2026-09-12 DDM Image Size and DPI + Exercise 1
Meeting summary
Quick recap
The class focused on introducing students to the CSA computing hub and the structure of the DDM module, with an emphasis on participation and the use of Photoshop for architectural image editing. Brian explained the new participation system, which automatically awards points for watching videos and completing activities, and detailed how participation could impact assignment grades. He reviewed key concepts of image resolution, DPI, and printing, using examples from his own architectural projects. The class then transitioned to practical work, with students accessing pre-recorded Photoshop tutorials through the hub and beginning Exercise 1, which involved enhancing an architectural scene with color correction, sky replacement, and entourage. Technical issues with accessing the hub, Photoshop, and video playback were addressed throughout, and Brian provided guidance on exemptions and alternative software for those without immediate access to Photoshop.
Next steps
Brian
Approve exemption requests and update profile pictures for students who have submitted them.
Leave the participation system open for an additional 1.5 hours after class for students to complete the videos and submit screenshots.
Collaboration
All students: Watch the "Learning Photoshop Basics" videos (Part 1 and Part 2) on the CSA Computing Hub to earn participation points.
All students: Complete Exercise 1 (Photoshop) by following the tutorial videos and submit the final JPEG image via the class website by Monday.
Students without Photoshop access (e.g., Tiana, Rodine-Ashleigh, Dillon, etc.): Send an exemption request via the video system for the screenshot requirement and ensure to submit the exercise work by Monday.
Students needing to update their profile picture (e.g., Tajerah, Abeni, etc.): Send a photo directly to Brian via Zoom chat for him to update on the system.
All students: Ensure Photoshop is installed and ready for the next class, as the second Photoshop exercise will be conducted.
Students who picked a laptop for the $1,500 activity: Be prepared to discuss and rank the selections in the next class.
Summary
Architecture School Computing Hub Introduction
Brian conducted a class meeting to discuss the first week of architecture school and introduce the CSA computing hub. He announced that students need to start tracking their hours from 5 PM and demonstrated how to access class recordings and resources on the class website. Brian explained the new computing hub system, which includes pre-recorded practical sessions to complement live lectures, and mentioned an upcoming exercise involving laptop specifications for architecture students.
Computing Hub System Updates
Brian explained the new Computing Hub system which allows students to learn at their own pace through independent streams rather than following a single live presentation. He outlined the new participation grading system, which now accounts for 10% of the final grade and is calculated automatically through points earned from watching videos, completing class activities, and answering QuickBits quizzes. Brian also announced a secret bonus feature where participation scores will be added to select assignment grades, though he did not specify which assignments would receive this boost.
Student Participation System Updates
Brian explained a new participation system where students can earn additional 10% on assignments by completing class activities during live sessions, with points only being awarded when participation is enabled during class time. He clarified that while students can access videos outside class for learning, they won't earn participation points for watching them independently. Brian addressed student questions about lab access and assignment submission timelines, explaining that individual session times can be arranged for those who cannot complete activities during class hours due to scheduling conflicts or lack of computer access. The class was about to begin a discussion on image size, DPI, and resolution as part of their digital design education.
Printing Concepts in Architecture
Brian discussed the importance of understanding printing concepts in architecture, emphasizing how printing issues can significantly impact studio grades and professional work. He explained key digital imaging concepts including pixels, resolution, and DPI, using practical examples to demonstrate that image quality is determined by the number of pixels regardless of image size. The discussion included a practical exercise where students estimated the number of sheets in a thesis presentation, which totalled 21 sheets, and Brian highlighted the significant cost of printing in architecture, particularly at the masters level.
Image Resolution and Printing Discussion
Brian led a discussion about image resolution and printing, using a project rendering as an example to explain the differences between digital and physical image quality. He clarified that DPI (dots per inch) is primarily relevant for physical printing devices rather than digital screens, and explained how DPI relates to a printer's capability to produce spray dots per square inch. The class was transitioning to begin working with Photoshop, with Brian promising to continue the discussion about image size in the next class session.
Photoshop Applications in Architecture
Brian led a discussion on Photoshop, explaining its cultural significance and various applications, particularly in architecture. He demonstrated how Photoshop can be used to enhance photos, correct perspective, and combine multiple images, using examples from previous projects. The class participated in identifying differences between photos before and after editing, discussing techniques like sky replacement, ground adjustments, and adding elements like bushes and reflections. Brian addressed technical issues some students faced accessing the platform and announced plans to provide alternative participation opportunities for those with connectivity problems.
New Hub System Introduction Meeting
Brian introduced a new hub system for the class and assigned an introductory Photoshop Basics task to students. Several students reported technical issues accessing the videos, and Brian instructed them to message him for assistance. He explained that students could watch the video on their phones or iPads if they couldn't access a computer, and mentioned that students could contact Mr. Campbell for help with Photoshop installation. Brian guided students through navigating to the CSA Hub on the class website to find and access their assigned tasks.
Photoshop Tutorial and Guidelines
Brian conducted a Photoshop tutorial session, explaining how panels work and that different Photoshop layouts appear different due to customizable panel arrangements. He addressed technical issues including screenshot requirements for the first video and clarified that students who cannot use Photoshop during class can still earn participation points by watching the video later and contacting him if they need assistance. Brian also corrected the pronunciation of a student's name and discussed how to submit screenshots when required for class activities.
Video Assignment Technical Issues
Brian led a class session where students were required to watch two videos and submit screenshots to progress through the system. Several students, including Joshua Shallow, Joseph, and others, experienced issues with taking screenshots and accessing the second video, which Brian attributed to a potential system update issue. Brian decided to extend the deadline for completing the video requirement and announced plans to move into a tutorial section after giving students additional time to finish the video assignment. Multiple students, including Tiana, Brenika, and Dillon, reported technical difficulties accessing Photoshop, with Dillon noting lack of computer access as the issue.
Class Exercises Structure Overview
Brian explained the class exercises structure, which includes five exercises covering industry-standard software like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and SketchUp. He clarified that there will be two exercises for Photoshop and Illustrator, one for SketchUp, and a comprehensive exercise for InDesign. Brian emphasized that while other software options exist, CSA will focus on teaching the industry standards, and he encouraged students to explore alternative options like Affinity if they wish.
Photoshop Exercise Introduction for Students
Brian introduced the first Photoshop exercise focused on color correction, sky replacement, and image manipulation for architectural scenes. He explained that while the exercise is worth only 10% and serves as a low-risk introduction to the software, students will later complete a 25% assignment requiring actual Photoshop files. For students without Photoshop access, Brian instructed them to watch the tutorial video during class time and send him a message with a screenshot to confirm they attempted the exercise, though they cannot submit actual work.
Photoshop Class and Submission Guidelines
Brian led a class session on Photoshop exercises, explaining how students can access and complete video tutorials for participation points. He clarified that students without Photoshop access must submit an exemption request with evidence of their knowledge by Monday to avoid late submission penalties. Brian demonstrated how to check grades and criteria through the portal, and addressed questions about submission procedures and access to school computers for Photoshop use.
Photoshop Exercise and Submission Guidelines
Brian led a class session focused on a Photoshop exercise, addressing student questions about accessing and using the software, including alternative programs like Affinity that could be used for the current assignment but not for future ones requiring Photoshop file submissions. He clarified the process for submitting exemption requests for students unable to access Photoshop and emphasized that participation points would be awarded for watching the tutorial videos, while the actual exercise must be completed by Monday. Brian announced that the next class would cover a second Photoshop exercise and continue discussions about hardware tools for the course.
Attendees: Brian Williams (Organizer), De-Anna Webster (External), Shaquan Harrison (External), Junare Tonge (External), Cavaughn Chambers, Nicholas Ximinnies, Jaheem Lewis (External), Tavia Ruddock (External), Tiana Hope (External), Pierce Forde (External), Caitlin Falconer (External), Kattannia Foster (External), Joshua Shallow (External), Pierce Forde (External), Pierce Forde (External), Joshua (External), Jomo Godfrey (External), Alley Green (External), JHANIEL LAWRENCE (External), Davina Green (External), Tiana Hope (External), Adriana Edwards (External), and 77 others.
AI can make mistakes. Review for accuracy.