2025-11-22 Presentation Media and Website Creation

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 personal architectural portfolio website using Wix, with specific components and grading details provided for the computing course.

Next steps

• Brian: Enable the final project assignment on the website so students can access it

• Students: Sign up for Wix accounts and create personal architectural portfolio websites

• Students: Create hybrid images using models from Assignment 1 for website landing pages

• Students: Complete and submit Assignment 1 before December 23rd

• Students: Submit final project websites with published URLs

• Students: Include AI usage disclaimers on About pages if AI tools were used

• Brian: Mark remaining 80% of in-design studio-based assignments

• Students: Complete final project website before December 23rd deadline

• Brian: Conduct final class next week for project follow-up and grade resolution

• Brian: Handle any missing grades or submission issues in final class

Summary

Semester Extension and Final Adjustments

The meeting discussed the extension of the semester by two weeks and modifications to the final project to accommodate the new timeline. Brian announced that the final class would be held the following week, which would be a short session, and no further classes would follow. The changes were made to ensure the remaining classes post-Medica remained manageable within the original timeframe.

Course Updates and Final Project

The meeting covered updates on the course schedule, assignments, and deadlines. Brian announced that classes will end on December 3, and the final project will focus on websites and web presence as presentation tools for architecture. He emphasized the importance of completing the final project and Assignment 1, which together account for 65% of the grade, and noted that late submissions will not be penalized. Brian also provided a timeline for submitting grades, suggesting that work should be completed before Christmas Eve to allow lecturers time to mark assignments during the holiday period.

Effective Architecture Presentation Techniques

Brian discussed the importance of presentation in architecture, distinguishing between digital and analog presentations. He emphasized the impact of tangible props and models in analog presentations, using examples like a wheelbarrow of sugar to illustrate their effectiveness. Brian also mentioned plans to introduce 3D printing to help students create tangible models for their presentations. He reminded the class that presenting is a crucial part of their studies at CSA, where they will have regular opportunities to practice public speaking.

Enhancing Presentations with Data and Media

Brian emphasized the importance of data in presentations, highlighting that while good presentation skills are valuable, the data itself is crucial, especially in fields like architecture. He encouraged the use of moving images and animations in presentations to better convey design ideas, suggesting that a combination of analog and digital tools can create more comprehensive presentations. Brian also introduced the concept of hypermedia, explaining its difference from video presentations and websites, and encouraged students to explore its use in their future presentations.

Comparing Digital Presentation Formats

Brian led a discussion comparing different digital presentation formats, focusing on the differences between slideshows, websites, and videos. Shamario explained that websites are more dynamic than slideshows due to their interactive nature and ability to include animations, while Gianna noted that videos have more moving components and allow for more scene creation compared to static slideshows. Brian then used a hypothetical ritual project presentation to illustrate how all three formats could convey the same information, emphasizing the advantages of websites, such as user agency in navigation and the ability to access content online.

Types of Digital Presentation Methods

The discussion focused on three types of digital presentations: websites, slideshows, and videos. Brian explained that websites offer a dynamic, user-controlled experience, while slideshows provide a guided, sequential presentation with the ability to pause and interact. Videos, like movie trailers, offer a curated, immersive experience without user control, designed to evoke emotion. The conversation concluded with an introduction to websites, including the concept of URLs and protocols, as part of a broader discussion on presentation methods in architecture courses.

Understanding the Internet's Infrastructure

The discussion focused on explaining the nature of the internet. Brian clarified that the internet is not a physical location or computer but a global network of interconnected wires running underground and underwater. He explained how companies connect to these wires, pay to maintain their connections, and sell access to users, making the internet a decentralized system. Brian also described domain names as digital phone numbers that require payment and registration, emphasizing that no single entity controls the entire internet.

Websites and URLs Explained

The discussion focused on explaining how websites and URLs work, using analogies to phone numbers and data storage. Brian explained that websites exist on servers in data centers, similar to how phone numbers are registered with telecom companies. He emphasized that while the internet is a global network of connected wires, individual websites require physical storage on servers. The conversation concluded with a comparison of different portfolio presentation formats, where Brian showed examples of digital portfolios and asked students to identify whether they were websites, slideshows, or videos, leading to a discussion about the different ways portfolios can be presented digitally.

Personal Architectural Portfolio Website

The instructor explained that the final project will involve creating a personal architectural portfolio website using Wix, which can serve as a powerful presentation medium compared to slideshows or videos. The website will have three main components: a landing page featuring a hybrid image from Assignment 1, an About page with a profile image and 120-word bio, and two project categories - architectural computing (showcasing work in software like Photoshop and Illustrator) and design studio (featuring existing project images). The instructor emphasized that this modified assignment requires less work than previous versions, focusing primarily on presentation and organization of existing content rather than creating new models.

Wix Portfolio Project Requirements

Brian explained the final project requirements for the computing course, which involves creating a portfolio website using Wix. He emphasized the importance of using AI tools to assist with website development but stressed that students must customize their websites and not rely solely on templates. Brian outlined the three essential components of a website: URL, interface, and storage. He demonstrated how to set up a Wix account and choose a template, emphasizing the need to customize the website thoroughly. Brian also mentioned that the final project will be 40% of the overall grade and reminded students to submit the published URL for marking. The next class will be the final session, where students will discuss the course and submit their final projects for marking.

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