CP 695
Graphic Communication for Planners & Urban Designers Fall
2014
Professor Bruce Appleyard, PhD
Classroom: PSFA 114
Telephone: 503.810.7249 - email: bappleyard@mail.sdsu.edu
Office Hours: Wednesday, 4:00-5:30 PM, or by appointment (PSFA 117)
OVERVIEW
The goal of CP 695 is to help students acquire computer graphics skills to successfully communicate their
ideas, designs and plans. To build skill competencies, the course focuses on laboratory work and the
production of ULI like boards and final portfolio(s). Through demonstrations and hands on work you will
learn skills to solve visual problems using a variety of software programs as your tools. These skills and
tools will then allow you to prepare visual materials that properly communicate to different audiences;
including those you may encounter in the professional world, the ULI competition or any other competition
you may embark on. Typography, image, space, color, and form will be integrated as the term progresses.
The main emphasis of the course will be on you and your work. By actually working, taking risks,
experimenting, making mistakes and creating with the computer, much is to be learned.
This course will also be a part of unique partnership between National City and SDSU’s new Community
Engagement for Sustainable Cities initiative (for more information, see the document “2013-14 National
City Project List”). We will focus on building your skills to coming up with “Complete Street” and TOD
designs for Harbor Drive Corridor through National City and the City of San Diego.
OBJECTIVES
• Nurture individuality in expression while developing a strong foundation in graphic communications
and the necessary technical skills needed in today’s ever changing professional environment.
• Develop skills and competencies in teamwork, problem solving, decision making, critical thinking,
spatial abilities/visualization, design capabilities and positive work habits and attitudes.
• Develop graphic communication management organization skills
• Develop the students’ knowledge in multiple computer applications and the ability to go between these
as necessary. (Google Earth, SketchUp (CAD), Illustrator/InkScape, Photoshop, Excel, InDesign, Power
Point, Acrobat)
• Enable students to distinguish between stages and functions in graphic communications, for example
idea sketching and computational layout.
• Create drawings and layouts that make appropriate use of materials available to achieve a pleasing
presentation
• Develop a polished portfolio that showcases each student’s strengths and demonstrates their ability to
present complex data in an attractive and clear format.
• Develop a portfolio that illustrates the course concepts learned by each student during the semester
• Prepare students to become valuable members of a multi-disciplinary team
• Equip and enable students to be competent, reliable and employable
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FORMAT
This course is divided in two parts. Part 1: Envisioning Information and Part 2: Beautiful Evidence; both
parts are named after Tufte’s books. During the first part of the course each class will be divided into
learning about graphic communications via examples and theory discussion and learning to use the
computer programs that allow you to communicate ideas successfully. These lessons will be reinforced
throughout the course through mini assignments to develop an understanding of how to use SketchUp. The
second part will focus on the use of Sketchup for site planning, and toward building your skills to coming
up with “Complete Street” and TOD designs for the Harbor Drive Corridor through National City and the
City of San Diego. will be the tool used to generate the mini assignments and the final major assignment.
There is no final exam in this course. The course combines lectures, guest speakers, hands on lab work and
your presentations. The “hands on” experience is the key to success in this class. Emphasis is placed on a
cooperative, team-building learning environment. Participants are encouraged to share information, skills,
and ideas. However, all of the work you submit for credit must be your own. There will be two (2) major
assignments, twelve (12) mini assignments and multiple reading assignments for the student led class
discussions.
Relevant Resources
Online Documentation for:
• Photoshop (getting started with Photoshop cs, the power of layers, crafting selections,
• SketchUp
• In Design, Microsoft PowerPoint (creating diagrams);
Texts
• Tufte, Edward R. 2006. Beautiful Evidence. 1St Ed. Cheshire, Conn: Graphics Press,
• Tal, Daniel. Google SketchUp for Site Design: A Guide to Modeling Site Plans, Terrain and
Architecture. John Wiley & Sons, 2009.
• Tufte, Edward, R. The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint. Graphics Press, 2003.
http://18.181.0.31/afs/athena.mit.edu/course/21/21w.789/Materials/Tufte_PowerPoint.pdf
(Available on course BB site)
Optional:
Tufte, Edward R. (2001b) [1990], Envisioning Information, Cheshire, CT: Graphics Press,
ISBN 0-9613921-1-8.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Required Tools:
• One (1) sketchbook (recommended 8.5x11) and a black pen
• One thumb drive (at least 4 GB).
Grades in this course will be based on:
• Class participation & discussion leadership (15%)
• Mini assignments (30%)
• Major assignments (55%)
What students need to do: The class has three sets of requirements listed and summarized below. For
detailed descriptions, instructions, due dates and grading criteria see the assignment handouts which will
be uploaded to the course’s blackboard site.
A. Class participation & discussion leadership (15%)
Every other week, one (or two) student(s) will prepare a discussion of skills and resources in advance and
will email these resources to the class by the Monday prior to our meeting Tuesday. These student(s) will
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then facilitate discussion in class. Because of this, participation and your contribution to the discussion is
critical.
B. Mini assignments/Sketchbook (30%)
A number of mini-assignments will be completed during the semester such as graphic communication
pieces evaluations, preparing a draft of your major assignments for internal reviews, etc. They are due in
class before we discuss readings and or begin lab work.
Late mini assignments will be accepted, with a deduction of one grade point per every twelve hours.
The last Mini assignment is optional/ additional and if you choose to complete it the grade you obtain
may replace the grade of your worst mini assignment.
C. Major assignments (55%)
Late major assignments will only be accepted if a written excuse is presented at least one week prior to
the assignments due date and refers to reasons beyond your control including family events and severe
illnesses. Those with long-term illnesses should contact the instructor before assignments are due.
1. The creation of an animation and/or poster to convey a story. This is a two part assignment
totaling 40% of your grade:
•
Part A requires you to prepare an early concept diagram of a “Complete Street”
or TOD design for a portion of the Harbor Drive Corridor through National City and the
City of San Diego. (20%)
•
Part B requires you to compile/filter through the data gathered in each of your
teammates boards and as a team create a final graphic communication for your Complete
Street” or TOD design for a portion of the Harbor Drive Corridor through National City
and the City of San Diego. This will be presented with an oral team presentation. (20%)
2. The creation of a portfolio showcasing your personal best school/professional work to
date or the creation of a report of ten (10) pieces illustrating concepts learned in the
course. (This will be determined between the instructor and each individual student and
will be based in the amount of materials each student has available for a personal
portfolio piece) (15%)
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Note: The class schedule may be modified to meet student interests or take advantage of available
speakers or other opportunities.
PART 1: ENVISIONING INFORMATION
Week 1 The importance of graphic communication for planners, industry jargon, file management
and overview of the courses computer programs
• Introductions
• Course syllabus discussion
• Instructor led lecture/discussion: Tufte Presentation • Introduction to the proper use/function of
all the course’s computer programs and quick decision making
• Introduction to history/ industry jargon / workflows/digital file management, file formats and
file naming extensions.
• Student self-assessment survey
Week 2 The essential tools in SketchUp (CAD) / from Google Earth to SketchUp )
• Student self-evaluation survey results discussion
• Mini assignment # 1 due (discussion)
• Computer Lab Time: From Google Earth to Auto CAD and the Auto CAD interface, essential
commands, setting up a drawing, using layers and drawing strategies to complete a plan.
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• Controlling text, dimensioning a drawing, managing external references, using layouts,
introduction to attributes.
• Mini assignment #1 (Follow Sketchup work in Tal, Ch. 2-3)
• Reading Assignment for in class student led discussion:
Chapters 1-3 Tal, Daniel. Google SketchUp for Site Design: A Guide to Modeling Site Plans,
Terrain and Architecture. John Wiley & Sons, 2009.
Optional:
Tufte, Edward. 1990. Escaping Flatland in Envisioning Information pp. 12-35.
Tufte, Edward. 1990. Micro/Macro Readings in Envisioning Information pp. 36-51.
Week 3 September 9: From one computer program to the next / from 2D to 3D (Sketch UP basics)
• In class student led discussion (students will lead the class and go over the questions sent out)
• Mini assignment #1 due (discussion)
• Computer Lab Time: How to bring (link) a product from one computer program to the next: importing
and exporting from GIS, bringing drawings from CAD to Photoshop, Illustrator and Sketch UP
• Sketch UP basics - make faces plug in, basics on how to build it in 3D
• Mini assignment #2 • Mini assignment #1 (Follow Sketchup work in Tal, Ch. 4-5)
• Reading Assignment for in class student led discussion:
Chapter 4 & 5 -- Tal, Daniel. Google SketchUp for Site Design: A Guide to Modeling Site Plans,
Terrain and Architecture. John Wiley & Sons, 2009.
Optional:
Tufte, Edward. 1990. Layering and Separation in Envisioning Information pp. 53-65. Tufte,
Edward. 1990. Small Multiples in Envisioning Information pp. 66-79.
Week 4 September 16: Site Plan Rendering & Diagraming 1
• In class student led discussion (students will lead the class and go over the questions sent out)
• Mini assignment #2 due / discussion
• Computer Lab Time -from Sketch Up to Photoshop
• Photoshop basics: layers, choosing colors, paint tools, masks etc.
• In class exercise - Photo manipulation
• Mini assignment #3 distribution (Follow Sketchup work in Tal, Ch. 6)
• Reading Assignment for in class student led discussion: Optional:
Tufte, Edward. 1990. Color and Information in Envisioning Information pp. 80-95. Tufte,
Edward. 1990. Small Multiples in Envisioning Information pp. 97-121.
PART 2: BEAUTIFUL EVIDENCE
Week 5 September 23: Site Plan Rendering & Diagraming 2 / Diagrams that matter (Illustrator or
Inkscape)
• In class student led discussion (students will lead the class and go over the questions sent out)
• Mini assignment #3 due (discussion)
• Computer Lab Time – Illustrator/InkScape basics, creating meaningful diagrams workshop
• Major assignment #1 distribution/discussion (Choose section of Harbor Drive and develop concept map)
• Mini assignment # 4 distribution (Follow Sketchup work in Tal, Ch. 7) (draft #1 of boards for major
assignment #1 - pin up 1)
• Reading Assignment for in class student led discussion:
Tufte, Edward. 2006. Mapped Pictures: Images as Evidence and Explanation in Beautiful
Evidence pp. 12-45.
Tufte, Edward. 2006. Links and Causal Arrows: Ambiguity in Action in Beautiful Evidence pp.
64-81.
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Week 6 September 30: Custom Site Furnishings (SketchUp)
• In class student led discussion (students will lead the class and go over the questions sent out)
• In class exercise - drafting my concept area of Harbor Drive for major assignment #1 (pin up)
• Mini assignment #4 due / discussion (review)
• Mini assignment #5 distribution (Follow Sketchup work in Tal, Ch. 7)
• Reading Assignment for in class student led discussion:
Tufte, Edward. 2006. Words, Numbers, Images - Together in Beautiful Evidence pp. 82-121.
Tufte, Edward. 2006. The Fundamental Principles of Analytical Design in Beautiful Evidence pp.
122-139.
Week 7 October 7: Custom Furnishings/A compelling story
• Mini assignment #5 due / discussion
• Mini assignment #6 distribution (Follow Sketchup work in Tal, Ch. 8)
• In class student led discussion (students will lead the class and go over the questions sent out) •
Computer Lab Time: Work session with Instructor (work on refining boards and content for major
assignment # 1)
Week 8 October 14: Custom Architecture/First Presentation Prep
• Mini assignment #6 Due
• Mini assignment #7 distribution (Follow Sketchup work in Tal, Ch. 9)
• Reading Assignment for in class student led discussion:
Tufte, Edward. 2006. Corruption in Evidence Presentations: Effects Without Causes, Cherry
Picking, Overreaching, Chartjunk, and the Rage to Conclude in Beautiful Evidence pp. 140-155. Tufte,
Edward. 2006. The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint Pitching Out Corrupts Within in Beautiful Evidence
pp. 156-185.
Tufte, Edward, R. The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint. Graphics Press, 2003.
http://18.181.0.31/afs/athena.mit.edu/course/21/21w.789/Materials/Tufte_PowerPoint.pdf
(Available on course BB site)
Week 9 October 21: Arranging and Presenting the Model
• Mini assignment #7 due / discussion
• Mini assignment #8 distribution (Follow Sketchup work in Tal, Ch. 11)
Week 10 October 28: Architectural Tutorial
• Mini assignment #8 due / discussion
• Mini assignment #9 distribution (Follow Sketchup work in Tal, Ch. 11)
Week 11 November 4: SketchUp SandBox Tools/Conceptual Grading
• Mini assignment #9 due / discussion
• Mini assignment #10 distribution (Follow Sketchup work in Tal, Ch. 12 and 13)
Week 12
November 11:
The Portfolio - The good, the bad and the ugly
• Mini assignment #8 due / discussion Debriefs from major assignment #1
• Lecture The Portfolio
• In class student led discussion (students will lead the class and go over the questions sent out)
• Computer Lab Time - Setting up your portfolio or a report in InDesign
• In class exercise - Set up a document
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• Mini assignment #11 distribution (bring pieces to potentially include in your portfolio or your report)
• Major assignment #2 distribution/discussion (Applying Skills to Harbor Drive Complete Streets Design)
Highlighting your strengths - An individual process and style
• Lecture / In class exercise - review on graphic communications
• Computer Lab Time: Work towards a complete portfolio/report (Instructor one on one crits)
• Mini assignment #12 distribution (portfolio/report draft 1)
Portfolio Draft Pin Up/Review 1
• Mini assignment #12 due / discussion
• Computer Lab Time - work session with instructor
• A planning/landscape architecture firm’s perspective in portfolios.
Week 13 November 18: The Review
• Computer Lab Time - review session of all programs
• Mini assignment #11 distribution (This is a special mini assignment to replace your worst grade on
mini assignments 1-10)
Week 14 November 25: Thanksgiving Recess (No Class)
Week 15 December 2: Final Presentations
• Major assignment #2 due (presentations/jury)
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