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Technical Rotation, Drafting Libraries & Raising Documentation Standards This week’s session focused on refining technical accuracy in Revit — particularly model rotation, coordinate control, detailed drafting, and annotation standards. Alongside demonstrations, Sean addressed student-specific challenges and reinforced expectations around participation, file management, and professional standards. 1. Technical Support & Accountability The session opened by addressing ongoing

Sections, Tagging, Internal Elevations & Professional Documentation Standards This week’s session focused on strengthening technical documentation inside Revit — moving beyond basic drawings into properly annotated, construction-ready outputs. The emphasis was clear: clean views, correct tagging, accurate annotation, and professional presentation standards. 1. Managing Sections Properly in Revit The session began with advanced section management techniques. Topics demonstrate

Digital Documentation for Architects 2026 Elevations, Sections & Enlarged Room Layouts (Assignment Parts 3–5) 1. From Site Plans to Vertical Information This week’s lecture shifted from horizontal documentation (plans and site coordination) to vertical representation —specifically: Elevations Sections Enlarged interior elevations (room layouts) Sean began by reviewing previous submissions and reinforcing the importance of completing and linking site plans correctly before mov

Quick recap In this class session, Brian taught students about creating infographics, specifically focusing on a 5-step process for developing information graphics using design tools like Illustrator and Photoshop. He demonstrated how to collect data, select appropriate chart types, find visual opportunities, establish themes, and gather design resources. Rather than conducting the planned class activity, Brian announced that students would instead document their infographic

Quick recap The meeting focused on presentations related to various features of Revit, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, as part of a class project. Students presented on topics such as curtain walls, schedules, families, and view templates, demonstrating how these features can enhance workflow efficiency and project documentation. Each group explained the functionality, benefits, and practical applications of their assigned topic, with some groups also showcasi

Meeting summary Quick recap Quick recap In this class session, the lecturer gives an example of how to effectively integrate infographics into Architectural feasability studies. By analyzing a proposed business incubator in Ocho Rios, the educator demonstrates how visual data and diagrams can simplify complex research, such as demographics and spatial relationships. The lesson highlights how icons and color-coded bubble diagrams communicate essential project details more effi

Meeting summary Quick recap The meeting focused on digital note-taking and organization strategies, particularly emphasizing the concept of creating a "second brain" through advanced computing tools. Brian Williams led a discussion on using digital notebooks to capture various forms of information, including text, audio, images, and videos, while emphasizing the importance of contextual linking and real-time collaboration. He introduced the Para method for organizing notes in

Meeting summary Quick recap The meeting focused on the first class of a BIM Studio course, where Brian Williams introduced the major project assignment and demonstrated how to set up a Revit project for an exhibition pavilion design. Students learned to establish project boundaries, create grid lines, and set up elevation markers, with Brian emphasizing the importance of accurate measurements and proper documentation. The class covered fundamental Revit techniques including g

Digital Documentation for Architects 2026 Week 4 – Linking Site Plans and Using Shared Coordinates in Revit 1. Why Site Coordination Matters This week’s session focused on one of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of Revit workflows: correctly linking a building model to its site using shared coordinates . Sean began by explaining that proper model placement is essential for: Accurate site drawings Coordination between multiple project files Ensuring drawings

Quick recap The meeting focused on demonstrating how to create and modify site plans in Revit, including acquiring coordinates, rotating and aligning linked site plans, and adding definition to site contours. Sean Johns guided participants through the process of creating a topographic surface, adding points for site definition, and cutting out building footprints to avoid clashes. He also showed how to adjust line weights, create spot elevations, and use the massing tool to m

Summary Revit Assignment and Navigation Overview The instructor began the session by addressing the class and discussing the upcoming assignment due on February 6th. He explained the requirements for the draft submission, emphasizing the importance of understanding Revit's various environments and line weights. The instructor also highlighted the need for students to engage with the course material and participate in class activities. He demonstrated how to open and navigate

Week 2 – Working Drawings, Standards, and Assignment Expectations 1. Week 2 Overview & Housekeeping The second week of Digital Documentation for Architects focused on setting clear expectations around assignments, software setup, and professional standards. Sean opened by: Clarifying the number of required submissions (eight, not six) Addressing scheduling conflicts and reminding students to rely on the module website for accurate class times Reinforcing the importance of

Quick recap The class focused on exploring the Autodesk Revit sample project, which serves as a semi-fictional training model based on a historical building in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. Brian Williams demonstrated how the project showcases various Revit features and explained that students would form groups to present on specific topics related to Revit functionality. Students were instructed to watch an interview video about the project and explore the model to prepare for

Quick recap The class focused on teaching architectural production processes through a hands-on exercise where students created a 3D massing model of an exhibition pavilion in SketchUp. Professor Brian Williams guided students through converting a hand-drawn sketch into a digital model, including creating a terrain feature and conducting a solar study to analyze natural light exposure. The session covered fundamental architectural concepts like pre-design phases, project mana

DDA Week 1 - 22-01-2026 Module Introduction, Software Setup, and Early Revit Workflows 1. Welcome & Attendance Expectations The session opens with an overview of the Digital Documentation for Architects 2026 module, including a frank discussion about attendance challenges and scheduling conflicts. Key points covered: Why live attendance matters , especially for interactive exercises and weekly deliverables Assurance that sessions are recorded for students who cannot attend

Quick recap The meeting focused on scheduling and planning for an upcoming module, including discussion of practical sessions, a study tour, and course structure. Brian provided an overview of the computing team members, outlined the progression of the course modules, and emphasized the importance of mastering Revit for industry standards. The instructor explained the course structure, requirements for class participation, and upcoming projects, including a major individual p

Quick recap Brian discussed the timeline for assignments, emphasizing that students should check the website for updates and due dates. He advised students to ensure their computers are set up with necessary software for the graphic design assignment. Brian also addressed a student's question about previous grades and whether they could be used for the current module. He explained that if the assignments remained unchanged, the old grades might be applicable, but if there wer

Quick recap The class discussed checkpoint grades and submission deadlines, with Brian confirming he would review all submissions by the 19th. A detailed tutorial was provided on animating buildings in Twinmotion, covering workflows from Revit to Twinmotion, material enhancements, and lighting setups. The conversation ended with discussions about design tools and workflows for architectural modeling, including Revit, SketchUp, and Twinmotion, along with announcements about fi

Quick recap The instructor began by checking in with the team and discussing preparations for an upcoming crit, including presentation requirements and project timelines. The class then focused on a kitchen design project using multiple software tools, with demonstrations covering Revit modeling, SketchUp detailing, and Twinmotion rendering. The conversation ended with announcements about next week's focus on Twinmotion rendering and lighting, along with reminders about criti

Quick recap The meeting covered the extension of the semester and modifications to the final project timeline, including updates on course schedule, assignments, and deadlines. The discussion focused on various presentation formats in architecture, comparing digital methods like websites, slideshows, and videos, while also explaining the technical aspects of the internet and website development. The final project requirements were outlined, emphasizing the creation of a perso