The majority of the course is taught in a traditional manner using drafting instruments and the drawing board. Students are introduced to Auto Cad in the latter portion of this full year course. Previously learned drawing skills from Engineering Drawing are reviewed and expanded upon, after which they are applied to a variety of creative and technical design problems. Basic elements of design, logic, creativity, mathematics, technical writing, and brainstorming are combined to create working drawings and prototypes. Initiative and self-discipline are the most important assets needed for a student to be successful in this course.
Students develop skills related to architecture by designing their own frame construction home.
By the end of the course students should have a floor plan, foundation plan, four elevations, framing plan, longitudinal and transverse sectionals, plot plan, and a two point perspective or model for a custom designed vacation home. Initiative and self-discipline are the most important assets for a student to have successful in this course. This course is designed to give a student the opportunity to use the computer as a tool to design products and structures. A student reinforces skills and knowledge developed in previous drafting courses with greater emphasis on design. The course places strong emphasis on students working independently with limited guidance by the instructor.