DFTG-2431 Advanced Technologies in Architectural Design and Drafting
Matthew Harris
Credit Spring 2025
Section(s)
DFTG-2431-001 (84863)
LEC MW 8:15am - 9:35am DIL DLS DIL
LAB MW 9:35am - 10:55am DIL DLS DIL
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
● Building Information Modeling Quiz – 5 points
● BIM Introductory Exercise (Project One) – 10 points
● Revit Command Quiz - 5 points
● Basic Modeling Assignment: Tiny House (Project Two) – 30 points
● Bonus Assignment: Tiny House Sheet Set Test Print – 5 points
● Advanced Modeling Assignment: Ranger Station (Project Three) – 40 points
● Bonus Assignment: Ranger Station Sheet Set Test Print – 5 points
● Architectural Terminology Quiz - 5 points
● Project Corrections & Resubmission (finalize projects for portfolio)
● Class Participation (Weekly Meetings) – 5 points
Course Subjects
Course Subjects
Week 1.1 - INTRO TO COURSE - Syllabus Review & Blackboard navigation
Week 1.2 Introduction to BIM - Lecture and Presentation
Drafting Info for Local Marketplace
Revit Interface - Anatomy of the software, Revit Terminology
BIM Intro Exercises - (Project 1)
BIM Intro Quiz
Week 1.3 Tiny House Model - Residential (Project 2)
Direction Set 1 - Project Setup
Direction Set 2 – Modeling Walls & Upper Floor
BIM Intro Exercise Submission
Week 2.1 - Direction Set 3 – Modeling Roofs
Roof terms, Revit Constraints – View Range – Underlay modeling controls
Week 2.2 - Direction Set 4 - Modeling Interior Walls, Doors & Windows
Building Code
Direction Set 5 - Modeling Stairs & Railings
Week 2.3 - Direction Set 5.5 – Modeling Porch Features
Direction Set 6 - Modeling Site Boundary & Topography
Week 2.4 - Direction Set 7 – Creating Perspective Views
Direction Set 8 – Room Tags & Legends
Week 3.1 - Direction Set 9 – Creating Dimensioning Plans
Direction Set 10 – Creating Sheets & Outputting Files
Tiny House Assignment Submission
Week 3.2 - Ranger Station Model – Commercial (Project 3)
Direction Set 1 – Project Setup – Levels, Grids & Foundation Level Systems
Direction Set 2 - Modeling Parking & Service Levels
Week 3.3 - Direction Set 3 - Modeling Entry & Second Levels
Direction Set 4 - Modeling Curtain walls
Week 3.4 - Direction Set 5 - Modeling Roof System & Support System
Revit Command Quiz
Week 4.1 - Direction Set 6 - Interior Walls, Doors Windows Elevators Shaft & Elevator
Week 4.2 - Direction Set 7 - Modeling Interior Stairs & Railing
Direction Set 8 - Modeling Entry Ramp, Landing & Railing
Week 4.3 - Direction Set 9 - Modeling Topography
Direction Set 10 – Door & Window Tags
Architectural Terminology Quiz
Week 4.4 - Direction Set 11 – Detail Drawing
Week 5.1 - Direction Set 12 – Reflected Ceiling Plan
Week 5.2 - Creating Sheets & Project Preparation for Submission
Week 5.3 - Creating Sheets & Project Preparation for Submission
Ranger Station Assignment Submission
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Use architectural techniques to design, assemble, evaluate, and render architectural building
components.
Develop plan and elevation drawings and details from three-dimensional architectural models.
Use Building Information Modeling software through creation of digital building models.
Identify architectural and design terminology necessary to effectively operate BIM software.
Utilize Autodesk Revit software.
Recognize techniques utilized by the architectural profession to create architectural technical drawings
from building models.
Program- Level Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the AAS degree – Architectural Specialization - the student will be able to:
A1. Operate AEC (Architecture/Engineering/Construction) software including computer aided drafting
(CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and 3D modeling applications to plan and prepare
construction documents and technical graphics appropriate to the architectural and construction
industries.
A2. Utilize various architectural drawing types and determine their appropriate uses in architectural
projects to demonstrate knowledge of building systems and familiarity with building codes.
A3. Demonstrate knowledge and the application of the Uniform Drawing System Modules 1-8 of the
current edition of the U.S. National CAD Standard. Utilize various architectural drawing types and CAD
techniques to demonstrate knowledge and application of Modules 1 - 8 of the U.S. National CAD Standard
including Drawing Set Organization, Sheet Organization, Schedules, Drafting Conventions, Terms and
Abbreviations, Symbols, Notations and Code Conventions.
Syllabus
DFTG-2431Advanced Technologies in Architectural Design & Drafting
Synonym: 84863 Synchronous Online
Spring 2025
Instructor : Matthew Harris Office Hours : On-line video conference only
Email: matthew.harris@austincc.edu M, W, Th 11:00am – 12:00pm
Office: Highland Campus 2.1531.08 email to schedule additional times
Class Hours: On-line Lecture - Mondays & Wednesdays from 8:15am – 9:35am
On-line Lab - Monday & Wednesdays from 9:35am - 10:55am
IMPORTANT COURSE DATES
Mandatory Online Orientation – Wednesday, January 22nd - 8:15am – 10:55am
- On-line class Mondays from 8:15am – 10:55am
On-line class Wednesdays - 8:15am - 10:55am
- Last Day to Withdraw - 04/28/2025
- Final Class Day - 05/18/2025
Syllabus content may be subject to change based on curriculum development. Any changes will be communicated via both Blackboard and email notifications.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Use of architectural specific software to execute the elements required in designing standard architectural exhibits utilizing custom features to create walls, windows and specific design requirements for construction in residential/commercial and industrial architecture. Introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.
Credit Hours: 4 - Classroom Contact Hours per week: 4 - Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 4
COURSE RATIONALE
This class is offered through the Architectural and Engineering Computer Aided Design Department of Austin Community College. This course uses a project-oriented approach to navigate the student through the process of analyzing and creating digital building models utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.
Advocate for your success by communicating proactively, practicing professionalism,
reading instructions and proofing your work before submitting assignments.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY
This is a 100% ONLINE class. This course has a *MANDATORY* online Orientation meeting on Wednesday, January 22nd from 8:15am – 10:55am, where students will receive an overview of the course and online expectations. The professor will conduct live, online meetings will be held on;
Monday & Wednesday from 8:15am – 10:55am
*Orientation and class meetings will be recorded and posted to Blackboard for students who are not able to attend. Students will receive a detailed confirmation email from the professor prior to the start date. Contact Matthew Harris: email at: matthew.harris@austincc.edu with course questions.
PREREQUISITES
DFTG 1405: Technical Drafting or departmental approval
REFFERENCE TEXT - (NOT REQUIRED OR USED IN CLASS)
Autodesk Revit 2022 Architectural Command Reference* by Jeff Hanson, Daniel John Stine AIA, CSI, CDT; SDC Publications, 2019. ISBN: 978‐1‐63057‐355‐3. *Available in e‐book format. This is a great book for learning and understanding Revit commands (tools).
• Keep all class work on your A&E CAD Google Drive directory and on a backup device.
• Store active course Revit files on the G-Suite cloud server. Launch Revit files directly from the g-suite personal storage you have established for yourself.
• Projects are due as noted in the Submit Your Assignment section of Blackboard.
SUPPLIES
• Students must activate their ACCeID to access required course materials in Blackboard.
• Backup device, such as a USB drive is helpful, but not necessary.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Use architectural techniques to design, assemble, evaluate, and render architectural building components.
- Develop plan and elevation drawings and details from three-dimensional architectural models.
- Use Building Information Modeling software through creation of digital building models.
- Identify architectural and design terminology necessary to effectively operate BIM software.
- Utilize Autodesk Revit Architecture 2023 software.
- Recognize techniques utilized by the architectural profession to create
architectural technical drawings from building models.
PROGRAM-LEVEL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the completion of the AAS degree – Architectural Specialization - the student will be able to:
A1. Operate AEC (Architecture/Engineering/Construction) software including computer-aided drafting (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and 3D modeling applications to plan and prepare construction documents and technical graphics appropriate to the architectural, engineering and construction industries.
A2. Utilize various architectural drawing types and determine their appropriate uses in architectural projects to demonstrate knowledge of building systems and familiarity with building codes.
A3. Demonstrate knowledge and the application of the Uniform Drawing System Modules 1-8 of the U.S. National CAD Standard version 6.
The modules include Drawing Set Organization, Sheet Organization, Schedules, Drafting Conventions, Terms and Abbreviations, Symbols, Notations and Code Conventions.
Uniform Drawing System Modules 1-8
Module 01 - Drawing Set Organization: Provides guidelines for the organization of a drawing set, drawing set order, sheet identification system and electronic file names.
Module 02 - Sheet Organization: Provides guidelines for the layout of the drawing sheet, location and numbering of drawings on the sheet, sheet sizes, title block area, and supplemental drawing sheet layout.
Module 03 - Schedules: Provides guidelines for the layout of schedules and use of schedules, both on drawings and in the project manual.
Module 04 - Drafting Conventions: Provides guidelines for the production of construction drawings, including line weights, dimensioning, orientation, notations, and other graphic drawing conventions.
Module 05 - Terms and Abbreviations: Provides a searchable list of preferred and nonpreferred terms as well as abbreviations used on drawings.
Module 06 - Symbols: Provides standard symbols organized by MasterFormat 2021 Divisions & symbol type classification structure.
Module 07 - Notations: Provides guidelines for locating and using notations on drawings, including general notes, general discipline notes, general sheet notes, reference keynotes and sheet keynotes.
Module 08 - Code Conventions Provides Guidelines for presenting code-related information on drawings. This module establishes types of code-related information, preferred location and format of display of the information.
COURSE EVALUATION - GRADING SCHEME
Final grades will be based on class projects, class participation, quizzes, and daily work assignments which may include the following:
- Building Information Modeling Quiz – 5 points
- BIM Introductory Exercise (Project One) – 10 points
- Revit Command Quiz - 5 points
- Basic Modeling Assignment: Tiny House (Project Two) – 30 points
- 5 Bonus points are awarded to the Sheet Set Check
- Advanced Modeling Assignment: Ranger Station (Project Three) – 40 points
- 5 Bonus points are awarded to the Sheet Set Check
- Architectural Terminology Quiz - 5 points
- Project Corrections & Resubmission (finalize projects for portfolio)
- Class Participation (Weekly Meetings) – 5 points
The final grade is computed from submitted assignments and drawings totaling 100 points.
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = 59% and below
Grading Policy
The grading policy is designed to mimic a real-world professional drafting experience. In a professional environment completing work is an iterative process and takes several reviews. In order for students to proceed from the Redline to Final Submission, students must meet the assigned due date for the Redline Submission.
Grading will follow a 2-part process:
- Redline Submission - The first assignment is called the “Redline Submission” because I review your work and mark up or “redline” your project and determine what needs correcting. I’ll return the project marked up for you to correct. A grade will be assigned for this submission and you can choose to make the corrections or not.
- Final Submission – For the Final Submission students can follow the “redline” comments of the professor to make improvements to their assignment and resubmit the corrected assignment to improve their grade. A new grade will be issued and the higher of the 2 grades will be the final grade for the project.
The only way to improve your assignment grade is to meet the “Redline Submission” date, see Policy on Late or Missing Work.
If students miss the Redline Submission due date - the assignment must be completed by the Final Submission due date or risk receiving a ‘0’ as the final grade.
The student’s project submission and grading needs to happen in a timely manner for the student to successfully progress and the professor to have time to provide proper feedback and grading.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS FOR HOME COMPUTERS
This course is 100% online therefore students are required to have the appropriate technology to successfully participate in the course. Students must have computer and internet access to participate in class.
Software Requirements: A FREE student version of Revit 2025 can be downloaded by joining the Autodesk Student Community. Links to software downloads at: https://cadlearningcenter.com/support/autodesk/
AutoDesk requires students submit proof of enrollment, to initiate the process got to:
https://cadlearningcenter.com/support/autodesk/#toggle-id-2 click the “AutoDesk Student Verification Button” then complete the electronic form.
Internet Access: Students must have access to a high-speed internet connection (at least 20 Mbps download speed).
Drive-up Wifi is available at most ACC campus parking lots. For more information regarding campus and lot location go to: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/drive-up-wifi
Computer Hardware Requirements: Students must have a computer with a Windows 10 or 11 operating system that can run the desktop student version of Revit 2025. Autodesk’s system requirements for Revit 2025 can be found here. Online meetings require a computer to have a speaker (or phone) for audio.
Please note: Revit 2025 runs only on the Windows operating system - it will not run on a Chromebook. Mac users will need either Apple Boot Camp or Parallels installed to run Revit 2025.
Recommended Accessories: A dual monitor display setup is strongly recommended. A computer with a webcam and a microphone is recommended. Note: Having two monitors allows you to have AutoCAD open on one monitor and follow along with an instructional video on the other. This arrangement is much smoother than having to constantly close the video and open AutoCAD as you work on projects. If you intend to major in the A&E CAD program at ACC, you will find the dual monitors very beneficial for future advanced CAD classes.
If you don’t have access to the technology required for this course, please let me know as soon as possible because ACC may have a limited supply of loaner laptops.
All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s college email account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account unless other arrangements have been made. Students must use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at: https://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/activation-and-login-assistance
BLACKBOARD (Bb)
The entire curriculum of this course will be available online through Blackboard:
- Distribution of handouts, readings and assignments
- Instructional Materials including Videos
- Submissions of assignments and activities
- Grading
As instructed by your professor, students are required to access instructional materials via Blackboard on a weekly basis. For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, contact a Learning Lab Technician at: https://www.austincc.edu/help
COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR
(Note: Schedule subject to change depending on pace of course)
Week 1 - INTRO TO COURSE – Intros, Syllabus Review & Blackboard navigation
Week 2 - Class Intro - What is BIM?
Revit Interface - Anatomy of the software, Revit Terminology
Direction Set 1 - BIM Intro Exercises (Project 1)
Introduction to Navigation & Modeling
BIM Intro Quiz
BIM Intro Exercise Submission
Week 3 - Tiny House Model - Residential (Project 2)
Direction Set 1 - Project Setup
Direction Set 2 - Modeling Walls & Upper Floor
Week 4 - Direction Set 3 – Modeling Roofs
Roof terms, Revit Constraints – View Range – Underlay modeling controls
Week 5 - Direction Set 4 - Modeling Interior Walls, Doors & Windows
Door & Window Building Code Specifications
Direction Set 5 - Modeling Stairs & Railings
Week 6 - Direction Set 6 - Modeling Porch Features
Direction Set 7 - Modeling Site Boundary & Topography
Direction Set 8 – Creating Perspective Views
COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR CONT’D
Week 7 - Direction Set 9 – Room Tags & Legends
Direction Set 10 – Creating Dimension Plans
Prep Sheet Set for Submission – Bluebeam Sheet Organization
Revit Command Quiz
Tiny House Assignment Submission
Week 8 - Ranger Station Model – Commercial (Project 3)
Direction Set 1 – Project Set up - Levels, Grids & Foundation Level Systems
Direction Set 2 - Modeling the Parking & Service Levels
Week 9 - Direction Set 3 - Modeling the Entry & Second Levels
Direction Set 4 - Modeling Curtain Walls
Week 10 - Direction Set 5 – Modeling the Roof & Support System
Direction Set 6 - Interior Walls, Doors, Windows, Elevators Shaft & Elevator
Week 11 - Direction Set 7 - Modeling Stairs & Railing
Direction Set 8 - Modeling the Entry Ramps, Landings & Railing
Week 12 - Direction Set 9 - Modeling Site Topography
Direction Set 10 – Door & Window Tags & Schedules
Architectural Terminology Quiz
Week 13 - Direction Set 11 – Drafting Details
Direction Set 12 - Modeling a Reflected Ceiling Plan
Week 14 - Creating Sheets & Project Preparation for Submission
Week 15 - Review Professional Sheet Sets and Details
Project Preparation for Submission
Week 16 - Review Web Resources for Family Components and Detail Drawings
Open Work Time
Ranger Station Assignment Submission
•Last Day of Class – Final Semester Project Due
Attendance/Class Participation
Regular and timely attendance and class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students and will constitute 5 points toward the final grade. All classes this semester have been listed as synchronous in order for students to arrange work schedules around class times and be present for lab and lecture periods.
It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor when circumstances prevent him/her/them from participating in class. If participation or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the course at the instructor's discretion.
In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor because of class sessions being missed.
ACC Withdrawal Policy
The College defines withdrawals as occurring after the official reporting date of the semester, typically the 12th class day. In addition, the Legislature has mandated the Rule of Six (see below). There may also be financial aid issues.
“It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the final withdrawal date of Monday, April 28th. The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.
Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.
ACC Incomplete Policy
Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant. The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not. The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an “I” grade.
1. Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date. This meeting can occur virtually or in person. The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.
2. The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student. The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement. A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.
3. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above. This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.
4. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.
5. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F.
If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.” Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.”
Policy on Late or Missing Work
Students are able to negotiate alternative submission dates with the instructor, but only days in advance of the due date. If assignments are submitted late then the assignment will be graded as is and is not eligible for a “red line” review by the instructor with the ability for the student to correct errors and re-submit the assignment for a higher grade. It is always better to submit what you have completed rather than miss the deadline. Submitting what you have completed to receive instructor feedback and the ability to submit corrections is always the smarter route to go.
Office Hours
M W Th 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Online
NOTEPublished: 01/14/2025 10:25:52