70212 - Basic Principles of Graphic Design

Learning outcomes

Teaching goals are to provide the knowledge and skills related to the graphic communication of architectural design, intended in its geometric and formal components, but also in its components related to the functional and typological features.

Course contents

The introductory course provides students with the fundamental knowledge required for the creation and management of three-dimensional models, employing both mathematical representation (continuous and precise, based on NURBS) and numerical representation (discrete and polygonal). Through theoretical lectures and practical exercises, the course explores digital modelling techniques, representation methods, underlying geometric principles, and tools for export and visualisation.

The course focuses on the theme of hypothetical virtual reconstructions of architectural works that were never built or that have been partially or entirely lost.

Lecture Programme:

• Mathematical and Numerical Representation – Models and Digital Tools
  Introduction to the distinction between mathematical (NURBS) and discrete (mesh) representations; overview of key software (Rhinoceros, Blender); construction of a solid and wireframe dodecahedron inspired by Leonardo da Vinci.
• Mathematical Representation – Curves, Surfaces, and Roof Construction
  Study of geometric continuity (G0–G3), surface classification, geometric construction of ovals and ellipses; modelling of pitched roofs and verification of surface planarity.
• Mathematical Representation – Complex Vaults and Geometric Surfaces
  Digital modelling of architectural vaults: sail vaults, groin vaults (on square and rectangular plans), pavilion vaults, and skewed vaults. Applied digital exercises.
• Mathematical Representation – Lunetted Vaults
  Analysis of the lunette as an opening in a barrel vault. Modelling of the two main types: cylindrical lunette and spheroidal lunette.
• Mathematical Representation – Palladio’s Doric Column
  Digital construction of the Doric column following Palladio’s canonical proportions. Use of modules and minutes to define the architectural order’s elements.
• Ruled and Developable Surfaces – Geometry and Application
  Classification of surfaces based on Gaussian curvature; study of developable surfaces and geodesic lines; modelling of ruled helicoids and construction of a helicoidal staircase through the roto-translational motion of a wedge.
• Mathematical Representation – Palladio’s Doric Pediment
  Geometric and proportional modelling of the pediment according to classical principles as defined by Palladio.
• Quadratic Ruled Surfaces – Geometry and Architectural Applications
  Analysis and modelling of the two quadratic ruled surfaces: the hyperbolic paraboloid and the elliptic hyperboloid. Exploration of their double generative system and architectural applications.
• Numerical Representation – Rendering and Visualisation in Blender
  Transition from NURBS to mesh models: exporting from Rhino to Blender, mesh density settings, insertion of lights and cameras, rendering parameters, “45° light and shadow” setup, and image export.
• Numerical Representation – Views and Layout
  Generation of perspective, axonometric, plan, and sectional views in Blender. 2D layout preparation in Rhino, TIFF export, and final layout editing using graphic software such as GIMP or Photoshop.

Course Objectives:

• To understand the foundations of 3D digital representation in architectural contexts.
• To distinguish between and appropriately apply mathematical (NURBS) and numerical (mesh) modelling approaches.
• To develop proficiency in digital modelling, exporting, rendering, and layout tools.
• To produce complex, geometrically sound models through the application of theoretical knowledge in practical exercises.

Readings/Bibliography

Apollonio F.I., Architettura in 3D. Modelli digitali per i sistemi cognitivi, Bruno Mondadori, Milano, 2012

Migliari R., Geometria descrittiva – Volume I – Metodi e costruzioni, CittàSutdi Edizioni, Novara 2009.

Migliari R., Geometria descrittiva – Volume II – Tecniche e applicazioni , CittàSutdi Edizioni, Novara 2009.

Münster, S., Apollonio, F. I., Bluemel, I., Fallavollita, F., Foschi, R., Grellert, M., ... & Schelbert, G. (2024). Handbook of digital 3D reconstruction of historical architecture. Springer Nature.

Teaching methods

The course will be structured around theoretical lectures and practical exercises carried out in the classroom.

During the lectures, the topics of the programme will be addressed through frontal teaching, seminars, and presentations of case studies, with examples applied to both general contexts and specific situations.

The exercises will focus on applying representation techniques as a tool for narrating, describing, and interpreting architecture.

The drawings produced during the exercises will be subject to evaluation. In order to be admitted to the final exam, it is mandatory to complete all the assigned drawings during the course.

Assessment methods

The final examination will consist of the presentation of the drawings related to the assigned architectural theme, along with the geometric exercises completed during the course.

The drawings, in A1 format, must represent the assigned architectural project and include:

• plans, elevations, and sections at scales 1:100 and 1:50;
• construction details at scales 1:20 and 1:10;
• at least one axonometric view and one perspective section with a study of shadows and chiaroscuro (at 1:100 or 1:50 scale);
• One drawing showing the semantic segmentation of the 3D model.
• One drawing illustrating the uncertainty scale, concerning the sources used in the reconstruction process.

In addition, students must submit descriptive geometry drawings, in A3 format, documenting the exercises carried out during the course.

The A1 drawings must be accompanied by an A3 booklet containing exclusively:

• a reduced version of the reconstructed architectural theme.
• a brief written description of the work undertaken, including references to the sources consulted.

All materials produced for the examination must be uploaded to a dedicated OneDrive folder, including:

• A1 and A3 drawings in PDF or TIFF format;
• the A3 booklet in PDF format;
• both mathematical (NURBS) and polygonal (mesh) digital models of the architectural project.

The quality and consistency of the drawings and digital models, as well as the completeness of the submitted documentation, will form an integral part of the final assessment.

This is a single final examination for the integrated course LABORATORIO DI DISEGNO DELL'ARCHITETTURA (C.I.).

Teaching tools

The teaching activities are structured around lectures, aimed at developing theoretical knowledge and design skills, and seminars dedicated to reviewing the work carried out by students, who will work in groups.

At the beginning of the course, students will be provided with a set of basic materials—bibliographic, graphic, and documentary—related to the topics covered.

The course will make use of the Laboratory of Architectural Modelling and Visualization and will also include the use of open-source online resources, in particular the MOOC on virtual reconstructions, available on the University of Bologna platform:
Computer-based Visualization of Architectural Cultural Heritage

Office hours

See the website of Federico Fallavollita