ARCH 240 – Visualize: Graphic Design Tools for Architectural Communication

This course equips architecture students with essential graphic design skills to visually communicate architectural concepts, narratives, and proposals. Through hands-on instruction in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects, students will learn to craft compelling diagrams, editorial layouts, project presentations, and short motion graphics.

Emphasis will be placed on visual hierarchy, color theory, typography, image composition, and time-based media. Students will develop a portfolio of design artefacts that enhance their architectural projects and professional presentations.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

LO1: Apply graphic design principles to create compelling visual content supporting architectural communication.

LO2: Use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects to produce diagrams, layouts, and animations.

LO3: Develop a reflective design process through research, experimentation, and iterative practice.

LO4: Communicate architectural ideas clearly and persuasively in static and dynamic formats.

Software & Tools 

• Adobe Illustrator (vector graphics, diagrams)
• Adobe Photoshop (image editing, poster design)
• Adobe InDesign (editorial layouts, portfolio)
• Adobe After Effects (motion graphics)

Required Material

• A personal laptop with Adobe Creative Cloud installed
• Sketchbook or notebook
• Pencils, pens, ruler
• Access to your architectural design projects (plans, sections, renders, etc.)

Course descriptions may be subject to occasional minor modifications at the discretion of the instructor.