2026-03-09 AC2 - Working Class - Building and Architectural Infographic

Quick recap

The class focused on creating architectural infographics, with Professor Brian Williams demonstrating how to use SketchUp to simplify building models before creating infographics in Illustrator. He showed students how to prepare and export models, create thematic elements, and incorporate data visualization techniques. The professor provided feedback on previous assignments, emphasizing the importance of clear data presentation and thematic consistency. He also explained that this would be the final class on infographics, with the next topic being film in architecture. Students were reminded to check their grades on the class website and to attend future classes as there may be additional grade-giving activities.

Next steps

• All students: Complete Assignment 2 (architectural infographic) using the assigned model and question from the Miro board, ensuring the model is prepared/simplified in SketchUp and the infographic is developed according to the discussed guidelines (by the assignment deadline, not specified in transcript).

• Students who have not yet selected a question/model (Rochelle, Zachary, Leshon): Check the Miro board for their assigned question/model as posted by Brian.

• Any student who has not yet submitted Assignment 1: Submit Assignment 1 as soon as possible to avoid further grade reduction.

• Brian: Assign specific questions/models to students who did not select one during the previous class (already started during class, but needs to be completed for all affected students).

• All students: Review the updated grades and feedback for Assignment 1 on the class website.

• All students: Begin preparing for the next topic (cinematography/film in architecture) starting on Monday.

Summary

Architectural Infographics Feedback Session

Brian led a class discussion on infographic feedback and architectural infographics, focusing on the importance of balancing data representation with visual themes. He reviewed student submissions, highlighting key points about maintaining clear data presentation and integrating location information in architectural infographics. The class explored techniques for simplifying building models in SketchUp to create effective architectural infographics, with examples of using simplified building representations in charts and diagrams. Brian emphasized the importance of preparing and curating models before creating infographics, including techniques like hiding unnecessary lines and simplifying visual elements to focus on key information.

Architectural Diagrams Preparation Process

Brian demonstrated a process for preparing and exporting architectural diagrams, focusing on using vector formats like PDF, DWG, EPS, and SVG to preserve line work when moving between programs. He explained the importance of preparing models by cleaning up lines, simplifying details, and customizing the view based on specific goals, recommending SketchUp for its section tools and ability to hide lines. The discussion included instructions on using Illustrator to embed, ungroup, and color diagrams effectively, with an emphasis on using layers and color guides to achieve desired visual representations.

Illustrator Chart Creation Demonstration

Brian demonstrated how to create a chart in Illustrator, showing the process of using the pen tool and working with color themes. He explained that while Illustrator has built-in chart tools, he often prefers creating charts in other programs and importing them as PDFs. Brian also discussed the importance of finding visual themes to tie together different elements of a design, suggesting Pinterest and other websites as sources of inspiration for color schemes and design concepts.

Architectural Energy Efficiency Infographic

Brian guided the class through creating an architectural infographic comparing energy efficiency between two sides of a building. He demonstrated how to simplify a SketchUp model by removing details while preserving the mass, then export it to programs like Illustrator for further development. The key steps involved creating a color-coded diagram where one side used solar panels and HVAC, showing it as 70% more efficient than the other side. Brian emphasized the importance of having a unifying theme for the infographic and announced that next week's class would move to a new topic.

Infographics and Visualization Techniques

Brian led a class discussion on creating infographics, focusing on model preparation and visualization techniques. He demonstrated how to use sections, elevations, and axonometric views in SketchUp, and suggested using Pinterest for inspiration. Brian assigned specific questions to students who hadn't selected them, including Rochelle and Leshon, and clarified where to find their names on the mirror board. He announced that the next topic would be cinematography and film in architecture, starting the following Monday. Brian also informed students about accessing their grades on the class website and reminded them about class participation and late submission penalties.

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