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LAA2376c – Section 1817 College of Design Construction and Planning

Design Communications 1 Department of Landscape Architecture Course Instructor: Meredith Leigh

Email: 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.

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Letter Grade Equivalents A 90 and above A- 87 – 89 B+ 84 – 86 B 80 – 83 B- 77 – 79 C+ 74 – 76

C 70 – 73 C- 67 – 69 D+ 64 – 66 D 60 – 63 D- 57 – 59 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

Dates

Sketchbook (24 Sketches @

10 pts each)

240 points Complete Sketchbook due

October 15

Graphic File 200 November 30

Semester Project Phase 1 100 September 17

Semester Project Phase 2 150 September 26

Semester Project Phase 3 200 October 17

Semester Project Phase 4 200 November 19

Semester Project Phase 5 200 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 100-125 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 100 – 125 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:

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- 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:

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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.

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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

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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.)

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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

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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 2013 11/19: 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

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TEXTBOOKS, MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

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

2 packs - 5 x 7 Index Cards

Ream of Regular Copy Paper

Pens – 2 each

Sharpie Ultra Fine

Sharpie Extra Fine

Pilot Razor Point or Ultra Point

Pentel Sign Pen

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Parallel Glider / Ruler Colored pencils – 2 each

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 +/-

A zipper-up leather case option, or….

…a fabric roller.

Pencil Extender – 1

Non-Photo Blue Pencil – 2

Canister Pencil Sharpener – 1

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AC (plug-in) Electric Pencil Sharpener - 1

Designer’s graphite pencil -1 and replacement leads (try different softness/hardness if available)

Lead Pointer (sharpener) - 1 Erasers

Small Kneadable Grey Eraser -1

White vinyl Eraser -1

Click-stick Eraser -1

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AC (plug-in) Electric Eraser (optional) -1 (and a pack of white vinyl refills – do not need the yellow or grey)

…or, a Battery-Powered option (and spare eraser refills)

Eraser Shield - 1

Medium-sized Circle Template - 1

Lettering guide (Ames) -1

Triangles

45 – 45 – 90: 1 small with or without inking edge; 1 medium-large with inking edge 30 – 60 – 90: 1 small with or without inking edge; 1 medium-large with inking edge

Protractor Clear -1

T-Square, or…

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Mayline Parallel Drafting Rule

Speed Bow Compass with Teflon Bushing for Quick Adjustment

Triangular Scale Rulers -2 Architect’s and Engineer’s (1 each)

Drafting Dots -1

X-Acto Knife (-1) and Blades (1 pack)

Lead Holder -1

Leads for Above (various hard/soft)

Rotary Lead Pointer -1

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Crystal Clear Tape -1

Portable Tape Dispenser -1

Cutting Mat – 11 x 17 Inch or Similar -1