This book is a record of the midterm projects for the second computer applications course, ARCH2612, at The University of Memphis during the Spring 2009 semester. The intent of this assignment was to develop visual literacy skills by focusing on the observation of real-world conditions as captured by the lens of a camera. The students began to utilize perception, observation, and analysis as tools to “see” past what lies on the surface of a photographic image. Students further developed the filter that an architect uses to analyze, dissect, and assess imagery in order to uncover a deeper understanding of architecture. The goal at the completion of this course was for the students to, through an intense study of photographs, be able to distinguish the effects that light, material, textures, and composition have on the reading of space.



Each week the students were asked to find two photographs of a work of architecture (one interior and one exterior). After studying each image in terms of composition/framing, stylistic qualities, materials, textures, reflections, shade and shadow, contrast, tonal gradients, color, lighting, etc., they were to write a descriptive analysis of the findings. Finally, they were to choose two images of a previously selected built project and attempt to translate observed real-world conditions into the digital realm as accurately as possible.