Cursos / 1º Ciclo / Faculty of Architecture and Arts :: Architecture ( Integrated Master)

DESENHO DE COMUNICAÇÃO - 2025/2026

2º curricular year
Semestralidade: 2nd semester
ECTS: 5.5

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutor Jorge Amaral

Class type and School hours

Teórico-prática : 6 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

The Communication Design Curricular Unit aims to deepen the knowledge and skills acquired in the first semester, specifically:
Understanding and applying the fundamental principles of spatial representation (perspective, proportion, light, and shadow).
Stimulating the ability for visual interpretation and synthesis, transposing observed reality into a coherent graphic representation.

Specific Aims/Objectives

Utilize graphic expression as a mode of design communication: Use light/dark effectively to model forms, create volume, and define spatial depth.
Explore architectural and object drawing: Represent architectural spaces, constructive elements, and complex objects with precision and detail.

Skills to be acquired

Correctly apply the principles of linear perspective (1, 2, and 3 vanishing points) to construct three-dimensional spaces and objects coherently and credibly.
Understand and represent aerial perspective, creating the illusion of depth and distance through the treatment of light, color, and detail.
Use light and shadow to confer volume, depth, texture, and atmosphere to drawings, distinguishing between direct light, reflections, cast shadows, and form shadows.

Teaching Procedures

The coursework unfolds through a blend of practical and theoretical-practical sessions. In theoretical-practical classes, exercises will be introduced, along with the necessary themes and information to progress. Regular presentations and discussions of results will also take place. During practical classes, proposed exercises will be implemented and executed, then presented, analyzed, critiqued, and discussed, either in groups or individually.

Programme

The exercises will be progressive in terms of complexity, combining technical challenges with creative exploration.
Module 1: The Representation of Space and Architecture (Weeks 1-6)
Exercise 1.1: 3-Point Perspective and Aerial Perspective
Drawing of exteriors (buildings, urban landscapes) with attention to depth.
Introduction to aerial perspective (fading, detail vs. distance).
Materials: Graphite.
Module 2: The Representation of Urban Space (Weeks 7-14)
Exercise 2.1: Observational Drawing of Architectural Spaces
Field trips to draw buildings, squares, or other urban spaces.
Focus on capturing the atmosphere and constructive details.
Materials: Field notebook, pen, watercolor (optional).
Exercise 2.2: Study of Textures and Surfaces
Creation of samples of different textures (wood, stone, water, etc.).
Integration of these textures into drawings of objects or environments.
Materials: Various, with experimentation.

Evaluation Type

Attendance, class participation, technical and expressive mastery of graphic recording, observation and analysis skills, and understanding and application of representation principles will be taken into account.
Continuous assessment will also include two individual tests (50%) and the submission of practical exercises (50%), according to the academic calendar. The fundamental institutional assessment moments will also be fulfilled: the Midterm Exam and the Final Exam (100%).

Teaching Resources

To achieve the required objectives and competencies, the following didactic resources will be used:
Specialized bibliography available in the Lusíada University media library and library.
Indication of fundamental texts for learning and completing practical exercises.
Use of examples of relevant artists´ works, videos, and other visual resources to illustrate concepts and inspire students.

Sustainability Objectives

Make communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The three pillars of sustainability in architectural space design: economic, environmental, and social dimensions.
Critical Thinking: Develop students´ ability to question existing practices, critically evaluate design solutions, and adopt an ethical and responsible stance in their design choices.

Keywords

Linear perspective
Architectural space
Urban space
Textures
Surfaces

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography