Overview
APST 215 is the first of three courses that will prepare you for the ADST virtual design studio courses and for work in an architect's office. This course introduces principles and techniques of visual thinking and of communicating ideas graphically. You will learn the fundamentals of freehand drawing, sketching, and 3D physical modeling.
Through readings, online video demonstrations, and assignments, you will develop skill in freehand drawing and an understanding of drawing as a vital means to see, analyze, and represent essential aspects of the environment. Topics include how to see; visual concepts, such as proportion, scale, light effect, value, and texture; and perspective techniques.
Mastery comes only with practice. To encourage mastery of observation and sketching skills, you will be required to develop and maintain a sketchbook as a graphic record of ideas, objects, and environments of interest or importance in your daily life. (The sketchbook is similar in nature to the Design Journal required in the Design Studio sequence.) You will maintain your sketchbook as a learning tool until you have completed the final unit of the course, and you will scan and submit your sketches to your Academic Expert (which you will begin in Unit 2).
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to
- use graphic systems, including the plan, section, axonometric, and perspective, and drawing techniques to represent outline, tone, texture, shade, and shadow. (Know)
- explore and examine topics, including the self, object, landscape, interior, and urban space, through graphic representation. (Analyze)
- combine graphic systems and drawing techniques to develop renderings that graphically express your understanding of the subject matter. (Apply)
Evaluation
Course work will be evaluated based on six assignments. A final course grade of 67% or higher is required to pass the course.
The table below summarizes weighting:
| Activity | Weight | Complete by |
| Assignment 1 | 10% | Unit 1 |
| Assignment 2 | 10% | End of Course |
| Assignment 3 | 30% | Unit 3 |
| Assignment 4 | 15% | Unit 4 |
| Assignment 5 | 15% | Unit 5 |
| Assignment 6 | 20% | Unit 6 |
| Total | 100% | |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Ching, F. D. K., & Juroszek, S. P. (2019.) Design drawing (3rd ed.). Wiley.
Delgado, Y. M., & Dominguez, E. R. (2005). Freehand drawing for architects and interior designers (M. F. Alvarez, Trans.). W. W. Norton.
Other Materials
The course package contains materials you will use to perform sketching exercises and assignments. Note: The course package contains one set of materials. No replacement materials will be provided.
- sketch paper (9 in. x 12 in.)
- drawing pencils (set of 12: 3B–3H)
- coloured pencils (set of 24)
- sketching sticks (set of 3: BLACK C12456-B, WHITE C12460-B, SANGUINE C12450)
- charcoal sticks (set of 4)
- eraser
Delivery
The course is delivered online by Athabasca University for study at home. You will be in regular contact with the Academic Expert, who will provide guidance and feedback on your sketches. You are expected to spend about three hours of online classroom time each week and an additional six hours each week reading, drawing, and completing assignments.