AC1 Lecture 1 Sept 2, 2026
Advanced Computing 1 — Week 1
Module Introduction
1. Welcome to Advanced Computing 1
Introduction to the module and teaching approach
Introduction to the instructor and professional background
Overview of the software ecosystem used throughout the course, including Revit, Archicad and SketchUp
Expectations for attendance, punctuality and active participation
Why the first few weeks of the module are particularly important
2. What to Expect from the Module
Overview of the semester structure
The four main components of the module:
Mimic assignment
BIM measured survey group project
Design studio project
Class participation
How the different components contribute to the overall assessment
The importance of time management and keeping up with submissions
3. The Module Workflow
Introduction to the module website and online resources
Using Google Forms to collect information and feedback
Using Miro as a collaborative workspace
How digital tools will support both individual and group activities
Overview of the progression from visualisation exercises to site-based and collaborative work
4. Understanding Architectural Visualisation
What architectural visualisation means within the context of the course
Moving beyond simply producing attractive images
Using visualisation as a method of architectural communication
Developing repeatable personal workflows rather than simply copying someone else's process
The relationship between BIM models, visualisation and presentation
5. Introducing the Mimic Exercise
What the Mimic exercise is and why it is being used
Studying the visual language and presentation techniques of established architects
Identifying distinctive architectural graphic styles
Reproducing those approaches using digital tools
Understanding the difference between copying an image and understanding the workflow behind it
6. The Four Mimic Outputs
Students will develop four different forms of architectural representation:
2D Floor Plan
2D/3D Section
3D Perspective
Exploded / X-Ray View
For each output, students are expected to consider:
The visual style of the reference
The communication objective
The software and tools used
The process required to reproduce the result
7. Selecting Architectural References
How to research suitable architectural precedents
Using sources such as Pinterest to discover presentation styles
Selecting references from real architectural projects
Avoiding AI-generated references where the objective is to study an existing architectural graphic language
Choosing references that are both visually interesting and achievable
Ensuring that students do not duplicate one another's chosen images
8. Choosing the BIM Model
Introduction to the available building models
Comparison of the residential model options
Class discussion and voting
Final model allocation
How the selected model will provide the common base for the Mimic exercise
9. Learning from Previous Student Work
Review of examples from previous years
Comparison of stronger and weaker submissions
What makes a visual communication successful
Common mistakes and incomplete approaches
Examples of different software workflows
Discussion of how tools such as Revit, Archicad, Photoshop, Affinity and AI can be incorporated into a workflow
10. Documenting the Workflow
Why students must document how their images were produced
Introduction to swim-lane diagrams as a way of communicating a digital workflow
Recording the sequence of software, tools and processes
Showing the relationship between BIM, image editing, AI and other digital tools
Understanding that the process is part of the assessment, not simply the final image
11. Communication Objectives
A key part of the exercise is understanding what each image is trying to communicate.
Students should consider:
What information does the image communicate?
Why was this particular representation chosen?
How does the graphic style reinforce the communication objective?
Does the final image successfully communicate the intended architectural information?
The Mimic image and the communication objective should therefore work together rather than being treated as two unrelated tasks.
12. Practical Class Activities
Students were introduced to the initial class activities, including:
Completing the About You questionnaire
Completing the Digital Communication Preferences Survey
Creating an introductory board on Miro
Sharing an example of their best work from the previous year
Adding information about the software used and when the work was produced
Selecting and submitting potential Mimic references for approval
13. BIM Integration Demonstration
Demonstration of BIM model coordination within Revit
Linking structural and MEP models into an architectural model
Understanding how different disciplines can contribute to a coordinated BIM environment
Connecting the visualisation workflow to broader BIM practice
14. Looking Ahead: Measured Survey & Collaboration
Introduction to the later stages of the module
Preparation for site visits and measured survey work
Selection of a survey location
Role of the class representative
Transition from individual visualisation work toward collaborative BIM activities
15. Key Takeaways
By the end of this session, students should understand:
What Advanced Computing 1 is designed to teach
How the module is structured and assessed
What the Mimic exercise involves
How to select appropriate architectural references
The four visual outputs required for the exercise
Why communication objectives are important
Why the digital workflow must be documented
How Miro and other digital platforms will be used during the module
What needs to be completed before the next session
16. Before the Next Class
Students should:
Complete the required questionnaires
Complete the Miro icebreaker
Select four potential Mimic references
Ensure the references represent a floor plan, section, perspective and exploded/X-ray view
Submit references for approval
Avoid duplicating another student's chosen references
Report timetable or computer-access issues
Participate in deciding the measured survey location