different softness/hardness if available) Click-stick Eraser -1 Lead Pointer (sharpener) - 1 Erasers 14

15 AC (plug-in) Electric Eraser (optional) -1 (and a pack of white vinyl refills do not need the yellow or grey) Triangles or, a Battery-Powered option (and spare eraser refills) : 1 small with or without inking edge; 1 medium-large with inking edge Eraser Shield : 1 small with or without inking edge; 1 medium-large with inking edge Protractor Clear -1 Medium-sized Circle Template - 1 T-Square, or Lettering guide (Ames) -1 15

16 Drafting Dots -1 Mayline Parallel Drafting Rule X-Acto Knife (-1) and Blades (1 pack) Speed Bow Compass with Teflon Bushing for Quick Adjustment Lead Holder -1 Triangular Scale Rulers -2 Architect s and Engineer s (1 each) Leads for Above (various hard/soft) Rotary Lead Pointer -1 16

17 Crystal Clear Tape -1 Cutting Mat 11 x 17 Inch or Similar -1 Portable Tape Dispenser -1 17