Concept Takes Command: A Proposal to Teach and Learn Architectural Graphics with Digital Tools

Abstract

This paper presents a reflection on the teaching of architectural graphics using digital tools, drawing from experiences developed in first-year courses within the field of knowledge. The pedagogical approaches aim to furnish students with a robust conceptual foundation that transcends superficial knowledge of software, fostering a profound understanding of the internal operational logics. We describe a didactic experience structured around four content sections concerning representation, 3D modeling, building information modeling via parametric components, and architectural visualization based on digital post-production strategies. The goal is to achieve a conscious and adaptable utilization of digital tools, surpassing the constraints of mere command-based training. We propose a pragmatic approach rooted in computational thinking that prioritizes conceptual understanding over instrumental training, facilitating effective adaptation to successive technological changes and evolutions.