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Syllabus:

Tools and Communication in Architecture 2:1, 3 credits

Swedish name: Arkitekturens verktyg och kommunikation 2:1
This syllabus is valid: 2026-08-31 and until further notice
Course code: 5AR220
Credit points: 3
Education level: First cycle
Main Field of Study and progress level: Architecture: First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Two-grade scale
Responsible department: Umeå School of Architecture
Established by: Prefekten vid Arkitekthögskolan, Umeå universitet., 2025-10-28,

Contents

The course explores the qualitative and contextual dimensions of architectural representation, integrating analogue and digital methods to develop a deeper understanding of drawing and modelling as both a design process and a communicative tool. Through the production of two- and three-dimensional representations, students refine their spatial visualization skills, advance their practice of architectural drawing conventions, and engage with digital tools as means to conceptualize, articulate, and document architectural ideas across multiple scales. Students are introduced to parametric design and AI for design explorations.

Expected learning outcomes

For a passing grade, the students should be able to:

**Knowledge and understanding **

  • demonstrate an understanding of the different forms, purposes and conventions of architectural representation

**Competence and skills **

  • apply two- and three-dimensional drawing and modelling methods to explore, develop and communicate architectural ideas
  • combine analogue and digital methods to construct, manipulate and organize spatial information supporting the design process
  • incorporate parametric design and AI in design workflows

Required Knowledge

All courses in semesters 1 and 2:

Architectural Design 1:1
Architectural Technology 1:1
History and Theory of Architecture 1:1
Tools and Communication in Architecture 1:1
Architectural Design 1:2
Architectural Technology 1:2
History and Theory of Architecture 1:2
Tools and Communication in Architecture 1:2
Perspectives on Sustainability and Architecture 1

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of practical exercises, individual and group tutoring, lectures and seminars.

Examination modes

The course will be examined through hand-in of practical assignments.

The entire course is graded according to the grading scale Pass (G) or Fail (U). The grade is a summative assessment of the results of the different parts of the examinations and is awarded after completion of the course.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

The date of the retake must be notified no later than the date of the regular examination. The first retake will be offered no later than two months after the regular examination session, but no earlier than ten working days after students have been notified of the results of the regular examination. For regular examinations held in May or June, a first retake may be offered within three months of the regular examination session. In addition, at least one second retake (a catch-up) is offered within a year from the regular examination session. Students who have achieved a pass are not permitted to retake an examination.

A student who has taken a regular examination and retake in a course or a part of a course without obtaining a pass grade is entitled to request the appointment of another examiner or marking teacher. Students should address any such request to the director of studies or equivalent.

Transitional provisions

In the event of a course syllabus being withdrawn or undergoing major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including the regular examination session) in accordance with the previous course syllabus during a maximum of two years from the expiry of the course syllabus or the discontinuation of the course.

Literature

The literature list is not available through the web. Please contact the faculty.