Engineering Drawing and Visual Representation for Architects

Engineering Drawing and Visual Representation for Architects (2 credit hours)

This course aims to develop students' proficiency in both engineering drawing and freehand representation techniques essential for architects. Students will learn to create precise architectural drawings, including plans, sections and elevations, using traditional drafting tools, while mastering freehand sketching to effectively communicate architectural ideas and spatial relationships. Emphasis will be placed on understanding projection methods such as orthographic, axonometric and perspective, refining line quality and precision and accurately representing architectural elements and spatial forms. The course will strengthen students' ability to visually communicate design concepts, analyze projects through conceptual diagramming and instill confidence in their manual drafting and sketching skills, ensuring they can convey architectural designs clearly and effectively.   

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Learning Outcomes

• Mastering Engineering Drawing Techniques: Develop the students' ability to create precise architectural drawings, including layout, plans, sections and elevations, using standard drafting tools and techniques

• Understanding Projection Methods: Teach students the principles of orthographic, axonometric and perspective projections to represent three-dimensional objects and spaces accurately on two-dimensional surfaces

• Proficiency in Freehand Representation: Cultivate the students' freehand sketching skills to effectively communicate architectural ideas, forms and spatial relationships through expressive yet accurate sketches

• Refining Line Quality and Precision: Emphasize the importance of line weight, quality and accuracy in engineering drawings and freehand sketches to enhance clarity and readability

• Graphical Representation of Architectural Elements: Train students in the graphical representation of architectural elements such as walls, windows, doors and structural components through precise drafting and freehand techniques

• Developing Spatial Understanding Through Drawing: Foster the students’ ability to visualize and represent complex spatial relationships and architectural forms using a combination of engineering drawing and freehand sketching techniques

• Enhancing Visual Communication Skills: Strengthen the students' ability to visually communicate design concepts and ideas effectively through clear, well-composed drawings and sketches

• Building Confidence in Manual Drafting: Instill confidence in students’ manual drafting skills, ensuring they can accurately convey architectural designs without relying on digital tools

Duration and Location

• July 27 - August 14, 2025
• Sessions will run daily from 9 am to 3 pm
• AUC New Cairo campus
• Fridays and Saturdays off

Fees

• $1,000 (price including field trips) - This amount is equivalent to half the price of a regular undergraduate course.
• 10% discount offered for siblings.
• Egyptian students can pay the equivalent amount in Egyptian pounds.
   

Current AUC Equivalent

This course is a pre-requisite for the architectural engineering major. It is also a collateral requirement for other majors. 

Note: Program requirements may change by the time the student applies to AUC. If this course is no longer a requirement for the major, it will be counted as an elective course.

Course Transfer

• Upon taking this course, you will receive a certificate of completion from AUC.
• The course is equivalent to 3 credit hours. Only students who pass the course will be able to transfer these 3 credits when they enroll at AUC. In case transferring the course to other universities, their transfer assessments will apply. 

Requirements

• An English writing sample (at least 750 words): essay or reflection.
• A copy of your report card for the past two years of school.
• A recommendation letter from a high-school teacher within the past academic year, if available.

Transportation 

The AUC Bus Service is available for extra fees. Details on the schedule will be shared before the program’s start date.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at the University Residences in case needed. 

About the Instructor

Mariam Marei, PhD

Architect and part-time adjunct assistant professor at The American University in Cairo, Marei obtained her master's and PhD degrees from Cairo University in architecture in 2009 and 2018, respectively. She lectured at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Cairo University and The American University in Cairo since 2003, in several courses between art and architecture. Marei’s interests and publications are mainly focused on heritage, the transmission of culture, vernacular architecture, as well as in ancient Egyptian domestic architecture. Her main passion is architectural design, where she worked in several architectural offices; to mention, including community design collaborative; Abdelhalim Ibrahim, and currently she is the founder and partner at BM Consultancy. Besides her academic career and architecture practice, she has lectured and published about architecture and cinema, specifically the work of her late father, art director Salah Marei.

AUC Refund Policy

A 100% refund of the program fees will be offered in the following cases. If reported at least three weeks before the program's start date.

• Course cancellation
• Medical withdrawal
• Visa denial