LoyalistLibrary: Architecture, Drafting and Design: Open Educational Resources

What are Open Educational Resources?

"Open Educational Resources, or OER, refer to any teaching and learning materials that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license, such as a Creative Commons License or GNU General Public License, that permits no-cost access, use, adaptation and redistribution with no or limited restrictions".

(Source: The OER Toolkit, Colleges Library Ontario)

Where can I find OERs for my course?

There are a variety of sources for OERs! This is only a small selection. For more, check the Library's OER Research Guide.

AMSER (Applied Math and Science Education Repository)
"AMSER (the Applied Math and Science Education Repository) is a portal of educational resources and services built specifically for use by those in Community and Technical Colleges but free for anyone to use." -- website
B.C. Open Collection (formerly BC Campus OpenEd)
"The B.C. Open Collection is a curated selection of open educational resources (OER) that can be accessed by educators in B.C. and beyond to use in the classroom, in an institutional learning management system, or on other teaching and learning platforms. All materials are openly licensed. This means they are free to use, customize, and share. The collection includes courses and textbooks, and new resources are being added all the time." -- website
Directory of Open Access Journals
"DOAJ is a community-curated online directory that indexes and provides access to high quality, open access, peer-reviewed journals." -- website
eCampus Ontario Open Textbook Library
"In partnership with BCcampus, and in the footsteps of other provincial online learning centres like OpenEd Manitoba, eCampusOntario has created this new virtual Open Textbook Library, established to offer learners a repository of resources which are licensed to be freely used, adapted, and distributed." -- website (A link to eCampus is also available at LoyalistLibrary.com, under the Collections tab.)
OER Commons
"OER Commons offers a comprehensive infrastructure for curriculum experts and instructors at all levels to identify high-quality OER and collaborate around their adaptation, evaluation, and use to address the needs of teachers and learners." -- website
Open Educational Resources Research Guide
The Loyalist Library has its own guide to open educational resources. This guide acts as a starting point, with background information, links to OER's, and more.
Open Textbook Library
"Textbooks in the Open Textbook Library are considered open because they are free to use and distribute, and are licensed to be freely adapted or changed with proper attribution." -- website

Selected OERs: Architecture, Drafting and Design

Basic Concepts of Structural Design for Architecture Students
"This book aims to narrate fundamental concepts of structural design to architecture students such that they have minimum involvement with math problem-solving. Within this book, students learn about different types of loads, forces and vector addition, the concept of equilibrium, internal forces, geometrical and material properties of structural elements, and rules of thumb for estimating the proportion of some structural systems such as catenary cables and arches, trusses, and frame structures." -- website
Building Information Modeling using Revit for Architects and Engineers
"This book offers a web-based multimedia platform to enable students in Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Construction Engineering to learn fundamentals of BIM using Revit and be able to create building architectural, mechanical and structural models, develop construction documentation and analyze building performance. The platform include: book chapters on detailed Revit instructions and videos." -- website
Building Science Fundamentals
"This on-line course package consists of a set of 7 modules. These modules support the teaching of an introductory course in Building Science for College and University-level students studying Architecture or Engineering. Basic principles and applications of building science including the control of heat, moisture, air movement and solar energy are presented." -- website
Graphic Design and Print Production Fundamentals
"This textbook -- written by a group of select experts with a focus on different aspects of the design process, from creation to production -- addresses the many steps of creating and then producing physical, printed, or other imaged products that people interact with on a daily basis." -- website
Organizational Skills Competency D-3: Read Drawings and Specifications
"Some of the most important documents used in the workplace are the technical drawings, diagrams, and schematics that specify how fabrication and construction tasks will be carried out, or describe the composition and assembly of equipment. One of the essential skills for anyone involved in a trade is the ability to correctly interpret drawings. If you are in a construction or fabrication industry, you will need to be able to examine a drawing, take information from it, and visualize the finished product. If you are in a service or maintenance industry, you will need to interpret exploded drawings in order to properly repair or assemble equipment". -- website

Architectural Histories
"Architectural Histories is the international, blind peer-reviewed scholarly journal of the European Architectural History Network (EAHN) that creates a space where historically grounded research into all aspects of architecture and the built environment can be made public, consulted, and discussed." -- website
ARENA Journal of Architectural Research
"AJAR is an online Open Access peer-reviewed journal for all kinds of design research and scholarly research within the architectural field, and has been set up by the Architectural Research European Network Association (ARENA) network." -- website
Enquiry: The ARCC Journal of Architectural Research
"ENQ (Enquiry), an open access journal for architectural research, is an online journal (ISSN 2329-9339) published by the Board of the Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC) as a source for information on research in architecture." -- website
Field: A Free Journal of Architecture
"Field is an international peer-reviewed journal and an open electronic forum. It was established to make architectural discourse and research available to, and aware of, the widest possible field." -- website
Frontiers of Architectural Research
"Frontiers of Architectural Research is an international journal that publishes original research papers, review articles, and case studies to promote rapid communication and exchange among scholars, architects, and engineers." -- website
Interstices: Journal of Architecture and Related Arts
"Interstices: Journal of Architecture and Related Arts is about the spaces between idea and thing, where perfect correspondence is never quite found, demanding a realm of endless negotiation and productive interpretation. Its role is not to reaffirm existing normative standards and canons, nor to rest comfortably in the supposed self-sufficiency of the building object, regional identity, composition, nature, function … but to explore the interstices, the gaps and fractures within an institution that appears solid, secure and fixed." -- website
Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture
"The Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture addresses all aspects of digital technologies, applications, information, and knowledge bases in research, education, and practice pertaining to landscape architecture and related fields." -- website
Journal of Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism
"This magazine is aimed at all those people and institutions interested in traditional building, architecture and urbanism. Its articles are related to the theory and practice of these disciplines. Its objective is to promote the creation of places and buildings that are in harmony with the local culture and tradition and that are respectful of the environment and its natural resources." -- website
NATURE: National Academic Journal of Architecture
"NATURE: National Academic Journal of Architecture is a scientific publication for research and criticisms topics spread widely in the study of Architectural Design." -- website
Open Architecture Journals (Electronic Journals Library)

Source: Bryans, T. (2017, May 4). Architecture's ripple effect: designing for big impact. [Video]. TEDxGuildford. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ZVpABMspmD8

TedTalks about Architecture

What are Apps?
Apps are small software applications that allow you to customize a mobile device and perform a variety of activities and functions. Some apps are free, while others are fee-based, so it is important to read terms and conditions carefully. Additionally, some apps are initially free, and then require in-app purchases if more features and functionality are desired. The Library does not endorse any fee-based apps nor it is liable for reimbursement of any apps paid for by patrons.

(Source: Austin Community College Library)

Autodesk FormIt 360 (iOS)
"Autodesk® FormIt mobile app helps you capture building design concepts digitally anytime, anywhere ideas strike. Use real-world site information to help create forms in context and support early design decisions with real building data." -- website
CAD Assistant (iOS)
"OPEN CASCADE CAD Assistant for iOS is an offline viewer and converter for 3D CAD and mesh models." -- website
Paper (iOS)
"Paper® is the immersive sketching app for capturing ideas anywhere. Over 25 million people have found their personal creative space in Paper—handwriting notes, drafting, diagramming, sketching, and giving form to their vision." -- website

What is a MOOC?
MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Courses, are online courses, often offered for free or at minimal cost. Many MOOCs include audio or video lectures, assignments, readings, quizzes, and interactive forums and discussion boards. Many MOOCs are offered by large institutions, and some will offer course credits for completed MOOCs, usually for a small fee.

(Sources: MOOC.org, "Massive Open Online Course", from Wikipedia)

The Architectural Imagination (Harvard X via EdX)
"Architecture engages a culture’s deepest social values and expresses them in material, aesthetic form. This course will teach you how to understand architecture as both cultural expression and technical achievement. Vivid analyses of exemplary buildings, and hands-on exercises in drawing and modeling, will bring you closer to the work of architects and historians." -- website
A Global History of Architecture (MIT via EdX)
"How do we understand architecture? One way of answering this question is by looking through the lens of history, beginning with First Societies and extending to the 16th century. This course in architectural history is not intended as a linear narrative, but rather aims to provide a more global view, by focusing on different architectural "moments."" -- website
Sustainability in Architecture (Universitat Politècnica de València via EdX)
"This course offers an interdisciplinary approach to sustainabilityin Architecture. Learners will be introducedto the basic elements of sustainability assessments (first model layer), as well as trends informing the space today. The coursework enables students to develop a conceptual neighborhood model for assessing performance and urban policies." -- website

99% Invisible
"Design is everywhere in our lives, perhaps most importantly in the places where we've just stopped noticing. 99% Invisible is a weekly exploration of the process and power of design and architecture. From award winning producer Roman Mars." -- website
Archispeak
"Archispeak is a casual conversation about all things architecture, and we invite you to listen in as we talk about everything in the profession, both the good and the bad. Think you already know what architecture is really about? Tune in to find out." -- website
The Architecture Happy Hour
"Laura Davis and Holly Hall share their thoughts and tips on architecture, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture." -- website
The Business of Architecture
"Discover strategies, tips and secrets for running a fun, flexible and profitable architecture practice. The focus here is simple: discussion of ways for architects to create a dream architecture practice: design what you want, when you want, and get paid well for it." -- website
Design Matters
"The one and only design expert Debbie Millman hosts the podcast, Design Matters. The show has been in production for over ten years giving viewers over 200 podcasts to choose from. Each show gives insight into the lives of editors, creators, creative directors, designers and writers. Millman exudes an easy demeanor leading her guests into thoughtful conversation that produces insights into the design field from an industry insider’s perspective." -- Medium.com review
Vertical City
"Vertical City is building a foundation for a sustainable urban future. We interview the world's top architects, urban designers, engineers, microbiologists, transportation and sustainability experts to discuss different technologies and ideologies in support of further developing the concept of a Vertical City as a potential solution to many of our world's greatest problems." -- website

Architecture, Drafting and Design: Open Educational Resources

What are Open Educational Resources?

Where can I find OERs for my course?

Selected OERs: Architecture, Drafting and Design

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