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, Illustrator, and InDesign) — before transitioning to computational methods including three-dimensional modeling (Rhino 3D), parametric design (Grasshopper), and AI-assisted design 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 working critically alongside AI tools. The course is built around seven hands-on workflows, each a self-contained assignment that builds cumulatively toward a final integrated drawing set.
Students will engage with precedents from 20th to early 21st century landscape architecture — such as works by Lawrence Halprin, Dan Kiley, and James Corner — both as sources of graphic inspiration and as objects of analysis. 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. Sessions take four formats across the semester: lecture — introduction of representational techniques, design thinking, or course context; live demo — the instructor demonstrates a tool or technique step by step, with students working in parallel; lab session — students work on the weekly exercise with the instructor available for individual guidance; and studio working session — open critique, pin-up, or desk review format.
Students are expected to complete each workflow assignment between sessions. While each workflow 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. Feedback is provided through individual desk critiques, a mid-semester pin-up, and a final presentation.
The course is organized around seven workflows. Each is a focused, hands-on assignment introduced in class and completed before the following session. Together they span the representational and computational range of contemporary landscape practice.
| WF | Title | Tools | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| WF01 | AutoCAD Site Plan + Section | AutoCAD | 2–3 |
| WF02 | Hand Sketch to Hybrid Drawing | PhotoshopInDesign | 4 |
| WF03 | Urban Context Mapping | OSMGoogle EarthIllustrator | 5 |
| WF04 | Rhino 3D Site Modeling | Rhino 3D | 7–8 |
| WF05 | Attractor Fields | Rhino 3DGrasshopper | 9–10 |
| WF06 | Slope Analysis with Python + Claude | Rhino 3DGrasshopperClaude | 11 |
| WF07 | Build a Website with Claude Code | Claude CodeGitGitHub Pages | 12–13 |
The following software 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.
Personal Laptop. Students are strongly encouraged to bring a personal laptop to each class session. Laptops must be capable of running AutoCAD, Rhino 3D (with Grasshopper), and Adobe Creative Cloud. For hardware recommendations, refer to the SSA IT Student Handbook. Technical support: CCNY IT Service Desk — servicedesk@ccny.cuny.edu · 212 650 7878 · Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Claude — Required Starting WF06 (Week 11). The computational workflows use Claude. For WF06 (Slope Analysis, Week 11) you interview Claude in the browser to write a Grasshopper Python script — no install needed, just an account at claude.com. For WF07 (Website, Weeks 12–13) you direct Claude Code, which requires a paid Claude Pro subscription (currently $20/month); students are required to purchase at least one month. The subscription covers both workflows.
WF07 — Personal Computer Setup Required. Claude Desktop and Git for Windows must be installed on your own computer for the WF07 website workflow (Weeks 12–13). These are not available on SSA lab machines. Git is free (git-scm.com), and Claude Desktop is free at claude.com/download. Setup is guided in class during Week 12.
Miro — Submissions. All workflow assignments are submitted to the course Miro board. The team invite is sent to your CCNY email at the start of the semester; join with your CCNY account. Miro is free for students at miro.com.
CCNY Email. Communication will happen via CCNY Email. Students need to check and be responsive to their CCNY emails.
This course is part of the Landscape Architecture course sequence and introduces the disciplinary skills and thinking processes necessary for a student preparing for a career as a professional landscape architect. The course supports the mission of the Graduate Program in Landscape Architecture at the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture of the City College of New York, which asserts that landscape architecture plays an essential role in connecting social justice to environmental design and the planning of landscape systems in the urban realm. The Graduate Program prepares students to be leaders in the field through innovative research and practice in urban ecological design, planning, and policymaking. This course teaches students responsive technologies and strategies to address issues of globalization, expanding urbanization, social and environmental justice, the transformation of land management practices in response to diminishing natural resources, and resilient adaptation to climate change.
- Analog Representation and Sketchbook Practice
- Digital Drafting and CAD Proficiency
- Graphic Communication and Presentation Design
- Parametric and Computational Modeling
- AI-Assisted, Agent-Directed Design and Critical Literacy
Students build skills in the areas below, matching the educational goals above. The goal is not only proficiency in specific tools but a working understanding of how computational tools operate — so students can give meaningful direction when working with AI.
- Hand Drawing and Sketchbook — Line quality, linework conventions, and freehand representation through an initial drawing session and a sustained sketchbook practice maintained throughout the semester. The sketchbook records observation, site sketching, diagramming, and analog ideation, and is submitted as a final deliverable.
- Digital Drafting (AutoCAD) — Interface, commands, layers, lineweights, and annotation. Through tracing precedent landscape projects, students build drafting fluency while developing critical literacy about 20th and 21st-century landscape design.
- Graphic Communication (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) — Photoshop for collage and photomontage, Illustrator for vector diagrams and mapping, and InDesign for layout — combining digital and hand techniques into hybrid drawings.
- 3D Modeling and Parametric Design (Rhino 3D, Grasshopper, Python) — Rhino 3D to build topographic surfaces, then Grasshopper for parametric and algorithmic design — data-driven geometries, attractor-based patterning — and Python scripting in Grasshopper for computational landform analysis.
- AI-Assisted Design (Claude Code) — Using an AI coding agent to build and publish a real artifact — a personal portfolio website — with version control and free web hosting. The workflow emphasizes the distinction between planning (deciding what you want) and execution (directing the agent to build it).
- Workflow Assignments (WF01–WF07) — 70% — Seven focused assignments, each applying the skills introduced in that workflow's sessions. Each is distributed in class and due before the following session. Workflows are cumulative and build toward the final integrated drawing set.
- Sketchbook (ongoing, submitted Week 15) — 10% — A physical sketchbook maintained throughout the semester. Each week, add at least one observational or ideation sketch related to course content. Reviewed informally at the Part I Pin-Up (Week 6) and in full at the final presentation. For final submission, select and scan the 10 best sketches.
- Part I Pin-Up (Week 6) — 10% — Present Part I work (WF01–WF03) for peer and instructor critique at the close of the Representation half. The sketchbook is reviewed informally. No new workflow is due this week.
- Final Integrated Drawing Set (Week 15) — 10% — A complete drawing set demonstrating proficiency across representational and computational media, integrating outputs from across the seven workflows: an AutoCAD-drafted plan, a hybrid Photoshop/hand drawing, an Illustrator context map, a Rhino 3D site model, a Grasshopper parametric study, and a final presentation layout. The selected sketchbook scans are also submitted at this session.
| Week | Topic | Tools | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I — Representation (Weeks 1–6) | |||
| 01 | Introduction + Sketching Workshop Course introduction and drawing fundamentals — line weight, freehand lines, drawing tools, landscape graphic conventions; sketchbook practice introduced ▸ Lecture: Drawing as Thinking Tool |
PencilsPensTrace PaperSketchbook | In-class orthographic drawing of a simple outdoor space (plan + section); begin sketchbook |
| 02 | WF01: AutoCAD Site Plan + Section (1 of 2) AutoCAD introduction — interface, navigation, basic commands (line, circle, offset, trim, mirror, copy); recreating orthographic drawings digitally ▸ Lecture: History of Computer Graphics |
AutoCAD | WF01 in progress — recreate the Week 1 orthographic drawing in AutoCAD |
| 03 | WF01: AutoCAD Site Plan + Section (2 of 2) Layers, lineweights, and annotation; precedent case-study trace as an analytical exercise |
AutoCAD | WF01 due — annotated, dimensioned CAD site plan + section, traced from a precedent at a specified scale, with title block |
| 04 | WF02: Hand Sketch to Hybrid Drawing Photoshop — layers, masking, collage and photomontage, rendering; combining digital collage with hand linework; InDesign layout ▸ Lecture: Graphic Design 101 |
PhotoshopInDesign | WF02 due — a hybrid drawing combining digital collage and hand sketch, laid out in InDesign |
| 05 | WF03: Urban Context Mapping Sourcing base data from OpenStreetMap and Google Earth; building an analytical context map with vector tools and diagrams in Illustrator ▸ Lecture: Intro to GIS / Spatial Data |
OSMGoogle EarthIllustrator | WF03 due — an urban context map and analytical diagram of a selected site |
| 06 | Part I Pin-Up Present WF01–WF03 for peer and instructor critique at the close of the Representation half; informal sketchbook review; no new tool instruction |
All media | Bring printed/plotted WF01–WF03 and sketchbook for pin-up |
| Part II — Computation (Weeks 7–15) | |||
| 07 | WF04: Rhino 3D Site Modeling (1 of 2) Rhino introduction — interface, basic modeling commands, curves, surfaces, solids; 2D-to-3D workflow; importing CAD drawings ▸ Lecture: Modeling as Thinking |
Rhino 3D | WF04 in progress — simple 3D model of a small site element (steps, wall, planter) |
| 08 | WF04: Rhino 3D Site Modeling (2 of 2) Site modeling — topography and grading, terrain surface tools, contour manipulation, rendered perspective views |
Rhino 3DAutoCAD | WF04 due — a 3D topographic site model with contours and at least two rendered views |
| 09 | WF05: Grasshopper Parametric (1 of 2) Grasshopper basics — interface, data flow, components, wires, basic geometry; parametric logic; number sliders and panels |
Rhino 3DGrasshopper | WF05 in progress — a simple parametric form, a grid of elements driven by sliders |
| 10 | WF05: Grasshopper Parametric (2 of 2) Attractor-based circle field — point attractors, distance functions, scaling geometry by proximity; data-driven landscape patterns |
Rhino 3DGrasshopper | WF05 due — an attractor-based circle field applied to a site grid, documented with screenshots and viewport captures |
| 11 | WF06: Slope Analysis with Python + Claude Surfaces as functions — UV parameters, normal vectors, slope; interviewing Claude to write a buildspec; generating and debugging a Grasshopper Python script that colors the WF04 terrain by slope ▸ Lecture: Cybernetics and Design |
Rhino 3DGrasshopperClaude | WF06 due — a slope analysis mesh on the WF04 terrain: buildspec, working script, and perspective + plan viewport screenshots |
| 12 | WF07: Build a Website with Claude Code (1 of 2) Setup and planning — install Claude Desktop and Git; create a GitHub account; plan site content; write a build spec in Claude Chat; begin building in Claude Code ▸ Lecture: Web Coding Literacy |
Claude CodeGit | WF07 in progress — a build spec and a working local draft of a personal portfolio site |
| 13 | WF07: Build a Website with Claude Code (2 of 2) Preview with a local server; publish to GitHub Pages; iterate on the live site; the distinction between planning (Chat) and execution (Code) as a model for directing AI agents |
Claude CodeGitHub Pages | WF07 due — a live personal portfolio website at a public address |
| 14 | Final Assembly + Desk Critiques Integrate outputs from all seven workflows into the final drawing set; individual desk reviews of work in progress |
All media | Final Drawing Set work-in-progress for desk review |
| 15 | Final Presentations + Critique Present the complete integrated drawing set for formal critique with invited guests; sketchbook submitted |
All media | Final Drawing Set due — integrated set drawing on all seven workflows; Sketchbook due — 10 selected scans |
All students are held to high and consistent standards. Work is considered on its own merits and in relationship to the work of others, to make clear distinctions across the range of work. The full range of the grading scale may be used. Grades are not negotiable. Design work is graded on the following criteria:
- Completeness — Assignments are complete and graphically legible.
- Technical Skills — Executed with appropriate method and proficiency across media.
- Accuracy and Presentation — Completed with precision and presented professionally.
- Effort and Concept — Iterates through multiple drafts; shows experimentation and improvement; concepts are articulated and well-developed.
- Participation — Engages in discussions and group work.
- Attendance — Consistent preparation and on-time presence.
| 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 | 2.00 |
| F | Failure / Unsuccessful Completion | 0.00 |
A grade of C is the lowest passing letter grade for graduate students. Students will not receive credit for this course if their final grade is below C (2.0). Per the Graduate Bulletin, a graduate student with a GPA below 3.0 cannot receive a Master's Degree. For program-specific information on grades, academic standing, probation, and dismissal, meet with the graduate student advisor.
Attendance
This course meets Monday 9:30 AM – 12:20 PM. Attendance is required and is taken at all scheduled sessions.
Per CCNY policy on lateness and absence, no distinction is made between excused and unexcused absences, and an instructor may treat lateness as equivalent to absence. For non-clinical courses, the number of hours absent may not exceed twice the number of contact hours the course meets per week. An instructor has the right to drop a student for excessive absence, entering a grade of WU. A student may appeal to the Committee on Course and Standing.
Absence for religious observance or jury duty is an exception. Notify the instructor prior to an absence whenever possible, and append a doctor's note or other written proof where relevant.
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty is prohibited at CUNY and is punishable by penalties including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion. Plagiarism — presenting the words, drawings, ideas, or opinions of someone else as one's own — is a serious instance of academic dishonesty. All assignments must be the student's original work, produced for this class and no other. Any copying, even short excerpts, from another book, article, or Internet source, published or unpublished, without proper attribution or citation, will result in automatic failure of the course.
You will fail this course if you: (1) submit work used for another course; (2) copy material and submit it as your own without quotation and citation, or otherwise represent another's work as your own; (3) submit the same work as another student. Plagiarized work will be reported to the CCNY Academic Integrity Committee per the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity.
Incompletes
Grades of "incomplete" (INC) are not given 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, per CCNY policy. This contract must be processed by the academic advisor and approved by the Program Director and the Chair's Office. Missed work due to illness must be explained with a physician's note.
Classroom Civility
All students are expected to participate in class discussions. Meaningful and constructive dialogue is encouraged; discussion should be civil, respectful, and relevant to the topic. This requires a willingness to listen, tolerance for different points of view, and mutual respect from all participants. Guest critics will be informed of this expectation for civility.
Use of Electronic Devices
Students are expected to engage in active learning during class time. Mobile phones, texting, and social media are distracting; please put handheld devices away and out of view during class. The appropriate use of laptops will be discussed. The instructor provides periodic breaks; personal devices may be used during these.
City College Library Research Support
The Spitzer School of Architecture's library is a shared resource and a necessary supplement to all research and design work. Direct questions to library staff or the Architecture Librarian.
nsanchez@ccny.cuny.edu
library.ccny.cuny.edu/architecture
AccessAbility Center (AAC)
The AAC facilitates equal access and coordinates reasonable accommodations and support services for students with disabilities while preserving academic standards. Students registered with the AAC should inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester. Faculty must receive an official accommodation memo before implementing accommodations.
212 650 5913 (TTY/TTD 212 650 8441)
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 complies with CUNY policies regarding discrimination. The College has resources to support students who have experienced sexual violence, intimate partner/domestic violence, gender- or race-based discrimination, harassment, or stalking. For confidential support, contact the Student Psychological Counselor / Confidential Advocate at 212 650 8905 or the Gender Resources Program at 212 650 8222. The Title IX Coordinator is Diana Cuozzo.
212 650 7330 — dcuozzo@ccny.cuny.edu
ccny.cuny.edu/affirmativeaction
Public Safety
For an emergency on campus, call Public Safety at 212 650 7777. Off campus, call 911.