Study Programmes 2015-2016
ARCH0017-4  
Digital architectural modeling
Duration :
20h Th, 70h Pr, 98h Proj.
Number of credits :
Bachelor in engineering : architecture8
Bachelor in engineering : architecture8
Lecturer :
Pierre Leclercq
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
Modeling techniques:


  • Buildings modeling
  • Site modeling
  • Constraints modeling
  • Buildings differentiated descriptions: geometrical, topological, numerical and symbolic system.
Work methodology in digital environment:


  • Surface modeling: three-dimensional surfaces creation and edition, surface triangulation, generation by extrusion, revolution, sweeping.
  • Volumetric modeling: solids modeling, 3D edition and Boolean operations.
  • Parametric modoling : creation and edition of parametrized models.
  • Analysis: graphic treatment of information and performance evaluation of the design.
  • Data management: tracing papers, levels, layers, groups and components.
  • Introduction to digital fabrication and rapid prototyping technics.
Particular aspects of architectural modeling by objects. Creation and edition of architectural objects: walls, roofs, staircases, etc.
Presentation techniques of 3D models:


  • Models and shaders.
  • Image rendering: methods, graphic formats, time computing.
  • Lights and image rendering, shade and illumination models.
  • Camera concept and interactive sights, animation.
Final work: Development of a project in several numerical formats with Web presentation
Learning outcomes of the course :
At the end of the course, students will have an overview of assisted modeling technologies. They will be able to argue the possibilities and limitations of these technologies ; Students will also be able :
  • To control in an autonomous and structured way a software environment of architectural modeling;
  • To manage methodically the successive phases of digital modeling.
  • To choose modeling technics adapted to design context.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
  • MATH0001-1 : Graphic communication (descriptive geometry, Monge geometry)
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The course consists of thematic theoretical lectures and practical sessions.
Practical sessions address gradually issues of modeling. After a few introductory sessions to modeling techniques, students perform in groups complete modeling of a famous building.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
On-site course. 2nd semester : please check the schedule on the web site of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Recommended or required readings :
Assessment methods and criteria :
The assessment is based on the oral presentation of the modeling work carried out in group during practical sessions.
The assessment focuses on:
  • The mastering of modeling techniques,
  • The choice of representation techniques based on objectives,
  • The quality of presentation (oral and graphic media),
  • The critical analysis of modeling tools and more generally the role of modeling in architecture.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
Course given in French. English documents could be used.
Contacts :
Professeur Pierre LECLERCQ pierre.leclercq @ ulg.ac.be
John Schrayen, assistant john.shrayen @ @ulg.ac.be