Architecture

EMANUELA CHIAVONI

REPRESENTATION SCIENCE I
In order to supply a solid basic preparation of the principal elements of representation, the three courses of the sector are carried out in the first three years integrating theoretical and practical aspects. The first year provides the methods and the means to understand traditional drawing techniques integrating them with I.T. instruments. To provide the fundamentals of descriptive geometry in order to understand the laws and the methods for the representation and the conception of space and architectural forms. With this knowledge the student can face the first experiences of design.

In attendance. Presentation of graphic works and original drawings and explanation of the graphic process addressed.
Comparison of drawings, representation methodologies and graphic techniques.

There are no pre-requisites

The purpose of the Course is to provide the student with the first, essential, tools for reading, representing, and manipulating space.
In his various and numerous design activities, in fact, the architect makes use of various models on which he prefigures and verifies the object to be built. These models may be graphic (such as an associated plan and elevation, perspective, axonometry), or computer (3D models), or, again, actual models (maquettes). However, the construction of any of these models must rest on the prior ability to imagine a form in three dimensions understood both as the space it delimits but also as the space it influences by its mere presence.
It is necessary, on the other hand, to know the geometric code that allows one to consciously represent the imagined form as well as the tools that allow its manipulation by delving into its metric, geometric and perceptual characteristics. If, on the one hand, therefore, an attempt will be made to enable the student to acquire a sure manual dexterity in the use of the simplest and most direct graphic techniques through an intense exercise of freehand architectural drawing (carried out partly outside and partly in the classroom) without, on the other hand, neglecting the representation with ruler and square and the use of color, on the other hand, an effort will be made to support this course through a parallel cycle of lectures on the Fundamentals of Representation Geometry that will focus on the concept of two- and three-dimensional Model, the fundamentals of two-dimensional Graphic Models (perspective, axonometric, orthogonal projections) and the main problems of intersection and membership in the various models. Finally, a relevant part will be devoted to 3D modeling also through a series of classroom exercises.
This first part of the course in Representation Science is therefore intended to train all these skills, and within this framework is the implementation of a number of training experiences, which correspond to as many papers and testify to the achievement of the set objectives.

However, these papers should be understood as a series of culminating points of the course comprising the various teaching activities: ex cathedra lectures given by the lecturers, classroom or outdoor exercises, and 3D modeling exercises. The student should record all these experiences, in the form of notes and drawings, in a notebook that should be kept up-to-date and in order to be presented whenever the lecturers request it.

Required student papers.
Thus, the main work is the course notebook, which consists of an album of the white-sheet type, bound, A4 size (29.7x21) or similar, in which the student performs ex tempore (such as classroom or outdoor exercises) and takes lecture notes and illustrates them, ruled and squared or freehand as appropriate, with the drawings and models that the lecturer suggests, executing them on the blackboard or computer. The notebook will also accommodate any exercises assigned during class.

There are also assignments that, on a generally weekly basis, will allow teachers to assess each student's progress. These deliveries are to be considered mandatory and contribute directly to the final assessment.
Finally, the notebook is accompanied by other assignments consisting of A3-size (29.7x42) tables and three-dimensional computer models that will be illustrated from time to time
Examination
The purpose of the examination is to check the achievement of the teaching objectives set by the course. It is strictly individual and consists of an oral and graphic test and is aimed, primarily, at testing the candidate's ability to imagine and describe the forms of space, making use of drawing, geometric constructions and computer tools. In the interview, the topics covered in the notebook and tables will be taken into account; finally, the evaluation will take into account the theoretical justifications and the results achieved.
In order to take the exam, in addition to complying with the computerized management and booking procedure, it is also necessary for the lecturers to have had the opportunity to preliminarily examine the student's graphical papers and 3D models during the revisions; on this occasion (or by e-mail) the student will necessarily have to hand in a copy of the computer models at least one week in advance of the exam roll call.
Receptions.
Lecturers and their assistants receive students (generally weekly) according to the scheduled schedule of course revisions in the period preceding the examination session. During these meetings the papers produced will be reviewed and all necessary advice and clarification will be given to improve the quality of the work. In addition, the progress of each student's coursework will be noted, providing a prior assessment useful for planning the conduct of the final exam.
Preparation needed by the studentIt is assumed that the student knows the principles of elementary geometry and can use, in addition to a pencil, a ruler and a compass. In contrast, no computer knowledge is required.
Classroom platform
The Classroom platform constitutes a privileged channel of communication between teachers and students in which you can find the programs, lesson topics and their calendar, the list of papers required for the exam and other useful information. All communications (exam dates, reception times, etc.) as well as notices and any changes in teaching activities (appointments, etc.) are published on the platform. This channel should be considered the only reliable and trustworthy one (more than the faculty site, degree program, infostud, etc.) for what concerns the various course activities: therefore, it is recommended to visit the page regularly.

Chiavoni E., “Il ruolo del rilevamento a vista nell'analisi dell'architettura” in Docci M. (a cura di), Strumenti didattici per il rilievo. Corso di strumenti e metodi per il rilevamento dell'architettura, Gangemi Editore, Roma 2000
M. Docci, D. Maestri, M. Gaiani, Scienza del Disegno, Città Studi 2011
M. Docci, Teoria e Pratica del Disegno, Laterza 1996
M. Morlacchi, Il libro del Disegno, Gangemi editore, Roma 2008
M. Docci, E. Chiavoni, Saper leggere l’architettura, Laterza, Roma 2017
E. Chiavoni, A. Diacodimitri, G. Pettoello, "Un'analisi attraverso il disegno dell'architettura moderna e contemporanea più significativa a Roma. Conoscenza, documentazione e comunicazione dei valori materiali e immateriali tramite sistemi grafici tradizionali e digitali integrati, Aracne Editrice int.le S.r.l., Roma 2017.

The written test is equivalent to the creation of graphic works for the exam, and the oral test is used to understand the degree of awareness the student has achieved.

Proportion and proportioning in architecture.
The methods of representation.
The analog tools and techniques % the analog tools for architectural drawing.
The digital tools and techniques % the digital tools for architectural drawing.