Abstract:

Descriptive Geometry consists of a set of techniques that allow the representation of three-dimensional space on the plane, enabling the resolution of spatial problems in two dimensions. Its teaching is essential in technical degrees, such as architecture and engineering, where students must learn the necessary concepts and graphic procedures for future projects development. However, the teaching of this subject has been traditionally carried out from an excessively theoretical point of view, posing and solving abstract exercises that, in general, are usually far removed from professional practice. This traditional approach makes it difficult for students to learn the subject, because they study graphic procedures by heart and are not able to understand the true practical application of certain concepts.

For this reason, the present work aims to explore new methodologies in order to improve the teaching of Descriptive Geometry, based on active learning. Students would adopt a more participatory position regarding the contents and reflections on geometric problems and their practical application in real examples, enhancing their understanding. Since the authors of this work are all architects and professors in the Architecture School of the Technical University of Cartagena, the scope of study will be limited to the architectural field. However, collaboration with members of engineering graphic expression areas in future calls is not ruled out. Furthermore, this work can serve as a pilot project for any teaching graphic area.

Under those circumstances, the main aim of this work is the elaboration of a catalogue composed of architectural and design objects whose geometry is an interesting characteristic from a teaching point of view, either by its uniqueness or because of the graphic problems that its design may entail. Students will be able to use this catalogue in class in order to improve their architecture knowledge, and to realize that geometric procedures have direct application in real examples, and that geometry and construction are closely related. Secondly, we will develop simplified three-dimensional models of the most interesting elements of the catalogue. These models will collect different geometric problems and their resolutions. This may facilitate the understanding of geometric problems, their spatial resolution and their two-dimensional representation, which are particularly difficult to understand. Finally, some of these architectural elements can be used to propose exercises in which students will face problems similar to those that they will find in the future during their careers. In addition, they will understand that the graphic concepts and procedures of Descriptive Geometry are not a set of abstract tools, but have a direct and mainly practical application in professional projects.

Keywords:

Geometry, Graphic Representation, Architecture.