ARCH 20

Architectural Graphics

Course Information

Introduction to techniques, conventions, meanings, and purposes related to drawing and drafting conventions as used in architecture and interior design. Fundamental graphic principles, concepts, and strategies are examined through hand and digital production.

ARCH 20 Course Outline of Record

Student Learning Outcomes:

Create accurate drawings that communicate simple architectural design intentions.
Analyze the specific intentions communicated by analog and digital modes of graphic communication.
Apply the use of drawing tools, graphic conventions and drawing systems.
Explain the purposes of the various architectural drawing systems.

Enrollment

Visit the CCSF Registration page for information on how to register for classes.

Before the first day of instruction: If enrollment is full then you can elect to be added to a waitlist. If space opens up in the course (i.e. if an enrolled student drops) then waitlisted students are given an opportunity to enroll in the course with a notification to their @mail.ccsf.edu email address. This opportunity is only open for 24 hours and if you don't act on it, you are removed from the waitlist and the next student is given the opportunity.

After the first day of instruction: I will authorize adding students if there is capacity (i.e. if an enrolled student drops the course). I will not add students after the second week of instruction. If you are interested in enrolling in the class you must come to the first class meeting and Submit a Class Add Request in your RAMID Portal. I will authorize add requests based on waitlist priority and in-person confirmation that you are interested in enrolling. Note that if your Add Request is authorized, you will receive a notification email and have only 24 hours to officially enroll in the class through your myRAM portal.

After the first week of the semester, no shows (students who have not attended nor submitted any assignments) will be dropped from the course.

Important Dates

In the CCSF fall 2026 semester this class meets from 12:10-3:00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays in Batmale 241 and 246 on the Ocean campus. Attendance at in person meetings is required.

First Day of Class: August 19
Last Day of Class: December 14
Final portfolio due: December 21

Supplies

The following is a list of required drafting supplies that are available to purchase as a kit through the CCSF bookstore on the Ocean Campus:

soft sketch pencil (2B)
medium sketch pencil (HB)
hard sketch pencil (2H)
metal pencil sharpener
sandpaper pointer pad
white vinyl or pink pearl eraser
eraser shield
kneaded eraser
architectural scale (Note: architectural scale has 1/4"=1'-0" and 1/8"=1'-0" not 1:10 or 1:100)
rolling ruler / parallel plotter (or drafting T-square)
drafting dots or drafting tape
2 triangles (45∘ and 30/60∘, 6-8" size)
sheet protectors or folder to store letter size drawings

Some students might already have some of these supplies. In this case, it is not required to purchase the kit from the CCSF Bookstore and students may opt to purchase individual supplies as necessary. However, if you are new to manual drafting it is strongly recommended that you purchase the kit from the bookstore so that you get the correct supplies at a competitive price. For any questions, ask the instructor.

Additional required supplies not included in the CCSF bookstore kit:

tape measure (10 ft. minimum)

Course Technology

Hardware

This is a lecture/lab class with meetings in the Architecture Computer Lab in Batmale 241. Students will get access to all necessary hardware and software during class in Batmale 241 and outside of class in the Open Student Computer Lab in Batmale Room 247 during business hours. Having access outside of business hours to a personal computer that can install and run necessary software will be very useful to students in this course. Please see the instructor with any concerns about technology access.

The computers in the Architecture labs are equipped with the correct versions of software that will be used in the course. Computers, printers and scanners are available anytime when the lab is scheduled to be open. Peer tutors are available for software and printing assistance during select hours. Check the ARCH, INTD, & CM Program Support site for hours.

Go Print is the computer managed pay system for prints on a pay-for-print basis. You will need to have a credit or debit card to sign up for Go Print. Prints will be assigned on a regular basis.

After the midterm in October you will learn Rhino software. If you choose to use Rhino on your personal computer (desktop or laptop), you will need an external 3-button scroll mouse. All Architecture lab computers are already equipped with the correct mouse.

Rhino Software

You will learn Rhino 8 software as a digital drafting tool in this course. The Architecture computer labs have the current version of software installed. Architecture lab computers are available for use during this class meeting time as well as outside the class meeting time as posted on the ARCH, INTD, & CM Program Support site.

Individual licenses to Rhino software will be available to loan to students with personal computers. Note that Rhino 8 can only be installed on PC & Mac computers (not on Chromebooks or tablets such as iPads). If you have any questions, ask the instructor.

We will start using Rhino after the midterm in October.

Canvas

Students will use the Canvas Learning Management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, viewing classmates' work, sharing resources, and viewing grades. I can help with the course material and with some Canvas issues. But, if you need help uploading an assignment or with the mechanics of Canvas, Canvas help is the number to call.

For 24/7 help with Canvas, call 1-833-249-3993

ARCH 20 Course Syllabus

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