ARCH360 Digital Architecture and Fabrication
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Sep 09, 2026
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Architecture
Mejrema Zatrić-Šahović
Course Lecturer
Course Objectives
The course introduces students to contemporary digital design workflows in architecture, with Revit/BIM as the primary working environment. It positions hand drawing, CAD, BIM, AI-assisted design and digital fabrication as complementary stages of architectural thinking rather than isolated software skills. Students will reconstruct selected built precedents from 2D documentation, transform them through assigned formal and façade operations, and develop a selected component toward fabrication and physical prototyping. Advanced students may extend the work through parametric families, adaptive components or introductory Dynamo-based exploration.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
Autodesk Revit Help and Autodesk Learn resources (current version); instructor-prepared tutorials, precedent drawings and project briefs.
Additional Literature
Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., Liston, K., BIM Handbook, 3rd ed., Wiley, 2018. Kolarevic, B., Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing, Taylor & Francis, 2003. Dunn, N., Digital Fabrication in Architecture, Laurence King Publishing, 2012. Schodek, D., Bechthold, M., Griggs, K., Kao, K.M., Steinberg, M., Digital Design and Manufacturing, Wiley, 2005. Selected contemporary case studies and software documentation provided during the semester.Teaching Methods
Weekly 2-hour face-to-face sessions combine short lectures, guided discussion, software demonstrations, supervised studio work, individual desk critiques and peer review
The course follows a learner-centred and problem-based approach
All students work within a shared A+B+C methodology (precedent plan + formal transformation + façade system), while the complexity of assignments is adjusted to student experience
Advanced students may undertake optional parametric explorations
Regular in-class progress is required; incomplete project work will not be considered for the final presentation
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course introduction: Digital design in architecture today. Discussion comparing hand drawing, CAD/DWG, BIM and AI-assisted workflows. Course methodology, assignments and expectations. | Instructor lecture + discussion |
| 2 | Reading architecture from drawings. Introduction of Task A: selected built precedent. Importing/scaling PDF or image references; levels, grids and reference planes in Revit. | Task A / Autodesk Revit Help |
| 3 📍 | Basic BIM modeling: walls, floors, roofs, columns, openings, doors/windows and simple stairs. Development of the precedent model. | Task A / guided tutorial |
| 4 | Model organization and communication: views, sections, elevations, materials, 3D views and sheets. Completion and review of Task A. | Task A review |
| 5 | Introduction of Task B: formal transformation. Modeling strategies for non-standard geometry; massing, Model-In-Place, extrusion, blend, sweep and void concepts. | Task B / demonstration |
| 6 | Complex-form problem solving: reference planes, work planes, constraints, profiles, voids and roof-by-face where appropriate. Integration of B into the existing model. | Task B development |
| 7 | Introduction of Task C: façade systems. Curtain walls, grids, mullions, modular panels, fins/screens and basic family logic. Preparation for Midterm. | Task C / Midterm preparation |
| 8 | MIDTERM PRESENTATION — Integrated Digital Model: A + B + C. Review of digital modeling strategy, formal transformation and façade system. | Midterm |
| 9 | From digital model to physical object. Introduction to digital fabrication, material logic, scale, tolerances, modularity and component selection for the Final Design. | Final Design / fabrication brief |
| 10 | File preparation and fabrication workflows. Vector vs. mesh vs. solid; DWG/DXF/STL/OBJ; 2D cutting, CNC and 3D printing concepts. | Fabrication tutorial |
| 11 | AI in contemporary architectural workflows: research, ideation, troubleshooting, visualization and critique. Responsible use, verification and documentation of AI assistance. | Final Design development |
| 12 | AI in contemporary architectural workflows: research, ideation, troubleshooting, visualization and critique. Responsible use, verification and documentation of AI assistance. | Guided AI exercise |
| 13 | Advanced / optional exploration: parametric families, adaptive components and introductory Dynamo for advanced students; guided model development for the core track. | Advanced / core tracks |
| 14 | Final Design workshop: refinement of BIM model, fabrication component, drawings, prototype strategy and final presentation. | Individual desk critiques |
| 15 | FINAL DESIGN PRESENTATION — Digital Model to Fabricated Component / Prototype. | Final presentation |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
| Section | Type | Day 1 | Venue 1 | Day 2 | Venue 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH360.1 | Course | Thursday 13:00 - 14:50 | A F1.3 - Computer Lab | - | - |
Office Hours & Room
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Exam
AI: Consult InstructorAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5 6
Midterm Presentation
AI: Consult InstructorAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 3 4 5 6
Term Presentation
AI: Consult InstructorAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 3 4 5 6
In-Class Activity
AI: Consult InstructorAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 3 4
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 4 ECTS credit course corresponds to 100 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture Hours
8 hours ⏳ (4 week × 2 h)
Assignments
8 hours ⏳ (8 week × 1 h)
Home Study
42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)
Active Tutorials
6 hours ⏳ (6 week × 1 h)
In-term Exam Study
12 hours ⏳ (2 week × 6 h)
Final Exam Study
12 hours ⏳ (2 week × 6 h)
Term Project/Presentation
12 hours ⏳ (2 week × 6 h)
100 Total Workload Hours
4 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [ARCH360] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Sep 09, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo
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Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Course Code | Course Title | Weekly Hours* | ECTS | Weekly Class Schedule | ||||||
| T | P | |||||||||
| ARCH360 | Digital Architecture and Fabrication | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||||||
| Prerequisite | None | It is a prerequisite to | - | |||||||
| Lecturer | Mejrema Zatrić-Šahović | Office Hours / Room / Phone | ||||||||
| mzatric-sahovic@ius.edu.ba | ||||||||||
| Assistant | - | Assistant E-mail | ||||||||
| Course Objectives | The course introduces students to contemporary digital design workflows in architecture, with Revit/BIM as the primary working environment. It positions hand drawing, CAD, BIM, AI-assisted design and digital fabrication as complementary stages of architectural thinking rather than isolated software skills. Students will reconstruct selected built precedents from 2D documentation, transform them through assigned formal and façade operations, and develop a selected component toward fabrication and physical prototyping. Advanced students may extend the work through parametric families, adaptive components or introductory Dynamo-based exploration. | |||||||||
| Textbook | Autodesk Revit Help and Autodesk Learn resources (current version); instructor-prepared tutorials, precedent drawings and project briefs. | |||||||||
| Additional Literature |
|
|||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: | |||||||||
|
||||||||||
| Teaching Methods | Weekly 2-hour face-to-face sessions combine short lectures, guided discussion, software demonstrations, supervised studio work, individual desk critiques and peer review. The course follows a learner-centred and problem-based approach. All students work within a shared A+B+C methodology (precedent plan + formal transformation + façade system), while the complexity of assignments is adjusted to student experience. Advanced students may undertake optional parametric explorations. Regular in-class progress is required; incomplete project work will not be considered for the final presentation. | |||||||||
| Teaching Method Delivery | Face-to-face | Teaching Method Delivery Notes | ||||||||
| WEEK | TOPIC | REFERENCE | ||||||||
| Week 1 | Course introduction: Digital design in architecture today. Discussion comparing hand drawing, CAD/DWG, BIM and AI-assisted workflows. Course methodology, assignments and expectations. | Instructor lecture + discussion | ||||||||
| Week 2 | Reading architecture from drawings. Introduction of Task A: selected built precedent. Importing/scaling PDF or image references; levels, grids and reference planes in Revit. | Task A / Autodesk Revit Help | ||||||||
| Week 3 | Basic BIM modeling: walls, floors, roofs, columns, openings, doors/windows and simple stairs. Development of the precedent model. | Task A / guided tutorial | ||||||||
| Week 4 | Model organization and communication: views, sections, elevations, materials, 3D views and sheets. Completion and review of Task A. | Task A review | ||||||||
| Week 5 | Introduction of Task B: formal transformation. Modeling strategies for non-standard geometry; massing, Model-In-Place, extrusion, blend, sweep and void concepts. | Task B / demonstration | ||||||||
| Week 6 | Complex-form problem solving: reference planes, work planes, constraints, profiles, voids and roof-by-face where appropriate. Integration of B into the existing model. | Task B development | ||||||||
| Week 7 | Introduction of Task C: façade systems. Curtain walls, grids, mullions, modular panels, fins/screens and basic family logic. Preparation for Midterm. | Task C / Midterm preparation | ||||||||
| Week 8 | MIDTERM PRESENTATION — Integrated Digital Model: A + B + C. Review of digital modeling strategy, formal transformation and façade system. | Midterm | ||||||||
| Week 9 | From digital model to physical object. Introduction to digital fabrication, material logic, scale, tolerances, modularity and component selection for the Final Design. | Final Design / fabrication brief | ||||||||
| Week 10 | File preparation and fabrication workflows. Vector vs. mesh vs. solid; DWG/DXF/STL/OBJ; 2D cutting, CNC and 3D printing concepts. | Fabrication tutorial | ||||||||
| Week 11 | AI in contemporary architectural workflows: research, ideation, troubleshooting, visualization and critique. Responsible use, verification and documentation of AI assistance. | Final Design development | ||||||||
| Week 12 | AI in contemporary architectural workflows: research, ideation, troubleshooting, visualization and critique. Responsible use, verification and documentation of AI assistance. | Guided AI exercise | ||||||||
| Week 13 | Advanced / optional exploration: parametric families, adaptive components and introductory Dynamo for advanced students; guided model development for the core track. | Advanced / core tracks | ||||||||
| Week 14 | Final Design workshop: refinement of BIM model, fabrication component, drawings, prototype strategy and final presentation. | Individual desk critiques | ||||||||
| Week 15 | FINAL DESIGN PRESENTATION — Digital Model to Fabricated Component / Prototype. | Final presentation | ||||||||
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Exam | 1 | 30 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | Consult Instructor | |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Midterm Presentation | 1 | 30 | 3,4,5,6 | Consult Instructor | |
| Term Presentation | 1 | 30 | 3,4,5,6 | Consult Instructor | |
| In-Class Activity | 1 | 10 | 3,4 | Consult Instructor | |
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture Hours | 2 | 4 | 8 | Assignments | 1 | 8 | 8 | |||
| Home Study | 3 | 14 | 42 | Active Tutorials | 1 | 6 | 6 | |||
| In-term Exam Study | 6 | 2 | 12 | Final Exam Study | 6 | 2 | 12 | |||
| Term Project/Presentation | 6 | 2 | 12 | |||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 100 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 4 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 28/09/2026 | |||||||||