Representation and Computation I
This course introduces first-year Master of Landscape Architecture students to the representational and computational foundations of the discipline. Structured in two parts, the course first builds proficiency in core representational tools — freehand drawing, digital drafting (AutoCAD), and graphic communication (Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator) — before transitioning to computational methods including three-dimensional modeling (Rhino 3D), parametric design (Grasshopper and Docofossor), and AI-assisted design and research workflows. Throughout the semester, students maintain a sketchbook as a sustained practice of observation, ideation, and analog reflection alongside digital work.
Part I — Representation — introduces students to the instruments of landscape communication: how to draw, draft, and visualize space. Part II — Computation — introduces students to the logic of parametric and algorithmic design, and to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI tools, approached with both technical fluency and critical awareness. Weekly exercises build toward a final integrated drawing set, a sketchbook, and an AI case study presentation.
Students will engage with precedents from 20th to early 21st century landscape architecture projects — such as works by Lawrence Halprin, Dan Kiley, and James Corner — both as sources of graphic inspiration and as objects of analysis. They will also situate computational and AI tools within broader histories of technology, society, and design practice through lectures in Science, Technology, and Society (STS). By the end of the semester, students will have a working toolkit of representational and computational skills appropriate for advanced design studio work.
Each weekly session runs from 9:30 am to 12:20 pm and follows a consistent three-part structure. The first segment (approximately 45 minutes) consists of a short lecture introducing representational techniques and design thinking. The second segment (approximately 55 minutes) is a hands-on workshop in which the instructor demonstrates the session's tool or technique step by step, with students working in parallel. The final segment (approximately 50 minutes) is open lab time, during which students begin the weekly exercise with the instructor available for individual guidance and feedback.
Students are expected to complete weekly exercises between sessions. While each exercise is discrete, they are designed cumulatively to simulate the integrated workflow of professional landscape practice: from hand sketch to CAD drawing to 3D model to refined presentation board. Feedback is provided through individual desk critiques, a mid-semester pin-up, and a final presentation.
All software listed below is available on computers in the SSA labs. Students who wish to work on personal machines are responsible for obtaining their own licenses, many of which are available free or at reduced cost through CCNY.
- Analog Representation and Sketchbook Practice
- Digital Drafting and CAD Proficiency
- Graphic Communication and Presentation Design
- Parametric and Computational Modeling
- AI-Assisted Design and Critical Literacy
Students will build skills in the following areas. Given the rapid development of AI agent-based workflow, the goal is not only to build proficiency in these tools, but through exercise, to build a conceptual understanding of how computational tools work so students can provide meaningful direction to AI agents in executing complex graphic workflows in the future.
- Hand Drawing and Sketchbook — Line quality, linework conventions, and freehand representation through an initial drawing session and sustained sketchbook practice maintained throughout the semester.
- Digital Drafting (AutoCAD) — Interface, commands, layers, lineweights, and annotation. Drafting fluency developed through tracing precedent landscape projects.
- Graphic Communication (Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator) — Photoshop for photo montage, Illustrator for vector-based diagrams and post-processing.
- 3D Modeling and Parametric Design (Rhino 3D and Grasshopper) — Rhino 3D for topographic surfaces; Grasshopper for parametric and algorithmic design including the Docofossor plugin for computational landform design.
- AI-Assisted Design and Presentation (InDesign, Claude, Nano Banana) — InDesign for presentation layout with AI-assisted workflows. Students critically evaluate AI tools through an STS framework and present an independent case study.
- Weekly Exercises (Weeks 1–5, 7–13, excluding Week 6) — 40% — Focused exercises applying skills from each session's lecture and workshop. Due the following week before class.
- Sketchbook (Ongoing, submitted Week 15) — 10% — Physical sketchbook maintained throughout the semester. At least one observational or ideation sketch per week. Select and scan 10 best sketches for final submission.
- Part I Pin-Up (Week 6) — 10% — Present Exercises 1–5 for peer and instructor critique. Sketchbook reviewed informally. No new exercise due.
- AI Case Study Presentation (Week 14) — 10% — Independent research and critical evaluation of a self-selected AI design tool. Presented during a collective class symposium addressing capabilities, limitations, landscape architecture applications, and ethical considerations.
- Final Integrated Drawing Set (Week 15) — 20% — Complete drawing set demonstrating proficiency across all media: AutoCAD plan, Photoshop collage, Illustrator analytical diagram, Rhino 3D site model, Grasshopper parametric study, and final InDesign layout board with AI visualization.
| Week | Topic | Tools | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I — Representation (Weeks 1–6) | |||
| 01 | Hand Drawing Course Introduction & Drawing Fundamentals — line weight, freehand lines, drawing tools, landscape graphic conventions; sketchbook practice introduced |
PencilsPensSketchbook | Exercise 1: In-class orthographic drawing of a simple outdoor space (plan + section); begin sketchbook |
| 02 | AutoCAD — Introduction Interface, navigation, basic commands (line, circle, offset, trim, mirror, copy); recreating orthographic drawings digitally |
AutoCAD | Exercise 2: Recreate Exercise 1 orthographic drawing in AutoCAD |
| 03 | AutoCAD — Layers & Annotation Layer management, lineweight conventions, text, dimensions, blocks, printing to scale |
AutoCAD | Exercise 3: Annotated and dimensioned CAD plan with title block |
| 04 | AutoCAD — Case Study Trace Introduction to 20th-century landscape precedents; tracing the plan of Paley Park (Zion & Breen, 1967) in AutoCAD as an analytical exercise |
AutoCAD | Exercise 4: Traced and annotated plan of Paley Park at a specified scale |
| 05 | Adobe Suite — Photoshop + Illustrator Layers, masking, color fills, entourage, rendering a CAD plan; vector drawing tools, site plan graphics, diagrams |
PhotoshopIllustratorAutoCAD | Exercise 5: Photoshop-rendered plan + Illustrator site graphic |
| 06 | Part I Pin-Up Present Exercises 1–5 for peer and instructor critique; informal sketchbook review; no new tool instruction |
All media | No new exercise — bring printed Exercises 1–5 and sketchbook |
| Part II — Computation (Weeks 7–15) | |||
| 07 | Rhino 3D — Introduction Interface, basic modeling commands, curves, surfaces, and solids; 2D-to-3D workflow; importing CAD drawings |
Rhino 3D | Exercise 6: Simple 3D model of a small site element |
| 08 | Rhino 3D — Site Modeling Topography and grading; terrain surface tools; contour manipulation; producing rendered perspective views |
Rhino 3DAutoCAD | Exercise 7: 3D topographic site model with contours, at least two rendered views |
| 09 | Grasshopper — Basics Interface, data flow, components, wires, and basic geometry; understanding parametric logic; number sliders and panels |
Rhino 3DGrasshopper | Exercise 8: Simple parametric form — a grid of elements driven by sliders |
| 10 | Grasshopper — Attractor-Based Circle Field Point attractors, distance functions, scaling geometry by proximity; data-driven landscape patterns |
Rhino 3DGrasshopper | Exercise 9: Attractor-based circle field applied to a site grid |
| 11 | Grasshopper — Docofossor Introduction to the Docofossor landform plugin; terrain manipulation operations (cut, fill, mound); computational grading and earthwork design |
Rhino 3DGrasshopperDocofossor | Exercise 10: Computationally graded landform — plan, section, and 3D view |
| 12 | AI & Society — STS Lecture Series History of AI and machine learning; AI in design and architecture; critical perspectives on automation, authorship, and bias; introduction to AI Case Study assignment |
ReadingsClaude | No exercise — AI Case Study topic selection and tool confirmed with instructor |
| 13 | InDesign + AI Workflow InDesign for presentation layout — text frames, image placement, templates; integrating AI-generated imagery using Google Nano Banana; Claude for design research and writing |
InDesignNano BananaClaude | Exercise 11: One-page InDesign presentation board integrating drawings with at least one AI-assisted visualization |
| 14 | Student AI Case Study Symposium Each student presents a critical evaluation of a self-selected AI design tool; collective class review and discussion |
Student-selected | AI Case Study Presentation DUE; Final Drawing Set work-in-progress for desk review |
| 15 | Final Presentations & Critique Present complete integrated drawing set for formal critique with invited guests; sketchbook submitted |
All media | FINAL DRAWING SET DUE; SKETCHBOOK DUE |
All students will be held to high and consistent standards. Design work is graded on the following criteria:
- Completeness — Assignments are complete and graphically legible.
- Technical Skills — Executed with appropriate method and knowledge of technique; student shows proficiency in various media.
- Accuracy and Presentation — Completed with precision and presented professionally.
- Effort and Concept — Student iterates through multiple drafts and shows evidence of experimentation and improvement. Concepts are articulated and well-developed.
- Participation — Participates in reading discussions and group work.
- Attendance — Consistent level of preparation and on-time presence for each class.
| Grade | Explanation | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | Exceptional | 4.00 |
| A | Excellent | 4.00 |
| A− | 3.70 | |
| B+ | 3.30 | |
| B | Good | 3.00 |
| B− | 2.70 | |
| C+ | 2.30 | |
| C | Satisfactory (minimum passing for graduate) | 2.00 |
| F | Failure / Unsuccessful Completion | 0.00 |
A grade of C is the lowest passing letter grade for graduate students. A graduate student with a GPA below 3.0 cannot receive a Master's Degree.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is required at all scheduled sessions. Attendance will be taken.
"Students are expected to attend every class session of each course in which they are enrolled and to be on time. For all other courses, the number of hours absent may not exceed twice the number of contact hours the course meets per week." — CCNY Graduate Bulletin 2022–2023
Missing sessions for religious observance or jury duty are exceptions. Notify your instructor prior to any absence whenever possible, and provide a physician's note for illness-related absences.
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty is prohibited at CUNY and is punishable by penalties including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion. All assignments must be the student's original work, produced for this class and no other.
You will fail this course if you: (1) submit work used for another course; (2) copy material and submit it as your own without proper attribution; (3) submit the same work as another student. Plagiarized work will be reported to the CCNY Academic Integrity Committee.
Incompletes
Grades of "incomplete" (INC) are not given under any circumstance unless there is evidence of a medical or personal emergency. In such cases, instructor and student develop a contract to complete work by a specified date, as per CCNY policy. This contract must be processed by your academic advisor and approved by the Program Director and the Chair's Office.
Classroom Civility
All students are expected to participate in class discussions. Meaningful and constructive dialogue is encouraged; however, discussion should be civilized and respectful to everyone, as well as relevant to the topic being discussed. This requires a willingness to listen, tolerance for different points of view, and mutual respect from all participants.
Zoom Classroom Etiquette
Use the video option when possible, and certainly when requested by your instructor during active discussion. Dress appropriately. Stay focused and on task. Be aware of when you should or should not mute yourself. Please don't eat during the class meeting while on video.
Zoom Recordings
Students should not record Zoom sessions without the direct permission of the instructor. Your instructor may opt to record Zoom sessions; students will be informed. Password protection of the recorded digital copy is required.
Use of Electronic Devices
Please turn off and put handheld devices away during both in-person and Zoom classes in order to be fully present. The use of mobile phones, texting, chat features, and social media can be very distracting for both students and the instructor. The appropriate use of laptops will be discussed. The instructor will provide periodic breaks during which personal devices may be used.
City College Library Research Support
Architecture Librarian: Nilda Sanchez-Rodriguez
nsanchez@ccny.cuny.edu
library.ccny.cuny.edu/architecture
AccessAbility Center
The AccessAbility Center (AAC) facilitates equal access and coordinates reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and support services for students with disabilities. Students who have self-identified with AAC should inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
212 650 5913 (voice) / 212 650 8441 (TTY/TTD)
disabilityservices@ccny.cuny.edu
ccny.cuny.edu/accessability
Health and Wellness Services
City College's Office of Health and Wellness Services offers free and confidential counseling.
212 650 8222 — counseling@ccny.cuny.edu
Office of Diversity and Compliance
City College has resources to support students who have experienced sexual violence, intimate partner/domestic violence, gender or race-based discrimination, harassment, or stalking.
212 650 7330 — dcuozzo@ccny.cuny.edu
ccny.cuny.edu/affirmativeaction
Public Safety
For a campus emergency, call Public Safety at 212 650 7777. Off campus, call 911.