AC1 Lecture 2 Sept 9, 2026
Advanced Computing — Week 2
Advanced Visualisation Techniques & the Digital Toolkit
1. Introduction to the Session
Introduction to Week 2 of Advanced Computing
Focus of the session: advanced visualisation techniques and digital toolkits
Overview of how the lecture connects directly to Assignment 1
Reminder for students to register for the Advanced Computing class on the CSA website
Importance of keeping contact and enrolment information up to date
2. Introducing Assignment 1
Overview of the assignment and its objectives
Introduction to the concept of developing an advanced visualisation process
Using a supplied 3D model as the starting point
Creating visual outcomes based on specific communication objectives
Understanding that the assignment is about both:
The final visual result
The process used to produce it
3. Understanding Communication Objectives
What is a communication objective?
Selecting four different objectives for the assignment
Thinking about what each image needs to communicate
Choosing visual techniques that support the intended message
Understanding that a visually attractive image is not necessarily an effective architectural communication
4. The Mimic Component
Introduction to the Mimic component of the assignment
Selecting existing architectural images as visual references
Studying the graphic techniques used in those references
Reproducing the visual language using the supplied 3D model
Focusing on graphic communication rather than modelling from scratch
Reviewing examples of previous student submissions
5. The Digital Toolkit
Students are introduced to the idea of developing their own digital toolkit rather than relying on a single application.
Potential tools discussed include:
Revit
SketchUp
Twinmotion
Photoshop
Illustrator
Other Adobe applications
The session also introduces the distinction between:
Raster-based workflows
Vector-based workflows
The emphasis is on understanding what each tool is good at and combining them effectively to achieve the desired visual result.
6. Building a Visualisation Workflow
Why the workflow is an important part of the assignment
Developing a process that moves from the supplied model to the final graphic
Identifying which software is used at each stage
Understanding how different tools can be combined
Developing an individual workflow rather than simply reproducing the instructor's process
7. Introduction to Swim Lane Diagrams
What is a swim lane diagram?
Using swim lanes to communicate a digital design process
Breaking a complex workflow into clear stages
Identifying:
Actions
Software
Inputs
Outputs
Transitions between tools
8. Why Document the Process?
The assignment is not simply about producing four finished images
Students must demonstrate how they arrived at each result
Documenting the process makes the workflow understandable and repeatable
The diagram should describe the actual design process rather than simply listing the software used
9. Understanding Complexity Through Everyday Examples
Demonstration of how apparently simple activities can contain surprisingly complex workflows.
Examples include:
Creating a laser-cut architectural screen
Ordering a pizza
These examples demonstrate how a process can be broken down into individual stages and decisions, providing a simple introduction to the logic behind swim lane diagrams.
10. Assignment Submission Requirements
Students are expected to produce a coordinated set of outputs:
Miro Board
Containing:
Swim lane diagrams
Communication objectives
Mimic references
Documentation of the visualisation process
Four Mimic Outputs
Four standalone PDF images
Each corresponding to one of the selected communication objectives
Final Board Image
JPEG export of the completed Miro board
The submission should demonstrate both the visual outcomes and the process behind them.
11. Preparing for the Practical Session
Download the supplied 3D model from Miro
Select four communication objectives
Begin developing the digital toolkit required for each objective
Consider which software is appropriate for each stage
Begin constructing swim lane diagrams
Use the practical session to start developing the assignment
Students can work from the provided Revit and SketchUp files and select an appropriate floor level from the supplied multi-storey building.
12. Revit Visualisation Demonstration
The lecture moves into a practical demonstration of how a supplied Revit model can be transformed to reproduce a particular graphic style.
The demonstration covers:
Modifying floor materials
Creating gradient floor finishes
Changing wall appearances
Adjusting line styles
Changing line colours
Controlling the graphical appearance of model elements
Using Revit's visibility and graphics controls
Applying view filters
Modifying materials
13. Working with Revit Graphics
Understanding the difference between the model and its graphical representation
Using Revit's graphical overrides to transform the appearance of an existing model
Controlling how elements are represented without necessarily changing the underlying geometry
Combining materials, linework and view settings to achieve a particular presentation style
14. Replicating Graphics Rather Than Rebuilding the Model
A key principle demonstrated during the tutorial is that students are not being asked to remodel the building.
Instead, the task is to:
Start with the supplied geometry
Analyse the reference image
Identify the graphical techniques being used
Manipulate the Revit representation
Combine Revit with other digital tools where necessary
Reproduce the desired communication style
This reinforces the central idea of the Mimic exercise: understand the visual process behind the image, not simply the image itself.
15. Learning from Previous Student Work
Review of successful and unsuccessful examples
Identifying what makes a submission effective
Comparing different approaches to visualisation
Discussing the relationship between technique and communication objective
Learning from common weaknesses in previous submissions
16. Key Takeaways
By the end of the session, students should understand:
The overall requirements of Assignment 1
What a communication objective is
How the Mimic exercise relates to architectural visualisation
Why they need to develop a personal digital toolkit
The differences between raster and vector workflows
How to document a process using a swim lane diagram
How Revit graphics can be manipulated without remodelling the building
How different software applications can be combined within a single workflow
What is required for the final submission
17. Practical Exercise
The practical session provides an opportunity to begin applying the lecture content.
Students should:
Download the supplied model.
Select four communication objectives.
Identify appropriate visual references.
Determine the digital tools required for each outcome.
Begin developing their swim lane diagrams.
Experiment with the supplied Revit/SketchUp models.
Start reproducing the selected visual styles.
Document the process as they work.
18. Before the Next Session
Students should ensure that they have:
Registered for the class on the CSA website
Downloaded the supplied model
Selected their four communication objectives
Established an initial digital toolkit
Begun their four visualisation workflows
Started documenting those workflows using swim lane diagrams
Begun developing their Mimic outputs
Submitted the assignment using the designated submission link when complete
The key takeaway from the session:The assignment is not simply about making four attractive architectural images. It is about understanding how digital tools can be combined to communicate architectural information effectively, and being able to clearly explain and document the process used to achieve each result.