New York City College of Technology – City University of New York

300 Jay Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201

Department of Architectural Technology

Professor: Jeffery Magella

Email: Jmagella@yahoo.com
Phone: 212 505 4938

AR 609 Integrated Software in the Architectural Office

Section 4154 Thursday 6:00 - 8:30 PM V 834B
3 class hours, 3 credits

Course Description: The course is designed introduce the student to the variety of software that is
being used in an Architectural Design Office. The student will be provided with the guidelines for
better implementing AutoCAD into the office environment and integration of specialized software
into all aspects of the architectural profession. The world of computers is continuously growing,
with new technology appearing every day. The intention of the course is to teach the student to
open their eyes to this growth and to provide ways of keeping up with technology so that they may
provide the Design Firm with up to date information about the world of computers.

Prerequisites: AR 561

Suggested Text: Layers: The Complete Guide to Photoshop’s Most Powerful Feature
By: Matt Kloskowski
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The Adobe Illustrator CS3 Wow Book

By: Sharon Steuer
Amazon Price: $34.64

Materials: A Flash Drive....

Format: The course will be a series of lectures and class discussions followed by
participation of students in weekly individual and group projects.
.
Attendance policy: For a class that meets once a week - Two (2) absences.
Two late arrivals [more than ten minutes] are equal to one absence.
If a student exceeds the absences he/she may fail the course.

Grading: 30% for Group Presentation

20% for e-Portfolio
50% for Assignments

Professional presentation and punctuality in meeting deadlines will

be stressed, as one would expect in a work environment.

Projects are due on the date assigned by the instructor. A student will
receive a penalty of 1 full grade for each date the assignment is late.
If the project deserves an A but was delivered two classes late, the
student will receive a C grade. [From A to B to C] This penalty will be
enforced even if the student is absent from class on the deadline day.
Do not stay home from class if your project is not ready, it does not pay.

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Integrated Software in the Architectural OfficeSpring 2007
Course Requirements: Each student is responsible for turning in a project even if he/she is
absent on the day the assignment is due. Projects should be submitted
in the proper format, for example, original print outs or emailed files as
directed. It is the student's responsibility to have the telephone numbers
of a few members of the class, or if possible to see the instructor to find
out what was assigned for the following class.

Objectives: Upon the successful completion of this course, the students shall be able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet,
Illustration, image editing and scheduling software.
2. Identify the similarities that exist between various software programs and
how to incorporate new software into an office environment.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of Internet search engines and
incorporate the information into research and analysis.
4. Demonstrate basic knowledge of other computer software that may be
used in an Architectural Office.

Course Outline:

Week 1 (Jan 31st) Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat’s PDF

Demonstration and overview of the basic components of Microsoft Word
2007 focusing on general formatting, page layout and design issues.
Assignment 01: Emailing a Resume

Week 2 (Feb. 7th) Microsoft Excel, Part One

Demonstration and overview of the basic components of Microsoft Excel
focusing on basic formulas and formatting issues.
Assignment 02: Cost Estimate

Week 3 (Feb. 14th) Microsoft Excel, Part Two

Using Microsoft Excel to create a formatted schedule.
Assignment 03: Project Schedule

Week 4 (Feb 21st) Adobe Illustrator. Part One

Overview of Illustrator tools and vector artwork concepts.
Assignment 04: Rendered Floor Plan

Week 5 (Feb. 28th) Adobe Illustrator. Part Two

Group Project Assigned
Importing Autocad and PDF files.

Week 6 (Mar. 6th) Microsoft Powerpoint

Using Powerpoint with Autocad, Illustrator and Photoshop.
Assignment 05: Presentation Formats

Week 7 (Mar. 13th) Rhino 3d

Introduction to 3d concepts and technical modeling
Assignment 06: Canopy Model

Week 8 (Mar. 20th) Rhino 3d

Integrating with Autocad and Basic Rendering
Assignment 07: Canopy Rendering

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Integrated Software in the Architectural OfficeSpring 2007
Week 09 (Mar. 27th) Adobe Photoshop, Part One
Introduction to Photoshop
Assignment 08: Photographs

Week 10 (Apr. 3rd) Group PowerPoint Presentations

Week 11 (Apr. 10th) Adobe Photoshop, Part Two

Layers and masking
Assignment 09: Gallery Wall and Perspective Matching

Week 12 (Apr. 17th) ePortfolio review of final requirements.

80% In class review

Week 13 (May 1st) Adobe Photoshop, Part Three

Color correction and Image editing concepts
Assignment 10: Page Layout and Design

Week 14 (May 8th) Adobe Photoshop, Part Four

Advanced and new features of CS3

Week 15 (May 15th) ePortfolio In Class Presentations

Each student presents his or her ePortfolio Website

AR 3609 Page 3 of 3
Integrated Software in the Architectural OfficeSpring 2007