The Digital Modeling for Architecture course addresses the definition of the abstract model, which has its roots in solid geometry and which develops from the conformation of the built space. Digital models are the fundamental tool through which the engineer, who works in the field of building constructions and environmental systems, can understand, analyze and design architecture. Digital modeling for architecture provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the difference between a wide range of heterogeneous digital models along with tools and application strategies to build and manage them in a 3D digital environment. The course aims to provide students with advanced skills in architectural survey and 2D / 3D digital modeling. The use of survey data acquired through terrestrial laser scanners (TLS), integrated in a continuous parametric modeling environment, can provide an effective method of knowledge and communication of an architectural asset. The course aims to provide the tools and basic knowledge to be able to deal with the knowledge of a built architecture and, consequently, to be able to operate coherently in virtual space.

The course is structured in three main parts. The first concerns the architectural survey. Students will tackle the concept of metric accuracy and will have an overview of the different survey methods and techniques. In this unit students will work with 3D point clouds from different sources to extract 2D and 3D models. The second part is dedicated to illustrating the principles of Building Information Modeling (BIM) as an approach to mathematical-parametric modeling to acquire control of shapes and geometries for the construction of the 3D digital model of architecture. The third part is dedicated to illustrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a complex information system not only as a 3D model. Queryable database from which to export information of various kinds (material take off, quantity take off, rooms, etc.)

The course provides 9 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and accumulation System) in the scientific disciplinary sector Icar17. Pre-requisites of the course: the basic notions of CAD at a two-dimensional level and principles of design and architectural composition will be taken for granted, as well as the knowledge of the graphic language relating to the representation of architecture (plans, elevations and sections in the various scales of representation).